Middle East Unilateralism is the only option
Ted Belman - 11/20/2009
Last August, PM Salam Fayyad released a Plan to “establish Palestine as an independent, democratic, progressive, and modern Arab state, with full sovereignty over its territory in the West Bank and Gaza, on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.” within two years. Israel took little notice of it. Exiled group says Iranian nuclear site needs check
Jeffrey Imm - 11/17/2009
The Associated Press, Paris, November 3, 2009 - An exiled Iranian Opposition group called on the U.N. nuclear agency Tuesday to waste no time in examining a hidden site near Tehran that it claims is used to help build nuclear detonators. Reforming Islam From Within: Is It Happening Even Now, And Is It Under Attack By Counter-Jihadists?
Madeline Brooks, M.A. - 11/17/2009
Is a movement to reform Islam from within already here - something that has been devoutly hoped for - and some of us don't even know it? On October 27, 2009, the well-known Muslim peace activist from Bangladesh , Shoaib Choudhury, arrived in New York City to give talks on the problem of jihad at several prestigious institutions in the area. Shoaib, as he likes to be called, has gained the respect of much of the world, especially among Jews, for his heroic efforts to stop the Muslim persecution of Jews and other religious minorities in Muslim countries. For this, his life has been threatened ... Turkish-Israeli alliance did not end; it assumed a new meaning
Ergn Kirlikovali - 11/17/2009
Americas failure to reason with Israel on excesses in Gaza and settlements seems to have jolted Turkey out of what some call a slumber and others a pro-American straitjacket. Daily dose of TV news showing Palestinian women and children killed proved too much for Turkish viewers. Turkey, with its new foreign policy based on zero problems with neighbors asserted itself, somewhat convincingly, as a determined, powerful, and independent actor in the epi-center of a vast and troubled region that extends from the Balkans to the Middle East and North Africa and from the Caucasus to Central Asia a... Iraqi forces prevent entry of two fuel tankers to Camp Ashraf
Shahriar Kia - 11/17/2009
Iraqi forces, in their continued cruel and inhumane siege of Camp Ashraf, prevented entry of two fuel tankers into the Camp on Wednesday. They arrested their drivers and transferred them to a detention center in the city of Khalis near Ashraf and seized their tankers. Iraqi forces said that no fuel should be allowed into the Camp any more. Human Rights and the Iranian Opposition
Prof. Raymond Tanter - 11/17/2009
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of the United Nations begins with the statement that all peoples and all nations should strive to promote respect for human rights. Moreover, the Declaration ends with the principle that Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein. President Suleiman's Oath & Lebanese People In Israel
Elias Bejjani - 11/17/2009
In his inaugural speech that was delivered in the Parliament after his election as President for the Republic of Lebanon on 25 May, 2009, General Michele Suleiman promised to bring back our people from Israel who took refuge there in the aftermath of the Israeli armys unilateral withdrawal from South Lebanon in May 2000. He said: "This day coincides with the anniversary of the national liberation and victory day, let us make it a motive for greater awareness for what awaits us, and to renew our commitment for freedom and democracy, which we offered sacrifices for them in a bid to safeguard th... One Wall Falls, Another Rises
Walid Phares, Ph.D. - 11/17/2009
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was a benchmark that made an impression on me, as it did on millions of people around the world. The sight of thousands of East Germans pouring into West Berlin, particularly the youths who had never experienced freedom before, was a surreal scene not only for the people of Europe, but also for those of us born in the Middle East.Westerners looked with shock at the peoples of East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Soviet Union surging against totalitarianism. Central Europeans stared with awe at the countries who never surr... President Obama, Rabin's Legacy and the words we use
Maurice Ostroff - 11/17/2009
President Obama's video message to the November 8 Rabin Rally in Tel Aviv was truly inspiring. One cannot help but be moved by his call to follow in the footsteps of Yitzchak Rabin and his statement that the USA will never lose sight of our shared purpose a just and lasting peace between Israel, Palestine, and the Arab world one that respects the dignity and security of every human being. (View the speech on Youtube. http://tinyurl.com/yfm7tgq ) Islam Bashers Repent
Amil Imani - 11/17/2009
What does it take to make Islam bashers mend their ways? Why dont these folks come to their senses and see Islam as a religion of peace and praise the God of Abraham for continuing his beneficence on humanity by sending Muhammad to guide and humanize us? Europe Sells Out to Syria and Gets Nothing
Prof. Barry Rubin - 11/10/2009
Ugarte: But think of all the poor devils who cannot meet Renaults price. I get it for them for half. Is that so parasitic? Neither a bi-national state nor a two state solution
Ted Belman - 11/9/2009
Jeffrey Goldberg interviewed Hussein Ibish the author of Whats Wrong With the One-State Agenda? on The Fantasy World of One-Staters. Ibish was one of the speakers at the J Street Convention. Ibish thought that the J Street tent was too big to find a consensus and it would have to create some cohesion and a central message before it could be effective. The Turkish-Israeli Alliance Over
Prof. Barry Rubin - 11/4/2009
The Turkey-Israel alliance is over. After two decades plus of close cooperation, the Turkish government is no longer interested in maintaining close cooperation with Israel nor is itfor all practical purposeswilling to do anything much to maintain its good relations with Israel. Hillary Clinton Announces that Palestinians are the Obstacles to Peace
Prof. Barry Rubin - 11/3/2009
Yesterday I discussed the significance of Secretary of State Hillary Clintons praise for Israels policy during her trip to Jerusalem, saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had offered unprecedented concessions to get peace talks started again. Opportunities for Decentralization in Morocco
Yossef Ben-Meir, PhD - 11/1/2009
King Mohammed VI of Morocco will deliver a highly anticipated speech this November 6th--the anniversary of the Green March of 1975 when 350,000 unarmed Moroccans crossed into the Western Sahara. On this same occasion last year, Moroccos King presented his roadmap to decentralize all parts of the Kingdom, especially the Moroccan Sahara region and usher in a complete change from rigid centralized management. The roadmap expands upon the Kingdoms 2007 proposal to the United Nations Security Council for a final settlement of the Western Saharan conflict. Morocco proposes to build the po... Listen and you can hear the chains of religious tyranny torn asunder
Shahriar Kia - 11/1/2009
The recent uprising of the Iranian people following sham elections in Iran, the formidable confrontation between the Iranian people and its Resistance on the one hand and the Iranian regime on the other, as well as the recent attacks against the Peoples Mujahedeen of Iran aimed at destroying their camp in northern Iraq and extraditing its residents to Iran highlighted three major realities more than ever: The Unfinished War
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 10/28/2009
The explosion in the south Lebanese village of Tayr Felseir offers the latest evidence of the way in which Hizbullah is rebuilding its infrastructure following the Second Lebanon War in 2006. In the pre-2006 period, Hizbullah maintained its military infrastructure in open countryside areas often declared off-limits to all but the movement's personnel. The rebuilt infrastructure, by contrast, has been constructed within the fabric of civilian life in south Lebanon. This process has taken place largely undisturbed by the Lebanese and UN military personnel conspicuously deployed throughout the south. The Big Freeze: U.S. Policy on Peace Process comes to Dead Halt and Likely to Remain that Way
Prof. Barry Rubin - 10/28/2009
If solving the Israel-Palestinian and Arab-Israeli conflict is the centerpiece of the Obama Administrations Middle East policyat times it seems the keystone of the governments entire policythere's an obvious problem derailing it. Judging Goldstone
Ted Belman - 10/28/2009
If you havent seen the movie Judgement at Nuremberg, you should. It was a movie of the trial of 16 Nazi Justices. One Judge in the dock, Schlegelberger, played by Burt Lancaster, was a good man who had reluctantly served the Nazi Regime until he resigned for reasons of conscience in 1942. He was found guilty. And in the end he agreed the verdict was a just one. Iranian Negotiations: Ploy of the Week or Deal of the Century?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 10/26/2009
There are widespread reports about an imminent deal with Iran regarding its nuclear program. Heres how the New York Times optimistically presents the proposal: Syria and not Lebanon is the Creation of the Sikes-Picot Agreement
Elias Bejjani - 10/23/2009
Lebanon has been hit by an actual devastating curse since it became an independent country within its current borders in 1920. This curse is embodied in the avarice, envy, detachment from reality and hatred arising from neighboring, Syria, many of whose politicians, rulers and intellectuals have failed to date to accept the solid reality of Lebanons entity, distinguishable identity sovereignty and independence. Middle East: Things Look Catastrophic but It Will Work Out
Prof. Barry Rubin - 10/22/2009
Every day dreadful things happen in the Middle East and in the echoes of that regiondiplomacy, news coveragein the West. Yet things are by no means as bad as they seem. Precisely because a lot of what happens simply doesnt reflect reality, ultimately the material effect is minimized. Palestinians Choose the Illusion of "Victory" Over Negotiated Peace
Prof. Barry Rubin - 10/21/2009
This may be a very big development, a turning point. Palestinian Authority (PA) leaders are now openly complaining about President Barack Obama, saying he has hurt the Palestinian cause, by accepting less than a complete freeze of construction on settlements from Israel, pressuring PA leader Mahmoud Abbas to stand next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the president's UN photo opportunity, and pushing the Palestinian Authority to ease off on demanding the UN put sanctions against Israel over the Goldstone Commission issue. Trip by Saudi Royal Unlikely to Herald Radical Change
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 10/19/2009
The Syrian Al-Watan newspaper reported on Wednesday that a two-day visit by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz was due to begin that day. The talks, Al-Watan noted, would conclude with the signing of a joint agreement on the issue of taxes. This is what is known as setting a low bar for success. The editors of Al-Watan have good reason for their caution. Despite the great importance being attached by some regional analysts to the Saudi-Syria talks, they are unlikely to herald a fundamental shift in regional diplomacy. Palestinian Prime Minister Rejects
Prof. Barry Rubin - 10/19/2009
Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad complains about Israels offer to the Palestinians. "By all indications they have a Mickey Mouse state in mind," Fayyad said, using the Disney character's name as slang for unimportant or trivial. "It looks like it would not come close to what we have in mind." The Window of Opportunity is Now Closed and Locked Down: Passing Goldstone Resolution Marks End of Peace Process Era
Prof. Barry Rubin - 10/19/2009
The UN Human Rights Council has now endorsed the Goldstone Report. There are important implications to this decision that make it a turning point. Goldstone says Israel guilty until proven innocent
Ted Belman - 10/13/2009
The Goldstone Commission Inquiry reported that Israel was guilty of war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity. But I thought it was a fact finding inquiry only. Brazilian Samba & Hezbollah's Terrorism
Elias Bejjani - 10/12/2009
On Thursday, 1st October a preplanned and scheduled Brazilian samba show was banned and torpedoed in the historical southern Lebanese city of Tyre after about 100 Shiite clerics under the chairmanship of Sheikh Ali Yassin, a powerful Hezbollah follower, met and issued a fatwa (religious decree) forbidding it and declaring it sinful. World Must Sustain Push Against Irans Human Rights Abuses
Walid Phares, Ph.D. - 10/12/2009
As the United States and the international community meet Irans diplomats and hope for the nuclear crisis to be resolved, another critical front should be opened: an investigation into the Iranian regime for abuse of human rights of its own people. American Artist Immortalizes Neda
Amil Imani - 10/12/2009
One dreadful day, the bullet of a henchman of tyranny pierced the young heart of Neda Agha Sultan, and she collapsed on the pavement, gasped for air as her crimson blood painted the black asphalt. Her music teacher along with a young doctor tried desperately to revive her. They kept frantically telling her not to be afraid, not to be afraid. The music teacher was ... Lebanon's Madoff : A Divine Bankruptcy
Elias Bejjani - 10/12/2009
Al Manar Hezbollah website: On the businessman, Salah Ezzeddines, bankruptcy case, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah pointed out that Hezbollah Party, its leadership and the organization had no association whatsoever with this issue from the beginning to the end, stressing that the leadership does not have any of the money claimed. He added that the aim of several media facilities which have shed light on this issue that is in the hands of the judiciary is to tarnish the image of many of the partys cadres. Sayyed Nasrallah stated that his party is in the process of issuing a detailed release on this sensitive issue that affects the people's money. All the more reason to support Netanyahu
Ted Belman - 10/11/2009
I attended the Jewish Blogger's Conference in Jerusalem last night. It was sponsored by Nefesh bNefesh and WebAds. A very exciting event where I had a long conversation with Ashley Perry, International Media Advisor to the Deputy Foreign Ministry. More on that after I meet with him again. But the highlight for me was the speech given by Ron Dermer described by Wikipedia as follows, Israel can and must act in her own best interests
Ted Belman - 10/11/2009
Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero "Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future."
- Horace
As I read Ettingers excellent piece below, I was reminded of other historical facts having to do with limiting Jewish settlement, emigration or immigration. Even before the British Mandate, Britain was actively limiting Jewish immigration to Palestine. Stalin also prevented Jewish emigration. The Mandate didnt change much. Britain continued to limit immigration and so so did Russia/USSR right up to its downfall. Remember the Let my people go campaign in the seventies. The Settlement Enterprise
Ted Belman - 10/11/2009
The Left in Israel keeps repeating that the settlement enterprise was a mistake and should be abandoned, In 2006 Gershon Gorenberg published an article in the NYT titled Israels Tragedy Foretold to the same effect. Keeping Israel On The Defensive As Long As Possible With Lie After Lie
Alex Grobman, Ph.D. - 10/10/2009
Opponents of Israel repeatedly accuse her of being an occupier, disenfranchising the Arabs and humiliating them in order to keep the government on the defensive. The objective of these alleged human rights violations is to pressure the international community to establish a separate Palestinian state according to Bar-Ilan professor Ron Schleifer. Netanyahu is sticking to Rabins guidelines
Ted Belman - 10/10/2009
In attempting to evaluate the partial freeze, we must be wary of spin. We must also be wary of Greeks bearing gifts. Netanyahu has released about 500 units for construction. Is this a big deal or no deal at all? Meet the Palestinians' Next Leader, Muhammad (Abu al-Mahir) Ghaneim
Prof. Barry Rubin - 10/3/2009
Theres nothing written about more oftenand inaccuratelythan the Palestinians, yet there is curiously little interest about the politics and ideology which governs their behavior. The same situation applies to the man s slated to become that movement's next leader, only the third to hold that post in 50 years, after Yasir Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas. The Gaza Report is a Disaster for Human Rights and Peace
Prof. Barry Rubin - 10/3/2009
The United Nations-sponsored Goldstone report, created for the purpose of bashing Israel over the Gaza war with phony claims of war crimes, is possibly the most inaccurate document ever produced by that organization. Compassion: The Islamic Republic Style
Amil Imani - 9/29/2009
It is not true that the Islamic Republic of Iran lacks compassion. It is not true that the Islamic Republic hangs people without a hint of mercy. Here is the proof. Hizballah's Brand is Tarnished
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 9/29/2009
A famous Hizbullah marching song, "Hizbullah ya ayuni" (Hizbullah - my eyes), contains the following verse: "And today through the blood of the brave, the merciful creator has given us victory, and the whole world and all people have begun to speak of our glory." Unfortunately for the Lebanese Shi'ite Islamist movement, the main world news story in which it currently features concerns matters of a distinctly inglorious type, with which it would undoubtedly prefer not to be associated. Why The Return To Zion? The Jewish Connection To The Land of Israel
Alex Grobman, Ph.D. - 9/28/2009
Not long after the establishment of the State of Israel, Abba Eban, Israels representative to the United Nations, remarked, The peace on Israels borders may be no more than the peace of a quiescent volcano; and the crisis of state in its immediate external relationships remain unsolved. 1 Islam is Misunderstood
Amil Imani - 9/28/2009
Everybody just relax. Islam is badly misunderstood. The negative stereotype of Islam is the usual evil-doings of Zionists in America and their foolish fellow travelers, fundamentalist Christians. Please dont listen to what these hatemongers say about Islam and hear us out. So implies the nationally-launched campaign of Muslim organizations in the United States. The Late Bachir Gemayal: The Grain of Wheat & the Yeast
Elias Bejjani - 9/28/2009
John 12:24: "Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit."
