What is so wrong about this equation? In the Western media, Iran’s influence in Iraq is mostly viewed as being inimical and harmful. After all, what good can come from a country bend on getting nuclear weapons and spreading its radical influence across the region? But there is something positive about the new Iran-Iraq relationship. […]
Israel has a vibrant democracy, where political representation in the Knesset is directly proportional to the votes cast throughout the country. While there have been some criticisms of restrictions on who is permitted to vote (Palestinians are generally not), Israel still maintains stringent free speech guidelines. In fact, many criticisms of Israel stem from internal […]
There are not many people out there who can write about a life spend as both a Revolutionary Guard and a CIA Agent, but Reza Kahlili (a pseudonym) can. He has recently written a book, A Time to Betray, where he reveals the inner workings of the infamous Revolutionary Guards. As the book’s website states, […]
Those of us following the events in Iraq are not surprised by the violent turn of events taking place in the country, after what we perceived to be successful elections. Many parties will have a share in the new government. Nouri Al maliki, it seems, is not going to easily let go of the premiership. […]
The race for a Hillary Clinton’s old Senate seat is at the forefront of observations from the bulk of political observers. Sen. Kristen Gillibrand was appointed to the seat and faces a tough opponent from former Tennessee Rep. Harold Ford. Further, the winner of that battle then could face rough opposition from a Republican. But, virtual […]
The Arab League held a conference last Thursday addressing the issue of desertification. This issue has been on the table since the 1970’s when the Middle East ran out of water and was forced to import water in exchange for other goods. Desertification is the transformation of productive farm and vegetative lands into arid lands […]
There has been a game afoot since President Obama took office last January. While much has been made of Obama’s sweeping domestic agenda, his foreign policy ideas are no less ambitious. In the end, his foreign and domestic agendas are closely related, as the goal of both is to protect and improve America. In the […]
As I anticipated, the prospect of a fair and free elections in Sudan just evaporated after the candidates of the opposition parties pulled out of the presidential race. This is not surprising. Citing lack of a strong foundation to conduct a successful poll throughout the nation, the opposition suggested postponing the elections until all necessary […]
Tensions between the United States and Israel have rapidly escalated lately, fueled in part by continued Israeli construction in controversial areas, including East Jerusalem. The Obama administration has repeatedly implored the Israeli government to expand a freeze on settlements to include Jerusalem, an issue at the forefront of meetings last week between Prime Minister Binyamin […]
There is only a handful of figures in the Israel-Palestinian conflict that have guided peace efforts and remain relevant today. Israeli President Shimon Peres helped shepherd in the Oslo accords, but remains on the outskirts of current policy efforts in his ceremonial role. The memory of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian Authority […]
The Obama-Netanyahu scuttle continues, but the White House issued a clear statement on Iran that falls in line with the top Israeli priority. At a press conference today President Barack Obama said he would like to see new, tough sanctions on Iran “this spring,” meaning the administration is on the verge of implementing new sanctions […]
Recently the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) proposed that GCC countries needed to be in direct discussion with Iran and Iraq to help develop a safe, secure and advanced nuclear energy program in the Gulf. The program would be a win-win situation for both the Gulf countries and Iran as this venture would provide Iran with […]
Tonight marks the beginning of the Passover holiday, with Jews in Israel and around the world sitting around a table for the annual Seder when the story of Moses leading the Exodus from Egypt is all but reenacted. A central, and defining, element of the Passover Seder involves the youngest child asking four questions on […]
As was expected, the Arab league summit ended without any significant decisions to speak of. In fact, the summit was cut short when the leaders opted to give their statements to the assembly in writing. Most Arabs ordered their plane to be readied for take off Sunday early afternoon. The division between member states, between […]
Official results for the Iraqi elections were announced, and Former prime minister Ayad Allawi’s secular Shia Iraqiya party has won a majority by two seats. However, just like the American elections of 2000, no clear winner and prime minister can be determined at this time. Current prime minister Al-Maliki has vowed to ask for a recount of the […]