On September 14, 1982, on the day Lebanon was celebrating the Day of the Holy Cross, its President-elect, Sheik Bachir Gemayel, passed away into the hands of the Almighty God after carrying the cross of the country to heaven. He was not even 34 years old, but what he achieved for the freedom and dignity of Lebanon places him among the great men who left a stamp of glory on the history of Lebanon. Avoiding the Unthinkable: Missile Defense is Israel's
Prof. Barry Rubin - 9/28/2009
Remember the name Uzi Rubin because he might emerge as the most important individual in the issue of Irans nuclear weapons drive. Rubin is the former head of Israels missile defense program and now a defense consultant. He has developed the best alternative (or supplement) to blocking the dangers of a radical Islamist, genocidal-oriented, terrorist supporting, antisemitic regime having nuclear-tipped missiles pointed at Israel. Who is Behind the Rand Report?
Prof. Kazem Kazerounian - 9/27/2009
In mid 2009, the Rand Corporation published a report titled The Mujahedin-e Khalq in Iraq: A Policy Conundrum. This report is a stunning example of misrepresentation and misinformation, erroneous and flawed research methodology and disguised political advocacy hiding behind the guise of unbiased research. While a detailed analytical response to this fallacious document is still forthcoming, let us examine who is behind this report. The Master Plan
Ted Belman - 9/27/2009
Conventional wisdom tells us that western Europe and America are pressing Israel for concessions in order to placate the Arabs. In my recent article Israel can and must act in her own best interests. I wrote Palestinians Have No Legitimiate Territorial Claims
Ted Belman - 9/25/2009
Yesterday Pres Obama addressed the UNGA on the subject of the conflict between Arabs and Jews conflict and had this to say; Lebanon's Madoff : A Divine Bankruptcy
Elias Bejjani - 9/24/2009
Al Manar Hezbollah website: On the businessman, Salah Ezzeddines, bankruptcy case, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah pointed out that Hezbollah Party, its leadership and the organization had no association whatsoever with this issue from the beginning to the end, stressing that the leadership does not have any of the money claimed. He added that the aim of several media facilities which have shed light on this issue that is in the hands of the judiciary is to tarnish the image of many of the partys cadres. Sayyed Nasrallah stated that his party is in the process of issuing a detailed release on this sensitive issue that affects the people's money. Rights-Based Diplomacy
Ted Belman - 9/24/2009
Sultan Knish suggests Why Israel is Losing the Military and Media Wars: Compassion, Islamic Republic Style
Amil Imani - 9/24/2009
It is not true that the Islamic Republic of Iran lacks compassion. It is not true that the Islamic Republic hangs people without a hint of mercy. Here is the proof. Time for a Change in Iran
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 9/24/2009
No-to-Ahmadinejad Rally 2009
Dag Hammersjkold Plaza, New York, NY
25 September 2009
Jaanan: Salaam va Khosh-amadid!
This is the fifth time that I am standing here to protest the appearance of the antar Ahmadinejad at the United Nations, and I dont know abut you, but I am getting tired of hearing the ranting of that monkey. Its time for a major change in Iran. Islam is Fire
Amil Imani - 9/16/2009
The Islamic fire, fueled by immense oil income, is raging in certain regions of the world, smoldering in others, and is ready to ignite in yet other parts of the world. It is imperative for the free people of the world to abandon all illusions about Islam and put out its fire, once and for all. Multiculturalism, live and-let live, is a delusion of kind-hearted nave people. Islam, as fractured as it is, is a non-compromising mono-culture; a cruel culture of a primitive people handed down by Muhammad some 1400 years ago. Israel: Not Guilty As Charged
Ted Belman - 9/16/2009
Reuters reported on the Goldstone Report: The mission concluded that actions amounting to war crimes, and possibly in some respects crimes against humanity, were committed by the Israel Defence Force. Has Hezbollah turned Lebanon into a Jihadist State?
Elias Bejjani - 9/16/2009
All the unfolding destructive, shameful, terrorist and corrupting events that are currently hitting Lebanon and its peace-loving people illustrate with no shred of a doubt that the terrorist organization, Hezbollah, is merely grabbing hold of the Lebanese state and its institutions as hostages. Hamas Seeks New Doctrine after Gaza War Failures
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 9/16/2009
Hamas has undertaken a major process of examination and investigation into its deeply flawed performance in the course of Operation Cast Lead, sources say. The review process is aimed at developing a new doctrine for Hamas to enable it to achieve its ambition of rivaling Hizbullah in its abilities. It remains to be seen if the reforms will deliver an improved result in renewed future hostilities with Israel or whether, as with Operation Cast Lead, Israel will once again display an ability to frustrate and set Hamas back on the tactical level. Who cares about negotiations?
Ted Belman - 9/16/2009
Mitchell, Netanyahu fail to agree on settlement halt. But dont stand up and cheer just yet. Mitchell is still hanging around. More reason to support Netanyahu
Ted Belman - 9/14/2009
I attended the Jewish Blogger's Conference in Jerusalem last night. It was sponsored by Nefesh bNefesh and WebAds. A very exciting event. The settlement enterprise is here to stay
Ted Belman - 9/11/2009
The Left in Israel keeps repeating that the settlement enterprise was a mistake and should be abandoned, In 2006 Gershon Gorenberg published an article in the NYT titled Israels Tragedy Foretold to the same effect. The Ignorant Arrogance of the Advice-Givers
Prof. Barry Rubin - 9/11/2009
One remarkable thing about watching the Middle East is how whats celebrated as brilliant in Europe or America is errant nonsense. A New, Old and Ugly Spirit
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 9/10/2009
The article in the popular Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet alleging the Israel Defense Forces were involved in organ theft was the latest and most heinous example of an increasingly familiar phenomenon: classic anti-Semitic tropes and expressions of open hostility to Jews turning up in statements by members of the European liberal left. Netanyahu is sticking to Rabins guidelines
Ted Belman - 9/9/2009
In attempting to evaluate the partial freeze, we must be wary of spin. We must also be wary of Greeks bearing gifts. Netanyahu has released about 500 units for construction. Is this a big deal or no deal at all? The Limits of Polite Discourse: Exposing People to Evil Ideas or Exposing Evil Ideas as...Evil?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 9/9/2009
After publishing an op-ed by a radical Israeli professor urging a boycott of Israel, Los Angeles Times editorial page editor, Jim Newton, said, Had Hitler submitted an excerpt from Mein Kampf in the late 1930's [I would have published it] because the world would have benefitted from exposure to evil ideas." For Assad, Conflict is a Raison D'etre
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 9/6/2009
The Baghdad government's assertion of Syrian responsibility for the explosions which killed more than 100 people in Iraq on August 19 has refocused attention to Syrian policy vis-a-vis its eastern neighbor. Syria's approach in Iraq offers a prime example of diplomacy, Assad-style. The New Blood Libel from Sweden Should Come as No Surprise
Alex Grobman, Ph.D. - 9/3/2009
For many Americans, the Nordic countries are a mystery. How many can locate these countries on a map or name their major cities? The international media hardly pays them any attention. The combined population of the five countries in this studySweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Icelandis 25 million. Outside of the region, few people understand their languages. Let's Pretend We're Making Arab-Israeli Peace
Prof. Barry Rubin - 9/2/2009
Heres one of my favorite stories explaining how the Middle East works. It was told by Muhammad Hussanein Heikal, the famed Egyptian journalist. Like all Heikals stories, it may or may not be true, which is also part of the lesson being taught. Saluting the Committee with a Cause
Amil Imani - 8/31/2009
August 29, 2009 marks the 5th anniversary of the formation of The International Committee to Save the Archeological Sites of Pasargad. The Institute is to be saluted for its outstanding tireless work to safeguard the irreplaceable historical heritage of Iran against the machinations of the Islamists presently ruling the country whose aim is to wipe out any and all pre-Islamic Iranian heritage and artifacts. Why Recognition of Israel as a Jewish State is a Prime Requirement for Israel-Palestinian Peace
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/31/2009
One of Israels highest priorities in negotiations with the Palestinian Authority (PA) is recognition by the PA and Arab states as a Jewish state. The purpose of this demand is to ensure a lasting peace with Israel as it exists rather than some formal declaration which would thereafter be subverted in every possible way. A Call to New Resolve
Amil Imani - 8/31/2009
Unlike anything encountered in recent memory, the formidably complex and unique situation present in todays Iran poses an enormous challenge. It defies any conventional solution, and simply resorting to civil disobedience is the equivalent of fighting off a pack of hungry and blood-thirsty wolves with tooth-picks! The incredibly ruthless, deceptive, and cunning nature of the present regime, bundled together with an Islamic modus operandi, creates an enigma and a number of paradoxes. The Saudi Plan is really the US Plan
Ted Belman - 8/31/2009
The Saudi Plan was introduced prior to the Gulf War. After the war began, the Roadmap was unveiled which included the Saudi Plan and now we are stuck with it. When Israelis Denounce Israel: Legitimate Criticism of Israel or Arrogant Self-Delusion
Dr. Alex Grobman - 8/27/2009
Critics of Israel abound. Some are antisemites who seek the demise of the Jewish state. Others have legitimate concerns about particular Israeli policies. Among the most vocal are a number of Israeli intellectuals who challenge the countrys raison dtre. A Short Guide to Israel-Palestinian Negotiating Positions
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/27/2009
This is a quick, brief guide to the negotiating positions of Israels government and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Al-Qaida-Style Islamism Comes to Gaza
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 8/25/2009
Quiet has now returned to the Gaza Strip after the weekend violence which claimed the lives of 28 people. The last of the funerals of the Jund Ansar Allah fighters killed in the suppression of the organization by Hamas authorities has taken place. This episode demonstrated the tight hold which Hamas maintains on the Gaza Strip. Mubarak's and Arab States' Peace Plan: Israel Gives Everything, Arab States Think About It
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/24/2009
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, in a major interview, August 17, explained his position on regional peace with Israel. The problem is to understand what it means in practice. Open Letter to President Obama on Camp Ashraf
Mehdi Razavi - 8/24/2009
Dear President Barack Obama,
This is my second letter to you since July 28, 2009. In my first letter I urged you to speak out in defense of Camp Ashraf residents and prevent further atrocities by Iraqi Prime Minister, Al-Maliki. I also informed you that I am on my way to Washington DC to begin a hunger strike until United States delivers what it had promised the Iranians at Camp Ashraf. I have been camping outside of the White House, on hunger strike with 40 other people, for more than four weeks and still no word from your administration. The Common Hatred
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 8/21/2009
Last week's arrest of the "Zeitoun terror cell" was a significant moment in the ongoing battle between the Egyptian security forces and homegrown Islamist extremism. The cell, we are told, plotted to assassinate the Israeli ambassador to Egypt, Shalom Cohen. It is also thought to have been involved in a series of acts of terror in Egypt earlier this year. A Modest Solution to Antisemitism, Crazed Hatred of Israel, and All Other World Problems
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/21/2009
This is satire but intelligently designed, its humble author hopes, to clarify unpleasant realities in a way that a resort to more earnest, reasoned speech may not attain so easily. To illustrate the inhumanity of British policy toward Ireland, the Anglo-Irish writer Jonathan Swift produced what he called, A Modest Proposal in 1729. The subtitle was: For Preventing The Children of Poor People in Ireland From Being A burden to Their Parents or Country, and For Making Them Beneficial to The Public. The Islamic Republic of Iran Reality Check
Amil Imani - 8/20/2009
The Iranian people are calling for help and much of the world either turns a deaf ear or feels it has its own priorities to worry about. Then, the horrors keep playing out, unabated, in the streets, prisons and dungeons of the Islamic Republic of Iran. A reality check. Facts are unimportant in Jerusalem
Maurice Ostroff - 8/20/2009
A Google search for Israel evictions yields 195,000 results, almost all condemning Israel because two families were evicted from homes in Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood on August 2, implying that this was done by the government solely for political reasons. All reports ignored the fact that the action was not initiated by the present Israel government and that it was not a plot hatched by the new government. The saga began as long ago as 1972. The eviction resulted from a Supreme Court ruling in a protracted legal battle over ownership of properties in the area. The applicants claimed ... Its an all or nothing deal now
Ted Belman - 8/20/2009
For years now, many, myself included, have commented on the intent of the far left and the Muslim movements on Campus and elsewhere was not to usher in the two state solution or end the occupation but to end the State of Israel. Now the NYT has brought this intent into the mainstream. In the weeks and months to come, you will see more and more voices abandoning the two-state solution for the bi-national state. Palestinian Politics and The Peace Process: The Looming Gigantic Danger
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/20/2009
Once Abbas appoints four more to make a Fatah Central Committee of 22 people, at least two-thirds will be old-style Fatah bureaucrats, with almost all the rest younger Fatah bureaucrats. Of the 18 elected, at least 5 are hardliners who dont even accept the peace process and Oslo agreement and the rest are Abbass allies or lieutenants. Is Anyone Listening to What The Arabs Are Saying About Israel?
Dr. Alex Grobman - 8/20/2009
Even if the Obama administration were to succeed in compelling Israel to accept a two-state solution and stop building settlements in Judea and Samaria, this would not placate the Arabs or ensure peace in the region. Before embracing the idea of a Palestinian state, we should ask why the Arabs have consistently opposed partition, and examine the origin of the Two-State Solution. 1 Fatah Congress Election: Surprising Results
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/20/2009
Four more will be appointed by PLO and Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, who will also serve as the committee's chief. Only two (three when Abbas is added) who will continue from the old Committee. So indeed this is a generational transition and a transition from returnees who were in Tunis to indigenous West Bank people. Clerics call for dismissal of Khamenei signals regimes end
Shahriar Kia - 8/19/2009
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the Iranian Resistance described the call by many clerics for the dismissal of the regimes Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as a clear sign of the end of the ruling medieval dictatorship in Iran, an upshot of the Iranian peoples nationwide uprising, and the shattering of the spell of absolute clerical rule. Was Irans recent presidential election rigged?
Abolghasem Bayyenat, Ph.D. candidate - 8/19/2009
The dispute over Irans recent presidential election is far from being settled and the political conflict there is taking a different life as both sides persist in their positions and as the conflict is becoming entrenched in the daily politics of that country. The Iranian government has now embarked upon a different phase in the crackdown on the opposition by holding mass trials of the prominent opposition figures . The opposition has also vowed to continue protests and insists that the recent presidential election was rigged despite its official endorsement by the Council of Guardians follow... Bring Back our People from Israel
Elias Bejjani - 8/19/2009
On August 06/09, the Lebanese official National News Agency published on its website, the following slanderous and desecrating report: The International Red Cross received today from within the occupied Palestinian territories and via the Naqoura gate, (check post on the Lebanese-Israeli borders) the body of the agent, (Amiel) Elias Joseph Agiel, 52 years old, who died in one of the hospitals in the occupied Palestinian territories. The deceased entered occupied Palestine (Israel) in the aftermath of the Israeli army defeat in year 2000. The International Red Cross Committee handed over Agiel's body to his family in the town of Niha - Chouf district. Middle East Cycles: Are We Stuck in This Era?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/18/2009
After watching Middle East politics for more than 30 years, it is clear that these eventsand the perceptions of themmove in cycles. At times, developments force a more realistic, and at other times a less realistic, understanding of whats going on. Sometimes, sadly, it is only when things go wrong that people in the West wake up. Arab States 'Just Say No' to Normalization
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 8/10/2009
The idea of gestures of 'normalization' from Arab states to Israel is a central component in the US administration's plan for reviving the Mideast peace process. The notion represents a variant of the Oslo-style approach whereby a series of confidence-building measures will create a climate conducive to the successful conclusion of final-status negotiations. President Barack Obama's approach seeks to expand the circle of confidence-building, so that the Arab states, and not only the Palestinians and Israelis, will be drawn into it. No Room for Public in the Islamic Republic
Arash Irandoost, Ph.D. - 8/8/2009
The Iranian political map consists of three major factions. To the "left" there are the moderate conservatives who were represented in the election by Mousavi. In the centre, there are the conventional conservatives led by certain figures from the clerical hierarchy as well as prominent businessmen. Finally, there is the radical right as embodied in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Council (IRGC), to which Ahmadinejad belongs. Above all these three factions, sits the supreme leader, manipulating the strings that control the equilibrium between them. Fatah Congress: Peace As A Very Low Priority
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/8/2009
As so often happens, the debate over Fatahs policy misses the point. The central issue has become Fatahs theme of saying it wants peace but it is ready to go to resistance, that is, armed struggle. The Case for Anti-Freeze: Regarding Israeli Construction on Settlements
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/8/2009
Let me begin by saying that in exchange for full peace and an end to the conflict, I not only support the dismantling of all Jewish settlements on the territory of Palestine, I enthusiastically endorse it. Why then am I against freezing construction on existing Jewish settlements? Different opposition groups of Right and Left supported Iranian people
Reza Hossein Borr - 8/7/2009
The main Iranian political parties and top politicians who are based in the United Kingdom held a meeting on 26 July to express their support for the struggle of Iranian people in Iran. The participants were from different opposition groups of right, Left, moderates, greens, students, and the powerful regional parties that have never before attended a political meeting collectively. The main organizer of the event, Reza Hossein Borr, chaired the meeting. About 350 people attended the meeting which was followed by revolutionary songs and music. The antagonistic Iranian groups who were present began dancing in a circle hand in hand in a scene that has never been seen before. Jewish Settlements and the Anniversary of the Hebron Massacre
Prof. Jerold S. Auerbach - 8/7/2009
This week, when a lead editorial in The New York Times (July 31) advocates freezing Jewish settlements, marks the publication of my Hebron Jews: Memory and Conflict in the Land of Israel. No Jews are as relentlessly vilified as the Jewish settlers of Hebron. Castigated as "zealots," "fanatics" and "fundamentalists," they are the militant Jewish settlers whom legions of critics is Israel, in the United States and throughout the world love to hate. It is seldom noticed that their most serious transgression, settlement in the heart of the biblical Land of Israel, defines Zionism: the return of Jews to their historic homeland. Hezbollah Runs Lebanon's Foreign Ministry
Elias Bejjani - 8/7/2009
It has become clear even to the blind that the Lebanese state is massively dominated by the Hezbollah Mullah's leadership. This terrorist militant organization boldly dictates its Iranian decrees on all the Lebanese officials and institutions, manipulates their activities and greatly influences the whole country's decision making process through cancerous infiltration, intimidation, and multifold tactics of terrorism. Not even one decision could be made by the Lebanese government or any of its institutions without Hezbollah's approval. Saluting Chancellor Merkel
Amil Imani - 8/7/2009
Standing on two feet doesnt make a person human, only standing on principles does. It is for this reason that I am saluting Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany: A German woman who has bravely divorced herself and her nation from the ignominious past of Nazi Germany. A German woman who is standing for principles at the risk of her nation losing considerable profits from recognizing the legitimacy of a fraudulent government of neo-Nazi Mahmood Ahmadinejad. Israel's Peace Plan Marks a New Era in the Country's History
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/7/2009
This could be the most important article I write this year. Israel has entered a new era of thinking and policy in which old categories of left or right, hawk or dove are irrelevant under a national unity government bringing together the two main ruling parties. Dont just stand there, do something
Ted Belman - 7/30/2009
The talk of the town, Jerusalem that is, is that Mitchell, Gates, Ross and a whole US team are in discussions for the sought-after freeze among other things. Middle East Politics: The Ideal, The Real, and The Imaginary
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/27/2009
A reader asks: Do we really want to promoting the making of deals with "moderate dictators" or are we better urging them to turn their countries into liberal democracies? Freedom fighters labeled as terrorists
Ali Safavi - 7/27/2009
There is an old Farsi proverb, the English equivalent of which reads, "A clear conscience doesn't fear a false accusation." This aptly grounds a response to Jacob Laksin's inaccurate characterization of the principal Iranian opposition, the Mujahdin-e Khalq (PMOI/MEK), in "Terrorists as Freedom Fighters," (FrontPageMagazine.com, June 25, 2009). His piece suffers from one major deficiency: Not a single one of its mischaracterizations is backed up by a shred of credible evidence. More Martyrs in Yemen
Ron Coody - 7/27/2009
In June unknown assailants kidnapped four singles and a family of five in the northwest part of Yemen . The group consisted of a German family, two German ladies, a Korean lady, and a British man. Assailants took them while they were picnicking not far from a hospital where they worked. Within days Yemeni authorities recovered the bodies of the three women; all had been tortured and shot to death. The German family and British man are still being held by unidentified captors. The Yemeni government has offered a $250,000 reward for any information about the hostages. Iran: Memory of fallen honored in Tehran cemetery
Shahriar Kia - 7/27/2009
On the twentieth day of the nationwide uprising in Iran, thousands of people in Tehran gathered in Behesht-e Zahra cemetery at 18:00 local time to honor the memory of those killed by the regimes suppressive forces in the course of the uprising. They paid their respects by placing flowers on the martyrs graves. Just say No to the settlement freeze
Ted Belman - 7/27/2009
The Arabs know what they want, and that is the end of Israel. The Jews are divided as to what they want. The left wants to get the hell out of the West Bank . The center, including Kadima and Labour, want to keep the settlement blocks containing most of the settlers but are prepared to uproot as many as 70,000 Jews, perhaps even 100,000. The right does not want to allow a Palestinian state to emerge, even if demilitarized. Syria's Goose Lays a Golden Egg
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 7/27/2009
Washington's decision to return its ambassador to Syria is the latest stage in the present administration's policy of engagement with Damascus. It relates most importantly to the US desire to secure Syrian cooperation in the build-up to the departure of American combat troops from urban areas in Iraq. Islam's Victimization of Iran
Amil Imani - 7/27/2009
Some 1400 years ago, across the arid Arabian Peninsula roamed disparate savage tribes in a constant state of war with one another. Acts of violence, pillage and slave trading were their way of life. Out of necessity and expediency, they refrained from active warfare for only one month a year-the month of Moharam (the forbidden month). Even during this lull in active warfare, the various tribes rearmed and prepared for the next eleven months of bloodletting. Violence of the worst kind and form was their way of life. Thirty Years of Iranian Womens Resistance
Jila Kazerounian - 7/27/2009
The images are very powerful. Iranian women, young and old, stand up to the fundamentalist, misogynist dictators of Tehran. No wonder that Neda Agha Soltan, the brave young woman who was brutally murdered by the Basij militia forces, has become the face and the symbol of this uprising. Iranian women identify with Neda, now a mystified figure, a martyr and an icon. They now have a face and a symbol for their struggle against misogyny. Today, Neda is a daughter and a sister to all Iranians from every walk of life inside and outside Iran. Neda: An Angel of Freedom
Amil Imani - 7/27/2009
I am so restless, I cannot cease thinking! It seems like the world we live in reveals to us incessantly, at certain moments or in certain circumstances, just how little we are and how vast the universe is. This world of ours is a very complex world. The world we live in is a world of many brutal voices. It is a world of heavy blows and delirious trances, but it is the only world that we know. Iran's Crisis and All Quiet on the Western Front
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/27/2009
The Iranian crisis is being fought out on three fronts. The first, and the one properly receiving the most attention, is inside Iran itself. Commentators have now found the perfect phrase for describing the outcome there: As a result of the stolen election, demonstrations, and repression, Iran will be changed forever. Stealing Ballots and Bandwidth
Namjoo Hashemi - 7/27/2009
The recent protests in Iran are eerily reminiscent of the ones the world witnessed in 1979 that ousted the Shah. Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Iran in protest against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the Supreme Leader, Khamenie demanding a new fair election. Despite the clampdowns, each day thousands take to the streets. The question on everyones mind is - are we seeing the early stages of another revolution? In response to "Why the Arab World is not free?"
Iqbal Latif - 7/27/2009
A recent discussion and a dialogue spanning over few sittings with my Egyptian intellectual friend Dr. Wafik Moustafa and Father Michael Seed. Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's Response: A Narrative He Dares Not Speak
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/27/2009
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus big policy speech received global attention. Not so that of his Palestinian counterpart, Salam Fayyad. Fayyads June 22 presentation deserves careful analysis. Iranian Regime Uses U.S. Media to Attack PMOI Opposition
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 7/27/2009
In what is becoming a regular routine, the beleaguered Iranian regime of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is using U.S. media to attack its arch-enemy, the popular People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI, aka Mojahedin-e Khalq, MEK). Last month it was Jacob Laksin of Front Page Magazine. who wrote the poorly researched "Terrorists as Freedom Fighters"[1]; this month it's Antiwar.com's Charles Davis whose "US Lawmakers Call For Supporting Terrorists In Iran"[2] shows even less research, and could have been written by a freshman writer in the Iranian Ministry of Information a... The Two-State To Nowhere: Another Futile Attempt At Appeasement
Alex Grobman, Ph.D. - 7/27/2009
There is reason to believe that [the president] cherished the illusion that presumably he, and he alone, as head of the United States, could bring about a settlement-if not a reconciliationbetween Arabs and Jews. I remember muttering to myself as I left the White House after hearing the President discourse in rambling fashion about Middle Eastern Affairs, Ive read of men who thought they might be King of the Jews and other men who thought they might be King of the Arabs, but this is the first time Ive listened to a man who dreamt of being King of both the Jews and Arabs.1 Forgive Mousavi, But Never Forget His Name
Prof. Kazem Kazerounian - 7/27/2009
In recent years Iranians have turned the New Years celebrations, soccer matches, or even petty grumble against bad university cafeteria food in the into widespread anti regime demonstrations. These days, clearly Mousavi is steering the crowds in the streets of Tehran. However, it is the message and not the man that leads: Freedom, Democracy, Equality, Justice. To the extent that Mousavi remains loyal to these principles, he diverges from his past. And to the extent that he stands against the supreme leader, Khamenei , his president Ahmadinejad, and their theocratic government, Musavi has the support of people and hence opposition figures and groups. The days of Mullahs regime in Iran are numbered
Shahriar Kia - 7/27/2009
After announcing the result of the sham elections, the popular uprisings in Iran is escalating day after day. Before the election in Iran no one, especially the western governments could speculate such a blazing fire under the ashes, instead, they all drew a picture of a stable and strong government. But, deep schism at high ranks of religious dictatorship and the popular uprising clearly proved the Mullahs regime is in a deadlock and the days of mullahs in Iran are numbered. Executions continue in Balochistan, Iran
Reza Hossein Borr - 7/27/2009
In a desperate attempt to crush demonstrations in Iran, the Islamic Republic of Iran has decided to hang three more Baloch political activists who are charged of the imaginary allegations of corrupting the earth and fighting God, a mysterious allegation that can be interpreted according to the desires of the Islamic judges of Iran to include everybody who seeks any kind of justice, fairness and freedom. Shi'ite Missiles, Zionist Cows and the Lebanese Army
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/27/2009
The explosions in a Hizbullah arms storage facility in the south Lebanese village of Khirbat a-Silm on Tuesday are testimony to the successful efforts of this organization to rebuild its strength south of the Litani River. Hezbollah defies UN Resolution 1701
Elias Bejjani - 7/27/2009
The weird status of the Terrorist Iranian Hezbollah Militia in Lebanon has no precedent in the entire world, not in the contemporary era, nor at any time in the past. Presumably Lebanon is an independent democratic and multi-cultural country and an active founding member of both the United Nations and Arab league, while in reality and practicality it is not so due to the sad fact that its governing mechanism on all levels is mostly dictated and controlled by the Hezbollah leadership who run and dominate a mini Khomeini state inside the state of Lebanon with an army, financing capabilities, soc... Moroccos Local Elections and Decentralization
Yossef Ben-Meir, PhD - 7/27/2009
On June 12th, 2009, the same day that Iran had its contentious presidential elections, Moroccans also went out to polls to participate in local elections. In stark contrast, Moroccos elections were viewed to be both free and fair, and boasted a 15 percent increase in turnout from the 2007 parliamentary elections. In Solidarity with the Iranian People
Amil Imani - 7/27/2009
The anniversary of the 18 Tir, the Iranian Students National Uprising, is once again upon us. The 18th of Tir (July 9th) has become a symbolic struggle and resistance against the tyrannical, totalitarian and barbaric Islamic regime in Iran. The very brave and courageous freedom loving Iranians have been challenging the very fabric of the Islamofascists'rule in Iran. In a show of solidarity, both in Iran and abroad, Iranian people have demanded a total annihilation of this totalitarian state of Islamic barbarity and terror, which lacks even the most basic human compassion and human rights. Middle East: Wishful Thinking Kills
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/27/2009
The more things change, the more they remain the same, sayeth the French. The Bible states that theres nothing new under the sun. Doing a television interview today made me reflect on the relationship of those concepts on the contemporary Middle East. Hezbollah's wickedness & Lebanese People In Israel
Elias Bejjani - 7/27/2009
Let no one ask us to tag as traitors our Southern Lebanese citizens who entered Israel at a certain period, because the Lebanese state has abandoned them. They are our brothers and we will definitely demand that they return to their homes, and families. (Lebanese MP, Sami Gemayel 28/6/09). We value, and greatly appreciate MP Sami Gemayel's courageous, genuine and transparent stance in regard to our Southern Lebanese citizens who because of serious and imminent fears for their lives and the fate of their children were forced in May 2000 to take refuge in neighboring Israel. These citizens are not traitors by any means, but patriotic, noble, decent, and Lebanese par excellence. Why Fight an 800 Pound Gorilla
Ted Belman - 7/27/2009
On June 28 the Foreign Ministry of Israel posted its five principals about which PM Netanyahu said I saw that there was a genuine international willingness to accept them as foundations for peace. Israel Offers a Peace Plan that Can Work
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/27/2009
Israel has put forward a serious peace plan which deserves international support from anyone serious about solving the Israeli-Palestinian and Arab-Israeli conflict. The cabinets five-point proposal states: Murder, He Said: Palestinian Politics Fragments Further
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/27/2009
Reality keeps impinging on the four main illusions regarding the Israel-Palestinian conflict, the ideas that: peace is possible in the not-distant future; that theres a Palestinian negotiating partner which wants a two-state solution; that theres a serious Palestinian negotiating partner capable of reaching and implementing an agreement; and that the failure to end the conflict is due to Israel. Attack on Iran: Israel Turns to Russia
Sam Vaknin, Ph.D. - 7/25/2009
Russian senior air defense officers, accompanied by mid-level diplomats have recently visited Israel. The discussions focused on Iran and their contents are only partly know. Israel may be asking Russia to leverage its growing influence within Iran to rein in the latter's nuclear weapons agenda. In return, Israeli sources claim that Israel has shared with the Russian visitors intelligence, including hard to obtain HUMINT, about the Iranian leadership, its oil economy, and military. The Americans were apprised of the discussions. Israel asked Russia not to supply Iran with strategic air defense... Attack on Iran: Rift in the Military and the Role of Commandos
Sam Vaknin, Ph.D. - 7/19/2009
The targets for Israel's attack on Iran have been chosen: one is close to the sea, the other is inland. Members of Sayeret Matka"l are now conducting joint (often nightly) exercises with Israel's Navy SEALS (the "Shayetet") off the coast of Ashkelon and on the beaches of Haifa. While the deployment of the commandos and other ground forces will be done mostly by air, their evacuation, 4-6 hours later, will be accomplished by sea. Attack on Iran to Include Ground Forces
Sam Vaknin, Ph.D. - 7/16/2009
An eventual attack on Iran may include ground forces. Units of Sayeret Matka"l ("Headquarters Scouts", Israel's elite special forces) have been transferred to the mock in Biq'at Hayareach ("Moon Vale"), not far from Eilat. They have spent the last few weeks training there: parachuting, paragliding, urban warfare (laba"b in Hebrew), and hand to hand combat. Special emphasis is placed on explosives. The area is isolated (it got its name from its eerie similarity to the moonscape), but various civilian suppliers have reported massive explosions during the day. The Iranian revolt and the role of pro- appeasement lobby in the US
Hassan Daioleslam - 7/14/2009
As the daily images of the Iranian revolt in response to the outcome of the rigged presidential elections in Iran are witnessed around the world and at the same time the brutal and barbaric reactions of the Islamic regimes security forces against the protesters is beamed around the globe, the illusion that the Iranian presidential elections would have brought a powerful Iranian president who would have been capable of responding to Obamas overture has been definitively vanished by now. The Case for the PMOI/MEK: Debunking the Yellow Journalism of Jacob Laksin
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 7/14/2009
Its a shame when good, conservative, socially responsible journalists like Jacob Laksin fail to do their homework, neglecting to research their material carefully enough and publish disinformation about a group put out by its enemies in an effort to discredit it. Such is the case as regards Mr. Laksins recent Terrorists as Freedom Fighters, published in Front Page Magazine on June 25, 2009, where Laksin serves as a senior editor. Had he done his research properly, he would have read reports issued by the Iran Policy Committee , headed by terrorism expert Professor Raymond Tanter, or the r... Three Years Later, The Core Issues in Lebanon Remain Unsolved
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 7/14/2009
Three years have passed since the outbreak of the Second Lebanon War. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon pointed out this week that the cease-fire which ended the war on August 14, 2006, remains fragile. The core issues which triggered the fighting remain unresolved. Since the guns fell silent, both sides have been busy seeking to learn the lessons of their successes and failures, on the assumption that another round is at some stage inevitable. Fayyad and Syria's Regime Lie, Americans Applaud
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/14/2009
Palestinian prime minister: Jews would be welcome in future state, reads the headline. Now, it is well-known that the Palestinian Authority, which the aforementioned prime minister Salam Fayyad sort of heads, has always taken the view that all Jews must be removed from any future Palestinian state. This was also known to the more informed members of the audience, but modern Western intellectuals and journalists are very polite peopleif you fall into the right category. Just say No to the settlement freeze
Ted Belman - 7/14/2009
The Arabs know what they want, and that is the end of Israel. The Jews are divided as to what they want. The left wants to get the hell out of the West Bank. The center, including Kadima and Labour, want to keep the settlement blocks containing most of the settlers but are prepared to uproot as many as 70,000 Jews, perhaps even 100,000. The right does not want to allow a Palestinian state to emerge, even if demilitarized. Iran: The Internal Balance of Power
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 7/14/2009
One would need a heart of stone not to be moved by the scenes currently emerging from Iran: Hundreds of thousands of youthful demonstrators, taking to the streets to express their frustration at the restrictions of life under a theocratic oligarchy - with the communications revolution enlisted to bypass the heavy hand of the regime's censors. Mullahs preposterous and threadbare claims
Shahriar Kia - 7/14/2009
As the suppressive forces of the mullahs regime continue to murder people on the streets of Tehran, Saturday evening, the state-run news agency carried a false claim by the notorious Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) that several members of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) who had received training in Camp Ashraf in Iraq and had entered the country in order to carry out terrorist acts had been arrested. This totally bogus claim was meant to justify the suppression and killings in Iran and put added pressure on the PMOI members residing in Camp Ashraf in Iraq. The state television, as always, paraded unidentified individuals confessing to such actions. Today Everyone is an Iranian
Amil Imani - 7/14/2009
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." John F. Kennedy Demilitarized Palestinian State?
Prof. Arieh Eldad - Member of Knesset - 7/14/2009
Once upon a time, there was such a state. "I don't think there's a Palestinian nation. There's an Arab nation. I don't think there's a Palestinian nation. That's a colonial invention. Since when were there Palestinians? I think there's only an Arab nation. Until the end of the 19th century, Palestine was the southern part of Greater Syria." Preparations for Attack on Iran Almost Complete
Sam Vaknin, Ph.D. - 7/10/2009
Late last year, Israel embarked on a coordinated campaign of leaks to the press regarding its determination to take out Iran's nuclear facilities if Obama's then-new administration fails to sway the Iranians diplomatically. Israel is unwilling to accept a nuclear Iran: "It is not an option", say its senior intelligence and military leadership. News Update from Iran
Shahriar Kia - 6/20/2009
Tehran
From Shemiran to Azadi Square, there are state security forces with full equipment standing in every square meter in this region. The streets leading to Azadi including Ariashahr have been closed. Compromises with Hezbollah are Lethal
Elias Bejjani - 6/20/2009
Time after time terrorist and fundamental groups like Al Qaida, Hezbollah, Hamas and all others, prove with no shed of doubt that they only comprehend, listen and respond to crystal clear means of decisiveness, overt offensive action and a strong show of strength and power. Their backward and destructive ideologies, as well as their fundamentalist nature and disrespect for all things unlike their own, reveal their true chauvinistic nature, as they look to humiliate, belittle and trample all those who ignore their threats and who do not bow to their logic and demands. Maryam Rajavi: Irreversible escalation of crisis and political earthquake
Shahriar Kia - 6/20/2009
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance, described remarks by the clerical regimes Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in todays Friday prayers sermon as an indication of an irreversible escalation of crisis and a political earthquake within the regime. She said Khamenei had insisted on the ridiculous figure of 40 million votes in the sham election and strongly supported Mahmoud Ahmadinejads presidency and blatantly rejected the request by the rival defeated faction to annul the election result. This, she said, was a blatant threat to crack down ruthlessly on the popular uprising. People clash with suppressive forces throughout Tehran
Shahriar Kia - 6/20/2009
Women and youths clashed with agents of the mullahs dictatorship in various parts of Tehran. Tens of thousands of residents of Tehran gathered in 7 Tir Square at 18:30 (local time) and chanted death to the dictator. Earlier, thousands of students marched from the University of Tehran to 7 Tir Square. Hamas Denying Palestinians Energy Billions
Peter Glover and Michael Economides - 6/20/2009
Gaza on the Mediterranean, with an offshore natural gas resource worth an estimated $4 billion and with Palestinian statehood believed an imminent proposition, should be looking at the brightest possible future. But still abject poverty and hopelessness rack Gaza and the standard explanation by many Arabs and Western media is to depict the Palestinians as in a permanent state of Israeli-inflicted victimhood. Tales from India- Superstition rules the roost
Syed Ali Mujtaba, Ph.D. - 6/20/2009
India is making significant advancements in various areas of scientific development. Be it in the field of satellite or atomic research, exploration of space or underwater, rocketry or mission to moon, everywhere India has left a stamp of scientific temper that is in construct of our modern nation. Video of a Woman Shot and Bleeding to Death in Iran
David Storobin, Esq. - 6/20/2009
This is a disturbing video of a young woman getting shot, then bleeding to death. It's very disturbing. She's in shock immediately after being shot. People help her lie down on the ground, then looks up at the video camera. That's the last time she does anything, as blood begins pouring out of her nose and mouth. The blood amount is not small by any means, in fact the only way to describe it is "pouring out." Iran Election: The Beginning of the End
Amil Imani - 6/18/2009
Iran's President Ahmadinejad, a veteran of the Islamic Republic's repressive Revolutionary Guard, took office on August 3, 2005, after unexpected win in a sham presidential election -- there are no democratic elections in the Islamic Republic of Iran. All candidates are prescreened by the Guardian Council before they are allowed to run for office. In practice, a president of Iran is already chosen through a farce process of giving the voters a chance to elect one of the men hand-picked from the regime's functionaries, as was the case with President Ahmadinejad. Stopping Settlement Construction Won't Build Peace
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/18/2009
Although somewhat quieted by the successful Netanyahu-Obama meeting, a predominant theme in current talk about U.S. Middle East policy is that there will soon be a U.S.-Israel confrontation. This is so expected that there are daily misinterpretations or fabrications of events implying some anti-Israel step by the Obama administration. Iran's Stolen Election Should Change Western Policies
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/18/2009
Many Western analysts and journalists are treating the stolen election in Iran as something of no international significance. After all, they say, it is only an internal matter. Why should it affect Western attempts to engage with the Islamist regime? Three Failed Plans to Wipe Israel Off the Map
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/18/2009
There are now no less than three main plans for wiping Israel off the map. Show is over and the real game has begun
Nasser Razy - 6/15/2009
The show was the election and the real game is the eruption of peoples silenced anger which can be seen in the streets of Tehran and other cities and can be heard in their slogans which is a clear indication of the will of Iranian society to uproot the religious dictatorship and establish freedom and democracy. Is the UN Fact-finding mission into Gaza impartial?
Maurice Ostroff - 6/15/2009
Israel is being widely criticized for refusing to cooperate with what it calls the "intrinsically flawed" UN fact-finding team led by Judge Richard Goldstone into alleged violations of international law during the recent Gaza war. Prime Minister Netanyahu's Speech
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/15/2009
In a much-awaited speech about his new government's foreign policy, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained Israel's situation, experience, and views. Other countries, especially those which think they have all the answers for making peace, should pay close attention. They might actually learn something. Obama's Cairo Speech and the Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/12/2009
President Barack Obamas discussion in his Cairo speech of the Israeli-Palestinian issue is so important that it took up about 25 percent of the text. Why Muslims Like Hitler, but Not Mozart
Fjordman - 6/12/2009
I have had some interesting discussions with my good friend Ohmyrus, who is an ethnic Chinese man but appreciates some aspects of Western civilization that many Westerners themselves appear to have forgotten, or rejected. He is not unique in this regard. One of the best books about European culture published in recent years is Defending the West, written by the former Muslim Ibn Warraq who was born in the Indian subcontinent, not in the Wester... Memo To Bibi
Ted Belman - 6/12/2009
Memo to Bibi. What your speech should entail:
The League of Nations granted to Jews everywhere the right to settle in Judea and Samaria. The Palestine Mandate recognized our right to reconstitute our ancient homeland there. The United Nations is bound by this document.
While that is our right as Jews, we are prepared to relinquish our rights to some of the land pursuant to the Roadmap, providing it is based on Res 242 which authorized us to remain on all the land until we had secure and recognized borders. We insist on borders which are defensible and include all settlement block... The brother of leader of Jondolla was hanged in Zahedan
Reza Hossein Borr - 6/12/2009
London, 8-6-09--Abdol Hamid Rigi, the brother of Abdol Malik Rigi, the leader of People's Resistance Movement of Iran, Jondolla, was hanged in Zahedan on Saturday, 6 June 09 after he was extradited from Pakistan to Iran, The semi-official Fars News Agency reported. Iranian Reform Charades
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 6/12/2009
Irans presidential elections, scheduled for today (12 June 2009), are an elaborate charade, intended to give the appearance of democracy as well as the ability of Iranian voters to choose between hard-line conservatives and reforming moderates. It is a charade because the election is neither free nor fair, and the outcome already has been pre-determined by the decision of one man, and one man alone. For those unfamiliar with the electoral system in the Islamic Republic of Iran, let me elaborate. Creating Musical Bridge between Divergent Faiths
Syed Ali Mujtaba, Ph.D. - 6/11/2009
Can Islam and Judaism live in peace? Skeptics may have a two word answer but incorrigible optimists may like to argue; Yes they can! This optimism comes after listening to Shye Ben Tzur, the acclaimed Israeli composer, producer and performer, who is trying to synthesize his personal experiences of Judaism with Islamic mysticism and has succeeded in creating a unique cross cultural musical platform unheard in modern times. A turning point in mullahs' escalating internal feuding
Shahriar Kia - 6/11/2009
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance, described Wednesdays television debate between mullahs president Ahmadinejad and Mir-Hossein Moussavi, a presidential candidate and a former prime minister, where the mullahs secrets were revealed, as a turning point in the regimes escalating internal feuding and a devastating blow to its entirety. Whoever comes out of ballot boxes is doomed to suffer from its scathing and broad consequences, she reiterated. Intensification of Ashraf siege by Iraqi rapid deployment force and anti-riot police
Nasser Razy - 6/11/2009
Since 5:30 am (local time - Iraq ) on Friday, June 5, rapid deployment forces of the Iraqi police at the entrance of Ashraf, blocked the road and entrance to Ashraf. They blocked entry of goods and people to the Camp and intensified the suppressive siege of Ashraf. Eight members of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran who were at the entry point of the Camp were threatened by arrest and death. Khamenaei called Fatema, the daughter of the holy Prophet, a martyr
Reza Hossein Borr - 6/5/2009
Ayatollah Khamenaei, the supreme leader of Iran, officially interpreted the natural death of Fatema, the daughter of the holy Prophet, as martyrdom, thus justifying the actions of those who have organised Omar Denunciation Ceremonies. (1 ) The ceremonies began about two months ago in Baluchistan where the majority of the people are Sunnis and resulted in widespread conflicts between Baluch Sunnis and Iranian security forces. The tension mounted when the People's Resistance Movement of Iran, Jondollah, initiated a bomb blast in a mosque that was dominated by the security forces and Iranian militia. What settlement freeze commitment?
Ted Belman - 6/5/2009
Everyone assumes that Israel is committed to freezing settlement activity without preconditions. Not so. Heres why. The Roadmap demanded that Israel immediately dismantle settlement outposts erected since March 2001″ and provided that Consistent with the Mitchell Report, GOI freeze all settlement activity (including natural growth of settlements). Why Isn't the Palestinian Authority Moderate?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/4/2009
So dreadful was the performance of Palestinian Authority (PA) leader Mahmoud Abbas during his meeting with President Barack Obama that even the New York Times took notice. Usually, the Palestinians are exempt from any hint of the real world criteria applied to others. 130 security forces and militias killed in Baluchistan
Reza Hossein Borr - 6/4/2009
130 security forces and militias have been killed in a suicide bombing yesterday in Zahidan, the capital of Baluchistan, claimed The Peoples Resistance Movement of Iran, Jondollah, while the latest reports by the official Iranian news agencies say that only 30 men have been killed and 182 have been injured in the incident. The People Resistance Movement of Iran, Jondollah, claimed that this incident has been organised in response to one week of Omar Denunciation Ceremonies which the fanatic Shias and security forces organised to curse Omar, the second Caliph, whom they blame for killing Fatema, the daughter of Prophet Mohammad. Hezbollah uses politics of fear
Linda S. Heard - 6/4/2009
A May 15th speech by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has triggered dismay and outrage. Addressing graduating university students, he referred to the events of May 7, 2008 as a glorious day for the resistance in Lebanon . How Can Israel Depend on Those Who Have Proven Undependable
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/3/2009
Back in 1993, when the peace process began, President Bill Clinton told a press conference that Israel was ready to take risks for peace and he told Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, "If you do that, my role is to minimize those risks."
One of the most important elements in contemporary Israeli thinking is the irony of those words. Clinton, of course, meant them and his intentions were good. But looking back from 2009, the risks taken by Israel and the concessions it has made have repeatedly plagued the country and cost the lives of thousands of its citizens. Why Assad Wont Break with Iran
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 6/2/2009
The Obama administration and the U.S. Department of State share a delusion with the former government of Israel led by the hapless Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and elements within the Israeli Foreign Ministry: both groups believe that President Bashar al-Assad can be convinced to break with the Islamic Republic of Iran and be brought into the fold of civilized nation states, if only the right selection of carrots can be offered to woo him away from the embrace of the Iranian terror-masters. Maybe a combination of the Golan Heights, immunity from prosecution for the Hariri assassination, or bette... Iran-Syria Alliance in Harmony
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 5/28/2009
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and President Bashar Assad of Syria reconfirmed the close alliance between their two countries during the Iranian president's visit to Damascus this week. Iran extends its influence in Afghanistan and Pakistan
Reza Hossein Borr - 5/28/2009
The Islamic Republic of Iran is taking advantage of a lapse in American politics when President Obama is formulating his new Middle East policies to actualize its expansionist policies in the Middle East. Just a few days after the summit meeting of American president with the presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan, president Ahmadinejad invited the presidents of both countries to Iran in a comprehensive show of unity. The president of Iran was able to emphasize the strategy of regional peace and security by the governments of the region while both Pakistan and Afghanistan are heavily dependent on America for their survival. June is the Cruelest Month
Prof. Barry Rubin - 5/26/2009
April, wrote T.S. Elliott, is the cruelest month of all. But for hopes of peace, freedom, and moderation in the Middle East, June will play that role this year. In Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad backed by the spiritual guide is about to be reelected. In Lebanon, a regime backed by Iran and Syria is about to be installed. Israel, Obama, Iran, and Journalism
Sam Vaknin, Ph.D. - 5/26/2009
"During Netanyahu's visit, Israel shared intelligence with the CIA regarding the potential for a terrorist attack which will dwarf 9/11 if Iran is allowed to continue with its nuclear designs and share its outcomes with allies such as Hamas and the Hizbullah. Iranian proliferation is a direct threat to US National security. The Peace Process Industry's Going to Get You--And Your Little Country,Too!
Prof. Barry Rubin - 5/25/2009
From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-legged beasties,
things that go bump in the night,
And people with Middle East peace plans
Plus those with degrees in Conflict Management
Good Lord, deliver us!
--Middle East update of old Cornish prayer
Putting your hard-earned political capital into the peace process industry is like investing with Bernie Madoff. It may look like a good prospect on the surface but any serious examination shows it's a highway to bankruptcy. Of course, as with Madoff, many choose not to look too closely. Damascus Gets What it Needs
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 5/25/2009
In his letter to Congress announcing the renewal of US sanctions on Syria, President Barack Obama was specific regarding the reasons for his decision. Sejil 2 Missile has 2,500 kilometer range; could carry nuclear warhead
Shahriar Kia - 5/24/2009
According to information obtained by the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) from inside of Iran, the "Sejil 2" Missile could carry nuclear warhead and is part of the clerical regime's drive to obtain nuclear weapons. The clerical regime announced on Wednesday, May 20 that it had test fired this missile successfully. Netanyahu's Peace Plan
Prof. Barry Rubin - 5/24/2009
In his successful meeting with President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a superb, workable peace plan backed by a wide Israeli consensus. Those obsessed with whether Netanyahu would say the "two-state solution" mantra missed it. May 25 sacrifices & Hezbollah The Dragon
Elias Bejjani - 5/24/2009
Believe it or not, on May 25 each year since 2000 Lebanon has been celebrating a so-called "Liberation & Resistance Day." Sadly, this celebration commemorates a bogus event, and a phony heroism that did not actually take place. By erecting these high walls and fences, Iran monopolised drug trafficking
Reza Hossein Borr - 5/22/2009
If the Iranian people and international community believed the propaganda of the Islamic Republic of Iran that the Baluch people were drug traffickers before they cannot believe it anymore when they look at these high concrete walls, deep canals and thick and high metal fences that have been established all along the borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan. There are hundreds of checkpoints at the top of high towers all over the borders. The security guards can detect the movement of every single person along the border. It is impossible for an ordinary person to climb over these high concrete walls, fences or go thru very deep canals without being detected. Solving the Iran Problem Could Help Solve the Palestinian Problem, Not the Reverse
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 5/20/2009
U.S. President Barack H. Obama (and his National Security Advisor, General James Jones, as well as his White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel), the Quartets Middle-East Emissary and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have it backwards: attempting to solve the Palestinian statehood question will not solve the Iranian problem; in fact, it will exacerbate it, as it permits the Tehran regime to continue to play the role of spoiler by its supplying of weaponry, training and funding to its rejectionist Arab proxies: Hizballah in Lebanon and Hamas and Islami... Forces Positioning Themselves in Iranian Elections
Kambiz Basetvat - 5/19/2009
With less than a month to Presidential election the political landscape is getting more complicated. The student organizations could not get their choice to become candidate for election, and they are now considering endorsing another reformist candidate. The reformist political activists, other than the goal of removing Ahmadinejad from office, condition their support for the reformist candidates to their specific demands. The interesting developments in this election are the formation of a few new voting blocs. Meaning, since none religious political entities cant organize freely in a polit... Islamic Cleric to Pope: Let's Unite and Kill the Jews Together!
Prof. Barry Rubin - 5/13/2009
Its a pity that the Palestinian Authoritys (PA) chief Islamic judge Tayseer Rajab Tamimi will be criticized for rudeness rather than incitement to genocide. And the whole political context of Tamimis statements shouldnt be missed either: he is an appointee of the PA. When he demands that Israel be wiped out either hes speaking for his bosses or if not they should fire him. Of course, they wont because in large part he is. Hamas Says `Kill Next Week; Media Perceives Moderation
Prof. Barry Rubin - 5/13/2009
Nothing is funnier than when someone wants to avoid an obvious conclusion.
Nothing is sadder than people being borne away on waves of wishful thinking.
Following up on rewriting the clearly extremist words of Iran 's leader on the basis of wishful thinking and reinterpreting the equally extremist words of Syria's leader based on wishful thinking ,it is now Hamas's turn. Call to identify and expel Iranian regime intelligence agents from European countries
Shahriar Kia - 5/13/2009
An annual report recently published by the Swedish security service (Sapo) mentions the expulsion of a spy who had been working as an embassy advisor in Sweden, thus uncovering a part of the Iranian regime intelligence services plots against Iranian dissidents and refugees residing in Sweden. The report refers to gathering of information and identifying regime opponents, impeding opposition activities through threats and bribes, spreading misinformation, propaganda, and conducting a demonizing campaign against the opposition, working to diminish trust toward regime opponents, infiltrating thei... Honoring Nazanin: an Angel of Iran
Amil Imani - 5/13/2009
Never mind the mythical angels of religion and poetry. Meet a living angel in flesh, Nazanin Afshin-Jam. Many of you may not know that we have a hero in our midst. Many of you may not know that this individual, singlehandedly, has done more for her compatriots, as well as for other people of our planet, than most of us together. This dazzling beauty, both inside and outside, has dedicated her life to the good of humanity. Obama, Netanyahu and American Jews
Isi Leibler - 5/13/2009
It was with mixed feelings that I returned from New York after extensive discussions with a wide range of American Jewish leaders. Hezbollah: The World's Most Effective Terrorist Organization
Elias Bejjani - 5/13/2009
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing "- Edmund Burke - 17th century philosopher and author"
The U.S. government has labeled Hezbollah, in its State Department report for 2008, as the world's most effective terrorist organization. The report said that Iran remains the most active state sponsor of terrorism, including supporting terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. According to the same report, "Iran's involvement in the planning and financial support of terrorist attacks throughout the Middle East, Europe and Cent... Justice for All, Jews and Palestinians
Ted Belman - 5/3/2009
The Arabs cry out for justice. The Jews cry out for security. A brief about Ashraf
Shahriar Kia - 5/3/2009
Facts about the Ashraf camp for Iranian opposition in Iraq: This Time the Truth Caught Up with their Lies
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 5/1/2009
The American author Mark Twain once noted: A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. The Hamas Lobby
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 4/29/2009
A meeting was meant to take place on Wednesday, April 22nd, in the Grimond Room at Portcullis House, adjoining the House of Commons in London. The planned meeting was titled "Talk with Hamas" and was meant to feature a video link to Damascus. Dissolving in the Two-State Solution
Prof. Barry Rubin - 4/27/2009
Ring! Ring! The Israeli prime minister's alarm clock went off. He quickly sat up in bed and immediately shouted out: "Yes! I'm for a two-state solution!" Revisiting the Arab-Israel Peace Process
Ted Belman - 4/22/2009
What follows are two articles I wrote six years ago regarding the genesis of the Roadmap. Essentially it was negotiated between the State Department and the Saudis in the lead up to the Iraq War. The deal was Iraq for Palestine. Thomas Friedman introduced the Saudi Plan as coming from King Abdullah but in reality it was the State Departments baby. It was included in the Roadmap as a recital - quite innocuous really. Sharon vigorously objected to its inclusion but Powell and Rice said it was non-negotiable. The obvious reason was that the State Department was committed to the Saudis to make it happen. Supreme Judge of Palestine called on Iraqi government to end Ashraf Siege of Iranian Opposition Members
Shahriar Kia - 4/22/2009
Hon. Sheikh Dr. Taisir al-Tamimi, Supreme Judge of Palestine and the president of Jurisdiction Supreme Council urged the Iraqi government to remove the siege from the Iranian refugees residing in Ashraf city and to acknowledge their rights in the context of international law and humanitarian treatment. He underscored that their expulsion and displacement is in contradiction with the international law. Ahmadinejad's Wager, The World's Peril
Prof. Barry Rubin - 4/22/2009
Why did Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, with the full backing of Iran's regime, behave as he did at the Durban-2 conference? One reason, of course, is that he believed every word he said, and much of the Iranian Islamist regime thinks the same way. This factor should always be remembered, lest people think this was only some cynical ploy. Who Stole the Land of Israel?
J. Draiman - 4/20/2009
Why do the anti-Zionists feel that a thousand-year old claim by Arabs who were never ruled by Palestinian Arabs has legitimacy, while a 1,900-year claim by Jews to the land should be rejected as absurd? Whither the peace process?
Ted Belman - 4/20/2009
The peace process has not brought us one step closer to peace. Just the opposite, it has brought us closer to war. In fact the closest we have been since Israels dramatic victory in 67. The Quest for Democracy in an Islamic Style Fascist Dictatorship
Kambiz Basetvat - 4/8/2009
The Islamic Republic presidential election is scheduled for June 12, 2009, has brought a new life to political activity in Iran. Popular elections legitimacy for the government became a well respected tradition since the 1905 Constitutional Revolution; although most of the times since then they were a faade for dictatorial regimes. For a peculiar internal structure of Shiite branch of Islam, Shiite authorities keep their independent from the most revered or powerful; in short, there is no firm hierarchy in Shi.ism. Since Islamic Republic is a new form of Shi.ism authority universally impose... Palestinian Moderates Want Peace--With Hamas, Not Israel
Prof. Barry Rubin - 4/8/2009
To see whats happeningand whats wrongwith Palestinian politics, consider Muhammad Dahlan. In him is embodied the ideological and strategic straitjacket, preventing Palestinians from making peace and getting a state of their own. Take Your Poison, Israel
Ted Belman - 3/24/2009
Israel must decide whether to attack Iran or not and whether to accept the Saudi Plan or not. In both cases Israel has to pick her poison. Six Baluch were hanged and 7 were shot dead in the last seven days
Reza Hossein Borr - 3/24/2009
London- 10.3.09--Six Baluch were hanged and 7 were shot dead in the last seven days. Radio Farda quoted official news agencies of the Iranian government as saying that the six men were accused of Fighting God and Corrupting the Earth, a term used by the courts to describe the activities of those who are fighting against the Iranian government. Fighting against the government has been equaled to fighting against God by the Islamic regime. None of the official news agencies that reported these incidents revealed the names of the victims. The Iranian government usually refuses to give the full details of the identities of its victims in order to confuse the public. (1) Secular Turkey Continuing to Fade
Ron Coody - 3/24/2009
A couple of years ago I wrote that secularism in Turkey had basically come to an end because the ruling Islamic-leaning AK party had successfully done what was hitherto unthinkable. They had placed their own man, Tayyip Erdogan, in the office of Prime Minister who had then appointed his choice of Abdullah Gul to the office of President. As president, Gul was entitled to move into the Presidents mansion, a place with powerful symbolic meaning to the followers of Ataturk, the secular founder of modern Turkey . To make matters worse for the secularists, Gul naturally brought along his wife in... Book Review: Journey to Nowhere by Eva Figes
Eugene Schulman - 3/24/2009
It is hard to imagine that when Eva Figes dreamed up the title of this memoir she didn't have Samuel Butler's "Erewhon" in mind. Though Butler's book was a satire on social morals and an attack on religion, the reversed spelling of its title implied that this utopian world does not, could not, really exist. Figes, writing about Israel, seems to play on the word, showing that the "promised land" is truly nowhere. It is not the utopia everyone has been led to believe. Hezbollah and the Byzantine Lebanese National Dialogue
Elias Bejjani - 3/24/2009
On Monday, 02/09/09, the fifth questionable Lebanese National Dialogue Round was convened at the Baabda Presidential Palace under the patronage of State President, General Michele Suleiman. After two hours of futile and intricate debates the 14 participants who represented the majority of the Lebanese mosaic and multi-cultural communities were only able to agree on setting a new date for the sixth round. Italian Senators and MPs condemn pressures and limitations on Ashraf
Shahriar Kia - 3/24/2009
In a press conference in Italian Parliament in Rome, a number of prominent members of Italian Senate and Parliament condemned the limitations and impositions of pressures dictated by the clerical regime of Iran against Ashraf residents and asked the Unites States to stand for its commitments regarding protection of Ashraf. Double standard of Muslim nations
Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury - 3/24/2009
In recent years, many of the Muslim nations although are continuing to term those who participated in the war in Afghanistan as terrorists, in the state-owned and private media, Afghan warriors are continued to be termed as Mijahid [member of Holy War].. Understanding Netanyahu
Ted Belman - 3/18/2009
In response to Solana threatening Netanyahu with these words, Let me say very clearly that the way the European Union will relate to an government that is not committed to a two-state solution will be very, very different. Iranians urge Red Cross to protect PMOI members in Iraq
Nasser Razy - 3/10/2009
Supporters of the People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI) on Thursday rallied outside the office of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in London urging the world body to take urgent action to guarantee the protection and fundamental rights of PMOI members in Camp Ashraf in Iraq. The homes of relatives of Ashraf City residents viciously raided and many arrested in Tehran
Shahriar Kia - 3/3/2009
On Friday February 20, 2009, the mullahs Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) conducted simultaneous raids of many homes across Tehran belonging to families of members of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) residing in Ashraf City, Iraq. While the families were resting in their homes, the regimes suppressive forces broke doors and windows, entered the households while terrorizing the families, and brutally beating them. A number of them were arrested and transferred to the notorious Evin prison without even being allowed to change into proper clothing. The regimes sup... Book Review: Islamic Jihad: A Legacy of Forced Conversion, Imperialism and Slavery
Alamgir Hussain - 3/3/2009
Book Review: Islamic Jihad: A Legacy of Forced Conversion, Imperialism and Slavery.
Publisher: IUniverse Inc, New York, Bloomington | Pages 380 | Paperback: US$ 17.95 | Kindle: US$ 7.96 Turning Islamic Universities into Graveyards
Amil Imani - 3/3/2009
Islam is marching forward under its battle cry: "We love death, the infidels love life, Iranian regime Recycling circus
Hassan Daioleslam - 2/23/2009
After 30 years of dealing with the United States and Europe, the Iranian regime has mastered two qualities: How to achieve objectives by bullying and blackmail; and, how to recycle its political refuse and reuse it in the US. After the removal of PMOI off EU blacklist no more excuse remains for pressuring Ashraf residents
Shahriar Kia - 2/23/2009
After security pact has signed between the US and Iraq in December 2008 and after protection of Ashraf has transferred from US forces to the Iraqi government at the beginning of 2009, the Iranian regime started a series of new conspiracies against its opposition, members of the PMOI residing in Ashraf in Iraq. Does The Islamic Republic's demise derive from its presidential election?
Kambiz Basetvat - 2/23/2009
In 1979, in the final months of Shahs regime, Khomeinist forces in their scheme to take over political power in Iran stressed on the republicanism of their Islamic regime to cement support of nationalists, liberals, and leftists for their leadership of an anti Shah movement. The Islamist later proved the worthlessness of their promise to none religious political groups, but the regime was trapped with idea of the power and legitimacy of the peoples votes and republicanism of the regime. In the three decades of Islamic regime existence the political landscape in Iran has changed dramatically,... You Cannot Kill an Ideology
Leslie J. Sacks - 2/23/2009
Deepak Chopra - the most prolific of New Age self-help spiritual gurus - appears to have expanded his mandate to offer guidance in the angst-ridden realm of international affairs. Turkey in the Fire
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/23/2009
What direction is the Turkish regime heading? A pessimistic view goes like this: The ruling AK party is pushing toward an Islamist agenda both at home and abroad. It is moving closer to Iran, Syria, and Hamas. In some ways, Turkey might become part of the Iran-led alignment in the region. Anti-American, anti-Western, and anti-Israel feeling is growing. The government is making a sharp break with the past, based on structural changes in the country. It is gradually capturing institutions: buying up or intimidating the media; allied with a rising, more traditionally oriented new business class and village migrants to the city; naming judges; and neutralizing the army. Harming John Solecki will harm Baloch Cause
Reza Hossein Borr - 2/23/2009
Your voice has been heard all over the world. Now the international community has become aware of what is going on in Baluchistan. They know that 141 women and about six thousands men are missing. The world is aware that the Baluch women have been used as sex slaves in prisoners. You have achieved your outcome. John Solecki not only helped the Baluch people in his freedom, but he served the cause of the Baluch people while he was under your protection. This man has served your cause more than any other foreign men or any other country. Because of the world's attention to him, you also received the attention of the world. Iraq Elections: The Displaced Story
Maggie Murphy - 2/23/2009
The 2005 provincial elections in Iraq kindled months of sectarian violence and bloodshed. On election day alone, forty‐four people lost their lives in tumultuous circumstances. In sharp contrast, the 2009 provincial elections, which mark just the third time that Iraqis have gone to the polls since the fall of Saddam Hussein, passed off without major incident. Almost 6500 polling centres across 14 of the 18 Iraqi provinces hosted the voting, each provided with exceptional security. The BBC reported polling day as strangely quiet, unfolding in an almost festive atmosphere. 1 A Struggle of Honor and Shame
Ron Coody - 2/23/2009
Israel and Turkey seem caught together in a society of mutual shame. They have related on friendly terms for decades, under the influence of Kemalism. For Turks who value their Ottoman heritage, Turkey s lost control of Palestine and Jerusalem to the British in the early 20th century still brings pangs of discontent. Not only was the Ottoman Empire the peak of Turkish power in the last half millennium, it was also the protector of the three holiest sites of Islam. But the modern secular republic of Turkey has accepted Israel s statehood and legitimacy. Moral Vacuity In the Call For An Academic Boycott against Israel
Richard L. Cravatts, Ph.D. - 2/23/2009
Seeming to give proof to Orwells observation that some ideas are so stupid they could only have been thought of by intellectuals, yet another group of academicsthis time in the United Stateshas followed Britain and Canada by ignobly launching another academic boycott of Israel. What is called The U.S. Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel seeks to enjoin participation in any form of academic and cultural cooperation, collaboration or joint projects with Israeli institutions that do not vocally oppose Israeli state policies against Palestine, promot[e] divestment and disinvestment from Israel by international academic institutions. . . . Peace Process Needs To Go Back To The Future
Ted Belman - 2/23/2009
Elliot Abrams advises there are two alternatives: realism and failure. He ought to know. Relatives prevented from entering Camp Ashraf to visit loved ones
Shahriar Kia - 2/23/2009
Following the removal of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran from the EUs terrorist list and an end to seven years of investment by the religious fascism ruling Iran in this regard and the defeat this regime has sustained during recent elections in Iraq, the mullahs are carrying out new plots against the PMOI and in particular the residents of Camp Ashraf in Iraq. In the midst of the blow it has suffered, the regime thinks by imposing pressure on Ashraf it can compensate this great blow and return to the previous balance of power which is now unattainable. All Israeli Leaders Want Peace; But No Palestinian Leaders Do
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/16/2009
What is the most important theme of Israeli politics, policy, and thinking today? It is pretty simple but you will rarely see it explained in much of the world: Journalist Says Israel Has No Right to Exist
Jeremy Reynalds, Ph.D. - 2/13/2009
A journalist who has written as many as 37 articles for a widely respected British newspaper, and who was at one time the editor of a radical Islamic Internet forum, has stated publicly that Israel has no right to exist Israel's Election in International Perspective
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/9/2009
Many people dont understand whats happening now in Israeli politics, so heres a brief, and non-partisan, appreciation. Compared to the past, theres far less difference between the three main parties. This is largely due to the objective situation, which is rather inflexible. When Secularists Burn Heretics
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/6/2009
Ali Ahmad Said Asbar is a name almost no one knows but everyone recognizes him by his penname Adonis. He is probably the greatest poet in the contemporary Arab world. On October 13, 2008, he gave a lecture at the National Library of Algeria. A Syrian who now lives in Paris focusing on two themes: the radical Islamist attempt to impose its interpretation of the religion is wrong and also that religion should not dominate society. 26 security officers were killed in Baluchistan
Reza Hossein Borr - 2/5/2009
26 security officers were killed in Baluchistan in two separate incidents, Iranian officials sites reported. The first incidents was organised by People's Resistance Movement of Iran, Jondollah, in Sarawan on 20th of January. Jondollah reported in a statement that this operation was conducted to prevent supplies of arms and ammunitions to a military base near the border of Pakistan. This base is used for operations against Baluch fighters in the area between Sarawan and Zahedan. Jondollah claimed that they have used two roadside bombs to explode two cars which were loaded by ammunitions and arms. 14 security guards were killed in this operation. Who Speaks For Islam?
Iqbal Latif - 2/5/2009
The irreducible folly of terrorism has shown itself in the latest news streaming in from the troubled corner of the world; North Western Frontier Province. In Dera Ismail Khan there was a hand grenade lobbed at a local mosque, resulting in the injury of 6 worshippers. Islam is being held hostage by its own lunatics who want to avenge their losing battleground on the blood of innocents. This is the age of making new schools for girls not destroying schools by invoking writ of Allah. "We Ask Taliban To Spare Our Schools" Exploiting the War in Gaza to Benefit the Iranian Ayatollahs
Hassan Daioleslam - 2/5/2009
The Iranian regime's role in fueling radicalism in the Middle East and its part of responsibility for the recent war in Gaza and the misery and heavy casualty of its innocent people, merits studious and objective scrutiny by the experts. Nevertheless, the pro-Iranian advocates in Washington have taken a different path, and attempt to wash Irans hands of any connection or wrongdoing in the region. More shockingly, they try to exploit this new round of bloodshed to justify the future impasse in US overture toward Tehran. Choosing Sides: Egypt and Turkey Strike A Pose
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/5/2009
Two of the regions most important countriesEgypt and Turkeyare at a crossroads right now. Egypt has the chance to again be the Arab worlds central power; in contrast, Turkeys government is throwing away the opportunity to become a major diplomatic player in the region while hammering the last nail into the coffin of its chance for European Union membership. European Parliamentarians and jurists urge EU to recognize Iranian Resistance
Shahriar Kia - 1/28/2009
Dozens of Parliamentarians from EU national parliaments and the European Parliament as well as jurists and human rights activists urged the European Union on Tuesday to recognize the Iranian Resistance. The announcement was made at a press conference in Brussels organized by the European committee "In Search of Justice" (ISJ), which represents some 2,000 Parliamentarians from all member states of the 27-nation bloc. Fatah v. Hamas: Be My Brother or I'll Kill You
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/28/2009
There was an election on Hamass mind when it cancelled the ceasefire with Israel, leading to the Gaza war. But it wasnt the February Israeli election but rather the January Palestinian non-election. Questions about a New Conference on Iran
Hassan Daioleslam - 1/28/2009
The Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Rutgers University will be hosting a two-day conference1 on the theme of "The Iranian Revolution: Thirty Years" on the weekend of February 7-8th, 2009. Judging by the selection of speakers and considering Rutgers' past activities, we could predict another conference satisfying both the Iranian regime and those who crave for "coexistence" with the Iranian Ayatollahs. Fabricating lies about a nonexistent MeK suicide operation
Shahriar Kia - 1/28/2009
Simultaneous with the arrest of dozens of the families of Ashraf residents at Tehran Airport, Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran- based in Paris, and the jurists in defense of Ashraf, based on reliable intelligence from inside of the Iranian regime, disclosed the mullahs regime extensive plot for imposing pressure, conspiring and fabricating cases against the residents of Ashraf. The Predictable Palestinian Propaganda Ploy
Leslie J. Sacks - 1/28/2009
The successful lies of Dr. Hanan Ashwari epitomize the (most recent) Palestinian victory in the Gaza propaganda sweepstakes. Fox News uses her regularly to provide the Palestinian side of "fair and balanced." This longtime PLO spokeswoman, of course, is anything but. She harangues the audience with emotional and outrageous untruths, with nary a criticism. The interviewers, it seems, go mute in the face of such passionate, well-spoken English from the West Bank. Israel: Living Next Door to a Serial Killer
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/28/2009
Israel has won a huge military victory in a defensive war against the radical Islamist Hamas group which rules the Gaza Strip. There Must No Longer Be An Iranian Terror Base in Gaza
Ephraim Sneh (Past Israel Deputy Defense Minister) - 1/28/2009
Everyone is now urging a quick end to Operation Cast Lead. This operation has been unprecedented in its scale, relative to Israels past actions in the Gaza Strip. So is the damage it is leaving behind unprecedented, and that wont make things easier for us on the diplomatic front. A campaign like this needs to have a strategic outcome that justifies its scale. The needed outcome is for there to no longer be an Iranian terror base 3 kilometers from Sderot and 8 kilometers from Ashkelon. Is Gazas Islamic University an Educational Institution?
Dr. Richard L. Cravatts, Ph.D. - 1/27/2009
Taking a cue from a similar effort by its morally-imbecilic union brethren in Britain, the Ontario chapter of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) made the smarmy announcement that, as a protest against the December 29 bombing of the Islamic University in Gaza, it would introduce a resolution seeking to ban Israeli academics from speaking, teaching, or conducting research at Ontario university campuses. Acceding to an appeal from the Palestinian Federation of Unions of University Professors and Employees, Sid Ryan, president of CUPE Ontario, announced that the union had decided, no ... Syria's Obstructive Strategy of Resistance
Elias Bejjani - 1/27/2009
The majority of Middle Eastern rulers and politicians are corrupt and deceptive hypocrites. They are experts at formulating empty rhetoric, while declaring illusory and misleading popular slogans, inventing false national stillborn causes and adopting demagogic attitudes, all the while fighting Don Quixote battles and wars. The Peace Process is in Jeopardy? I Wonder Why!
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/18/2009
Whatever became of reality, at least in analyzing the Middle East? Consider the following: Ending The Gaza War: Choices, Not Solutions
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/12/2009
Last December, Hamas unilaterally ended its ceasefire with Israel and escalated the kind of cross-border attacks continually attempted even during the ceasefire. With massive public support, Israel struck back against a neighboring regime which daily attacked its citizens and called for its extermination. Lawfare: Another Weapon in the Jihad Against Israel
Richard L. Cravatts, Ph.D. - 1/12/2009
As Israel launched strikes against Hamas strongholds in Gaza over the past week, putting down temporarily a relentless barrage of some 3000 Qassam rockets and mortars that have been lobbed into southern Israeli towns this past year alone, Israels many global critics immediately denounced what they termed the disproportionate military response against the Palestinians. Many also chimed in again about the humanitarian crisis being caused in Gaza as a result of Israeli blockades, bemoaned the continuing siege, and complained how military retaliation against Hamas for its unbridled terror a... Turkey: Antisemitism Gets Out of Control
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/12/2009
Breaking News: A n bomb has been exploded midnight January 12 near the Israeli investment bank Bank Pozitif which is close to the Israeli Consulate Building in Istanbul. Gaza War: A Small Part of The Nationalist Islamist Conflict
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/11/2009
In decades to come, when the Middle East's history for this era is written, the current war in Gaza will be deemed a skirmish in the great Arab-Persian; Sunni-Shia; Arab nationalist-Islamist; Iran-Syria versus Egypt-Saudi Arabia conflict that is going to be the region's--and perhaps world's--main feature for the rest of our lifetimes. Israel's International Support: A Glass Eight-Tenths Full
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/11/2009
It's easy to be misled by elements of Western media and academia that seem to prefer terrorists and radical Islamists to Israel. A diplomatic balance sheet from Israel's standpoint is quite good, pretty remarkably good, better than it has been for a very long time. Is This Leadership in Gaza?
Manuela Paraipan - 1/10/2009
The situation in Gaza is brutally clear. Hamas ended the truce. It said it has no interest in either prolonging it or entering into a different kind of agreement that would ensure a relative calm on both sides. Furthermore, Hamas marked the end of the truce by firing rockets into Israel. What should have Israel done? Ignore it? It couldn't since the rockets were the handiwork of what it considers a terrorist group on a sovereign country and its citizens. Many have responded, saying that the response is disproportionate, without questioning the wisdom of the decision taken by Hamas to end the truce in the first place. The Gaza war was preceded by colossal blunders
Ted Belman - 1/10/2009
In August 2005 I wrote Disengagement will bring war not peace Conspiracy Theories Mislead Many in Middle East
Ron Coody - 1/10/2009
Among the many conspiracy theories floating around the Middle East one that is particularly interesting is the Greater Middle East Project. Though this theory has many variations the basic theme is that the Western powers, mainly Israel and the US are working to establish some sort of unified presence in the Middle East under the banner of an Ottoman-like imperial rule, characterized by the emergence of a watered down coalition of the three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The idea is that the unified religion under the direction of Turks and other Westernized Muslims will finally pacify the region and bring much easier access to oil production. The March of Folly in Gaza
Ted Belman - 1/8/2009
The current war was proceeded by colossal blunders. Hamas Is Perpetrating The death of its People
Elias Bejjani - 1/8/2009
The genuine sympathy and empathy with the civilian massive casualties, disastrous human sufferings and extensive material loses that are sadly taking place in Gaza, should not by any mean derail or blind the actual focus of the free world countries and Human Rightsadvocacy organizations away from the prime causes of the actual problem that led to the current Israeli-Palestinian bloody confrontation. Iranian regime enjoys Arabs and Jews killing each other
Reza Hossein Borr - 1/8/2009
The Iranian Ayatollahs who see Shiism as the embodiment of Iranian nationalism are enjoying themselves quietly in their huge and well-secured palaces in Iran while the Arabs and Israelis kill each other. They are enjoying their success in provoking both Palestinians and Israelis in a war which is providing the grounds for the Islamic Republic to become a major player in politics of region without being accountable or without being hurt. The regime considers both, enemies of Iran and Iranian Shiism, and helps both to become the victims of their own hatred and anger. Iraqi National Security Advisor pledge to close down Ashraf City
Shahriar Kia - 1/8/2009
The Iranian Resistance views the unlawful remarks by Mr. Mowaffak al-Rubaie, Iraqi National Security Adviser, on "prohibiting any political, propaganda, cultural, religious, and social activities" of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) and "closure of Camp Ashraf and moving its people and their expulsion to Iran or a third country," a consequence of the Iranian regime's enormous pressures on the Iraqi government, which come following the signing of the security agreement between Iraq and the U.S. government. In addition, the recent judgments by the European Court of Justice annu... Israel and Hamas: Whose Side Are We On?
Ryan Mauro - 1/8/2009
As the Gaza conflict continues, I am continually amazed at how some continue to frame Israel as the "bad guy." This isn't to say that one can't oppose the military offensive, or oppose Israeli policy in general, but in a conflict between Israel and Hamas, a listed terrorist organization, it is clear who Americans should be rooting for. On the Ground in Gaza
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/4/2009
Israel didn't want to attack the Gaza Strip from the ground or from the air. Hamas, which had long broken the ceasefire, canceled it altogether. Then it began large-scale attacks on Israel. This is a war of defense. And it is being conducted just 30 miles from here, Israel's main city. The Rules of War and The Rules of Logic
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/4/2009
A major problem in debating about international issues nowadays is that it is so often hard or even impossible to respect our adversaries. It is quite possible to disagree with someone but to be impressed with their ability in constructing arguments, their grasp of logic and facts, their getting things partly right to the point that it makes you adjust your own thinking. Yet nowadays one is so often confronted with deliberate lies, huge factual errors, and just totally illogical claims. The Gaza War: Is it All So Hard to Understand?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 12/31/2008
But why, more than one reporter from highly reputable publications has asked me, is Israel attacking Gaza now? At first, I was astonished: because Hamas cancelled the ceasefire and started massive rocket firings at Israel. The Looming Arab Food Crisis
Elie Elhadj, Ph.D. - 12/31/2008
To set the stage, certain facts need to be stated. First, foodstuffs are an encapsulation of water, virtual water. Generally, 1,000 tons of water (1,000 cubic meters (m3)) are needed to produce a ton of wheat, and 16,000 m3 of water is needed to produce a ton of red meat.[1] Further, a ton of rice requires 3,400 m3 of water to grow; a slice of bread, 40 liters (kilograms); a cup of tea, 30 liters; an apple, 70 liters; and a glass of beer, 75 liters. It follows that the composition of one's diet determines the volume of water embedd... The Fethullah Gulen Movement
Prof. Bill Park - 12/31/2008
The Gulen movement is attracting increasing and sometimes hostile attention both inside Turkey and beyond as a result of its increasing activity, wealth, and influence. Inspired by the thoughts of its founder, Sufi scholar Fethullah Gulen, it has established hundreds of educational institutions, as well as media outlets, dialogue platforms, and charities. Well-established in Turkey, it has expanded into the wider Turkic world and, increasingly, beyond. Yet its structure, ambitions, and size remain opaque, making assessment of its impact and power difficult. Why Is Israel Fighting Hamas?
Ryan Mauro - 12/31/2008
The eruption of the conflict in Gaza, which most observers could have forecasted months ago, should be seen as a lever in the power plays of the various regional actors. This conflict has potential positive and negative impacts for each player involved, and a proper analysis of these dynamics may allow us to peak into what will occur over the next few weeks. Why Israel Is Bombing Gaza
Ephraim Sneh (Past Israel Deputy Defense Minister) - 12/31/2008
When demands are made of Israel to halt its military activities in Gaza, a brief historical reminder is in order. Warning for Israel: Avoid the Iranian-Hamas Trap
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 12/31/2008
The State of Israel, after some five days of its Operation Cast Lead which seeks to end Hamas and its allies continual rocket attacks on southern Israelover 300 rockets being launched against Israel in the fortnight before Israel retaliated this week, and over ten times that many this past year alone, despite the 6-month ceasefire lullfinds itself under intense pressure to accept a ceasefire, especially from the E.U. as led by France. Despite the temptation to cave in to this pressure, Israel should reject the idea. Hamas has proposed a ceasefire, but with conditions that will allow it... Hamas Strategy: Media or Rockets
Prof. Barry Rubin - 12/29/2008
Nothing is clearer than Hamas's strategy. It gives Israel the choice between rockets and media, and Hamas thinks it is a situation of, "We win or you lose." The Mandate for Israel
Ted Belman - 12/29/2008
Over three years ago I came across a new demographic study by AIDRG which argues that for the foreseeable future Jews would outnumber Arabs in Israel, Judea and Samaria by a ratio of 2:1. This fact gave rise to the suggestion that Israel should favour a Jewish One-State Plan. I became an immediate convert and wrote Maintaining a Free Ashraf
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 12/29/2008
The following text was delivered as a speech on the 104th day of the vigil being held for Camp Ashraf, and was delivered at Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington, DC, on December 24, 2008: Iranians rally outside French embassy in London
Nasser Razy - 12/29/2008
Iranians from across the UK rallied outside the French embassy on Monday to demand that the French presidency of the EU implement a European Court verdict removing at once the name of the People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI) from the EU's terrorist list. The supporters of the Iranian Resistance warned that a failure by the EU Council of Ministers to implement the judgment of the Court of First Instance of the European Communities and a decision instead to trample on the rule of law could result in a humanitarian catastrophe for political opponents of the regime at Camp Ashraf in Iraq and lead to an unprecedented Europe-wide politico-legal scandal. Hussain, Iraq, Bush and shoes
Tanveer Jafri - 12/29/2008
American president George Bush's last Iraq visit as a president was some what different. During this visit, an Iraqi journalist attacked him by throwing the shoes on him. Undoubtedly, it was condemnable, bad and unnecessary activity done as a journalist. It does not behave a journalist to be a reactionary. But the incident took place and cannot be checked now. Now the common talk in the world is that why that 28 years old young journalist of Shia Saiyed community attacked President Bush with the shoes and with what words. What type of shoes that journalist purchased for this deed and the price... Court orders EU to lift ban on Iran's PMOI immediately
Nasser Razy - 12/22/2008
The Court of First Instance of the European Communities (CFI), in its fourth ruling over the past two years, rejected a request by the EU Council and France to delay implementation of the 4 December court ruling on the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) until the deadline to submit an appeal against the ruling has ended. It described their demand as "clearly unacceptable" and ordered the Council to pay all legal costs incurred by the PMOI. Liar, Liar
Prof. Barry Rubin - 12/22/2008
If you can understand why Hamas is ending its ceasefire with Israel, you can comprehend Middle East politics. And if you can't, you can't. 31 Balochis killed in the last 30 days in Iran
Reza Hossein Borr - 12/22/2008
One Baluch was killed and another one was arrested on 20.12.08 by the Iranian security forces, the Iranian Fars News Agency reported. (1) This Baluch was killed when he was travelling in Kerman province. The report suggested that there was an armed clash between the two sides but did not say anything about the government casualties. What They Say Isn't What You Hear
Prof. Barry Rubin - 12/22/2008
The full horror of contemporary Middle East politics and debate is comprehended by few in the West, largely because they aren't informed by their political leaders, intellectuals, and media. Baha'is: The New Jews
Amil Imani - 12/22/2008
We all need scapegoats. It is in our fabric. It is a potent human disposition to blame others for our failings. Without scapegoats to blame, we are forced to look at ourselves for our problems. Examining ourselves can be very disturbing, particularly when we either lack the resources or the willingness to tackle them. So, we take the good old easy way out of the mess by shifting our focus to the outside world for targets to blame. Not the Center of the World
Prof. Barry Rubin - 12/18/2008
Israel isn't going to be the center of the world for the Obama administration and that's a good, if ego-disappointing, thing. Both the pro-Israeli right's paranoia and the wishful thinking of the anti-Israeli left in the United States (and, in the latter category, Europe plus the Middle East as well), are operating out of expectations rather than the actual situation. Mullahs Will Have To Choose To Be Either Gorbachev or Ceausescu
Ryan Mauro - 12/16/2008
Although our window to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons or the capability to produce them nearly at-will is closing quickly, so is the regimes ability to govern effectively. Besides the option of supporting democratic opposition forces in Iran, as I constantly argue for, there remains other options for non-military means of pressuring the regime. Irans aging oil infrastructure will likely doom its economy, and the mullahs that rely on oil exports for about 90% of government revenue: Thirty Years of Living In Hell
Amil Imani - 12/15/2008
For years, the U.S. State Department has called the Islamic Republic of Iran the worlds most active state sponsor of terrorism, For years, U.S. officials say the Islamic Republic of Iran has continued to provide funding, weapons, training, and sanctuary to numerous terrorist groups based in the Middle East and elsewhere, posing a security concern to the international community. And for years, the U.S. Administration has been unable to outdo the Islamic Republics propaganda machine and clearly has been unable or perhaps unwilling to help the Iranian people to end this nightmare in Iran. Don't Flatter Your Enemies, Protect Your Friends
Prof. Barry Rubin - 12/12/2008
In explaining why he was too fearful to vote in Jerusalem's mayoral election, an east Jerusalem Palestinian shopkeeper, Issam Abu Rmaileh, said, "I would have liked to vote because it's in our interest, but who's going to protect me and my family afterwards?" 972 Baloch have been arrested
Reza Hossein Borr - 12/6/2008
Tyranny has no any limits in Iran now. You as a human being and international community can prevent the expansion of tyranny in Iran. Tyranny began to grow when you as an individual, you as a leader, and you as a nation believed that you cannot stop it. Lebanese People: Faith, Hope & Perseverance
Elias Bejjani - 12/3/2008
General Michel Aoun, the leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, in his strongly Syrian influenced conduct, has become another Lebanese Judas Iscariot. Judas betrayed his master, Jesus Christ and handed him over to his enemies for thirty pieces of silver and Aoun too follows suit in his Dhimmitude to Syria and his cheap price extracted by the Syrians for himself and his political party. The Jewish Version of Arafat's Phased Plan
Ted Belman - 12/3/2008
Judea and Samaria activist Yechiel Leiter is promoting a plan that calls for immediate steps that will lead to the annexation of some 50% of Judea and Samaria. There are those who fear talking about annexing 50%, because that means giving up the other 50%, he told. Iran is promoting hatred against Sunnis
Reza Hossein Borr - 12/3/2008
The Islamic Republic of Iran systematically is generating far-reaching hatred against Sunnis in a way that has no precedence in history. While the Safavid Kings used their swords for the massacre of thousands of Sunnis, the Iranian Shia regime is using a new strategy for generating a wide and deep resentment in the unconscious mind of the general public, especially the young generations who have been born after the revolution. This strategy is about presenting Islam in a way that only legitimizes the Shias and illegitimize the Sunni Moslems and portrays them as the infidels who have been destroying Islamic principles even when the prophet was alive. Taking a stand for Ashraf
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 11/26/2008
We were assembled on the afternoon of 31 October 2008 at the United Nations Plaza on the 50th day of a vigil to draw the worlds attention to a miscarriage of justicea violation of an agreementa double-crossing of a partner and ally in the civilized worlds war with the barbarity that has been unleashed upon civilization by Khomeinism and those that would apply obscurantist religious law to rule society. Im referring to the decision of the State Department and the Pentagon directing the coalition forces constituted as the Multi-National Force-Iraq to transfer authority and responsibility fo... Stop the execution of 5 Baloch innocent young men
Reza Hossein Borr - 11/26/2008
London- 25.11.08-- After the demolition of Azim Abad mosque in Balochistan on 27 August 2008, several students and teachers were arrested for expressing their discontent about the demolition of the mosque. Five of them are now on trial on fabricated charges of having links with the People's Resistance Movement of Iran, Jondollah. Everybody in Baluchistan knows quite well that these are simple teachers and students that have no any kind of links with any armed group or political organizations. Interview with Lebanese Minister Tarek Mitri
Manuela Paraipan - 11/12/2008
During her fact-finding stay in Beirut, Manuela Paraipan had the opportunity to meet many ordinary Lebanese people as well as people in high-ranking political offices. One of them was Information Minister Tarek Mitri, who was the acting foreign minister after the summer 2006 war with Israel. He played a vital role in the negotiations leading to the cessation of hostilities. His answers to Paraipan's questions provide good insight into the complexity of Lebanese politics. The Memory of Liberty Haunts Iran
Amil Imani - 11/3/2008
Iran's Mullahs are trying to stamp out the memory of a great hero of human rights, a Persian who preceded Islam and therefore threatens it. Free people all over the world celebrate the memory of Cyrus the Great, the author of one of mankind's greatest documents, the first Charter of Human Rights, on October 29th. Protection of Camp Ashraf residents
Nasser Razy - 11/3/2008
We are extremely alarmed by reports that the U.S.-led Coalition is contemplating transferring to Iraqi forces the protection of nearly 4,000 Iranian political refugees residing in Camp Ashraf, which include 1,000 women, who are "protected persons" under international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention. Obama at Khalidi bash: Israelis commit 'genocide'
Ted Belman - 11/3/2008
Award-winning blogger Doug Ross reports that a reliable source has provided an eyewitness account of what he saw on the videotape of the Rashid Khalidi farewell bash that the LA Times is suppressing. Biden's 'Obama Crisis' May Be A War Against Israel
Ted Belman - 10/28/2008
Senater Biden recently warned about an upcoming generated crises and asked for political support for Obama re-action, Because its not gonna be apparent initially, its not gonna be apparent that were right. Lebanon's refugees in Israel & the Lebanese Leaders' Questionable Credibility
Elias Bejjani - 10/28/2008
We call on the Lebanese government and parliament to grant unconditional amnesty to the ex-members of the South Lebanon Army (SLA) who sought refuge in neighboring Israel with their families after the unilateral withdrawal of the Israeli troops from South Lebanon in May 2000 in accordance with the UN Resolution 425. A grant of amnesty is justified especially in light of the fact that (after Syrian troops were forced to withdraw from Lebanon in accordance with the UN Resolution 1559) the Lebanese parliament passed in 2005 an amnesty law that pardoned numerous leaders and individuals in a bid to... Bombardment of Balochistan, Iran, on 11, 12, 13 October 08 by Iranian forces
Reza Hossein Borr - 10/22/2008
After visiting his uncle, Nader Baloch began walking towards his home. He saw a huge smoke and fire was coming from the neighborhood where he lived with his parents. As he moved closer he realised that the smoke was coming from his own home. A large number of people gathered in the neighborhood. The Iranian security forces had surrounded his home to arrest his brother but since they found the iron door locked, the security forces climbed over the roof and poured few gallons of oil from the chimney in the main room and set fire on it. His parents, sisters and brothers were there when it was set on fire. All of them were burned to death as if they were in hell. Bombardment of a large part of Western and Northern Baluchistan
Reza Hossein Borr - 10/13/2008
London, 13 October 2008--Dozens of Baluchi villages have been destroyed in the bombardment of a large part of Western and northern Baluchistan in the third day of the bombardments. The bombardment began in Dumag after an unexpected encounter between the security forces and guerrilla fighters of People's Resistance Movement of Iran three days ago in a long range of mountains that begin from Zahedan, Capital of Balochistan and continue to the Kerman province in the Eastern part of Iran. October 13, 1990: The Good Legacy of General Aoun
Pierre A. Maroun - 10/13/2008
On October 13, 1990, the Lebanese Republic, which was the first free, pluralistic, and democratic state in the greater Middle East region ceased to exist after the Syrian regime backed by Iran and their lackeys attacked and occupied the Baabda Presidential Palace. Their main aim was to oust General Michael Aoun who was the Prime Minister of an interim government appointed for a single mission-prepare for the Presidential elections. October 13, & Lebanon's Heroes
Elias Bejjani - 10/13/2008
On October 13, 1990 the Syrian Army savagely invaded the last remaining free regions of Lebanon, killed and mutilated hundreds of Lebanese soldiers and innocent citizens in cold blooded murder, kidnapped tens of soldiers, officers, clergymen, politicians and citizens, and erected a subservient and puppet regime fully controlled by its security intelligence headquarters in Damascus. Since then, we commemorate the painful event each year on October 13. MP Mohammad Kabbani: Lebanon is a Work in Progress
Manuela Paraipan - 10/12/2008
I knew the discussion with MP Mohammad Kabbani of the Future Movement was going to be interesting when he started by saying that like many others, he supports the idea that Lebanon comes first. However, they have yet to agree what Lebanon is in order to know what steps to take next. The Arab World's Intellectual Mess: A Case Study
Prof. Barry Rubin - 10/12/2008
MEMRI has released report Number 1847 on September 8, 2008, entitled, "Egyptian Researcher Muhammad Al-Said Idris: The American Response to 9/11 Proves that the Official Version of Events Is False," the transcript of an interview he gave on Al-Rafidein TV on September 8, 2008. http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/1847.htm The 6-Day War: A Soviet Initiative
Gideon Remez and Isabella Ginor, Ph.D. - 10/12/2008
Abstract: The authors continue their analysis of Soviet involvement in the 1967 War with a discussion of new evidence and a response to criticisms regarding their controversial thesis that the USSR provoked that war, sought to use the conflict to eliminate Israel's nuclear capability, and seriously considered direct intervention. Publication of this article is intended to further the debate on these issues. What Larry King Never Asked Ahmadinejad
Amil Imani - 9/30/2008
CNN's king of the talk-show hosts and the icon of one of the major television networks, Larry King, hosted an interview on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 with the devil himself. Many Iranians felt completely betrayed by Mr. King's line of questioning. They felt that Mr. King was missing key questions. I am not advocating a hostile interview here, but how could Mr. King allow Ahmadinejad to easily dance away. It seemed he was deliberately making Ahmadinejad look and act like a human being. Hasan Nasrallah: A Leader or a Wheeler 'n Dealer?
Pierre A. Maroun - 9/30/2008
Leader of the radical Shiite group Hezbollahs Secretary General, Hasan Nasrallah, is a very controversial yet liked personality in the Muslim and Arab worlds. Since the withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from southern Lebanon in May 2000, he emerged as a strong and wise leader after claiming victory over the IDF. However, this image has been changing lately due to his divisive speeches and the misconduct of his partys militia inside Lebanon. One his latest speeches took place on September 16, 08, during an Iftar held by the Islamic Resistance Support Association. While Nasrallah ... Open Letter to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 9/30/2008
Mr. President, for once I find myself in complete agreement with you, which is a great surprise, given our different backgrounds and views on religion, politics, and life. But when I read your recent statement that Israel's Jews should return home, I found myself absolutely amazed that we are in such total agreement: Israel's Jews should return home. Absolutely; every last one of them should go home! Dangerous Talks with Syria
Maj.-Gen. Uzi Dayan and Dr. Jonathan Spyer - 9/30/2008
The current indirect talks between Israel and Syria are highly unlikely to result in a peace agreement. The talks, far from playing any positive role for Israel, are mistaken both in terms of our values and in terms of our practical interest. They are being conducted by an irresponsible government with no public mandate, and are already causing real harm. We should be working to isolate the Syrian regime, not rehabilitating it. The Need to Contain Iran & Hezbollah before it is too late
Elias Bejjani - 9/30/2008
Hezbollah, the Iranian terrorist militant and fundamentalist organization, is now actually occupying Lebanon, controlling its government and terrorizing its peace loving people. This Iranian mercenary Army by all means and according to all standards is like a wild and cannibal beast gradually devouring Lebanon, the independent, free and multicultural state. The Mirage of Arab Democracy
Elie Elhadj, Ph.D. - 9/29/2008
Arab democracy is fantasy. Democratic ideology cannot defeat Islamic theology. Notwithstanding that Arab rule is tribal, corrupt, and mired in favoritism and nepotism it is significant that Arab rulers typically stay in office until death, be it natural or resulting from a military coup. No Arab king or president, however, spares an opportunity, to display the loyalty of his subjects. While the presidents conduct stage-managed referendums in which they consistently manage to achieve near 100% approvals, the monarchs draw mile-long queues of happy-looking men (women are barred) on every nation... Time is on my side - yes it is!
Prof. Barry Rubin - 9/29/2008
So sang the Rolling Stones. But which side has time working in its favor? That's one of the Middle East's most intriguing and controversial questions. The Fall and Rise of the One-State Solution
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 9/29/2008
Deeply embedded in Palestinian nationalism is the notion that Israeli Jewish identity is analogous to that of communities born of European colonialism, which are not seen as having legitimate claim to self-determination. No reconsidering of this characterization took place during the period of the peace process of the 1990s. Hence, the short period of acceptance of the "two-state solution," was a departure by Palestinian nationalism from its more natural stance, and the current trend of return to the "one-state" option is a return to a position more in keeping with the deep view of the conflict held throughout by this trend. Women in the New Iraq
Judith Colp Rubin - 9/29/2008
Iraqi women once enjoyed more civil and social rights than many of their sisters in other Islamic nations. Ironically, that was thanks in part to the dictator Saddam Hussein, although in the last years of his rule women were among those groups whose rights were eroded. Now that Hussein has been overthrown, Iraqi women are among Iraqi special interest groups seeking rights. Yet women here are not a united force as Islamist women have emerged as a political entity. Meanwhile, women remain disproportionately victims of the violence that has gripped the country. Violation of human rights continues in Baluchistan, Iran
Reza Hossein Borr - 9/29/2008
Following the arrest of 5 Baloch human rights activists on Sunday, 7 September, two more civil society campaigners were arrested today, 10th of September. Mohammad Hussain Khalili and Mohammad Reza Rakhshani who run a cultural society were violently arrested and taken to an unknown location. Interview with Hizballah's Ayatollah Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah
Manuela Paraipan - 9/18/2008
I did not feel nervous when I met His Eminence, Ayatollah Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah - just curious about how the meeting would be. It is not every day that I get to meet such an important religious figure for Shia Muslims throughout the world. Lebanon Remembers Its assassinated President Bachir Jmayel
Elias Bejjani - 9/17/2008
Lebanon's rulers, officials and politicians with their numerous feudal, social, denominational, secular and fundamentalist affiliations - as well as the so-called Interview with Walid Jumblatt: "We have no other choice than to abide by reality"
Manuela Paraipan - 9/9/2008
Manuela Paraipan: What are your comments after the meeting last night with Speaker Nabih Berri? Walid Jumblatt: It is important to have President Michel Sulayman convene the national dialog session to discuss the issue of the arms of Hizballah. It will take a long time to settle it, as it is not a local issue, but we have to speak about it. One day, I hope, they will be incorporated into the Lebanese state. Waiting For Something
Prof. Barry Rubin - 9/9/2008
If I had to nominate the funniest cartoon I've ever seen, it was a very simple one showing a driver in a car at a "T" junction. He was staring desperately at three signs that read: No Left Turn; No Right Turn; No U-Turn. How the United Nations is undermining Israel
Dr. Alex Grobman - 9/1/2008
Zionism the Jewish national renaissance movement is one of the most misunderstood examples of modern nationalism. Part of the reason is that Zionism is founded on a paradox. In an attempt to transform the Jewish people into becoming like all the other nations of the world, Zionism sought a contemporary solution to the "Jewish problem" by returning Jews to their ancestral homeland.[1] Although secular Zionist thinkers drew upon sacred Jewish traditions of rebirth and restoration, they discarded or recast anything not connected to restoration, especially religious rituals. Zionis... Forward to The Past
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 9/1/2008
In recent weeks, a number of prominent Fatah figures have suggested that their movement might abandon its commitment to a "two-state solution" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and return to the pre-1988 demand for Israel's replacement by a single state in the area between the Jordan and the Mediterranean. The destruction of another Sunni mosque in Iran and its consequences
Reza Hossein Borr - 8/27/2008
The security forces of Iran attacked a mosque and a religious school at three o'clock in the morning today, 27 August 2008, arrested the students and staff and destroyed the mosque and the religious school in the North East of Baluchistan, Iran. The security forces used several bulldozers and tractors to completely destroy the building of Imam Abu Hanifa Mosque in Azimabad, a suburb of the city of Zabol. Nobody knows what has happened to the students, teachers and staff of the school and the mosque. The people who witnessed this morning operations observed that the students and teachers wer... The Hariri Investigation and the Politics of Perception
Gary C. Gambill - 8/27/2008
When the UN launched its investigation into the February 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, many in Lebanon and abroad were convinced that the perpetrators of this crime would eventually be brought to justice. Syria's control over security in Lebanon was so pervasive that an operation of this caliber and complexity would have been nearly impossible to pull off without some degree of involvement by some node of its intelligence services. After the withdrawal of Syrian forces the following April and the election of a new Lebanese gove... Outreach to Islamic Supremacist Groups
Jeffrey Imm - 8/27/2008
One of the most critical aspects of a strategic battle against the ideology behind Jihad, Islamic supremacism, is an honest definition of the term "civil rights and civil liberties." "Civil rights" are based on the American value of equality that all men and women are created equal a value that Islamic supremacism as an ideology does not embrace. So when federal government agencies claim to be making outreach efforts to organizations that espouse and/or support Islamic supremacist viewpoints, such outreach efforts are actually contrary to America values of "civil rights," not promoting "civil rights." Assad's Shopping List
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 8/27/2008
President Bashar Assad of Syria began a trip to Russia this week. Russian news agency RIA Novosti has quoted the Syrian Information Ministry as confirming that the trip will last two days. Arab intransigence wil lead to a Jewish one-state solution
Ted Belman - 8/26/2008
Ahmad Qureia recently warned, The Palestinian leadership has been working on establishing a Palestinian state within the 67 borders, The Bid For Dubai's Cyber-Rights
Naseem Javed - 8/26/2008
Under the latest ICANN's policy who would like to bid the highest amount for the exclusive global rights to the new domain suffix .dubai? Such a suffix will create a powerful domain root that will corner some 180 services underneath it, like go.dubai, hotel.dubai, job.dubai, cars.dubai or fly.dubai. Who would be the next global cyber-branding leader of this new millennium? Are auctions the right methods to sell such mega marketing channels? ICANN the Internet Authority is looking into auctioning off such popular name identities. A billion dollars going once? Billion dollars going twicesold to the person from Russia with the diamond-studded cell phone. A Turkish Martin Luther?!
Elie Elhadj, Ph.D. - 8/26/2008
The BBC reported on February 26, 2008 that Turkey's Department of Religious Affairs has commissioned a team of theologians at Ankara University's School of Theology to carry out a fundamental revision of the Hadith, the sayings of the Prophet. An adviser to the project says some of the sayings can be shown to have been invented hundreds of years after the Prophet Muhammad died, to serve the purposes of contemporary society (BBC, February 26, 2008, Dilemma of the Lebanese detainees in Syrian jails
Elias Bejjani - 8/26/2008
Like parrots, the Syrian Baathist regime's officials keep rhetorically insisting that there are no arbitrarily Lebanese detainees incarcerated in their notorious and Nazi like jails. Logically and legally these false allegations and big lies cannot be acceptable unless a United Nations team is formed to investigate the whole matter without any kind of involvement or pressure from both the Lebanese and Syrian authorities. The Educated Dictators of Iran
Prof. Kazem Kazerounian - 8/26/2008
The fiasco of the clumsily forged Oxford doctoral diploma of the Iranian interior minister is comically tragic. Unfortunately for the interior Minister Ali Kordan, he will not be able to join the elite group of Dr. Ahmadinejad, Dr. Larijani, Dr. Khatami, Dr. Maleki, Dr. Rezaii, Dr. Motaki, Dr. Jajili and a thousand other officials with a PhD degree any time soon. However this debacle raises the question, why Tehrans rulers feel the need to carry the title of Doctor to govern? Iranians rally outside Red Cross demanding protection of PMOI's rights in Ashraf city in Iraq
Nasser Razy - 8/26/2008
Hundreds of Iranians gathered outside the UK office of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) urging the world humanitarian body to take action to ensure that Coalition forces continue to protect the members of Iran's main opposition force, the People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI), in Camp Ashraf in Iraq's Diyala Province. Iranian Mullahs Blame Game
Amil Imani - 8/18/2008
It is a fundamental human trait to locate the source of anything bad happening and try to neutralize it. There are, however, times that the source of the harm cannot be pinpointed or when successfully recognized it cannot be eliminated. Failure to recognize the source or neutralize it is frustrating. And frustration triggers a variety of emotions and reactions. The feeling of victimization is one possible reaction that frequently goes hand-in-hand with displaced aggression on a convenient safe target. The aggression can be verbal, physical, or a combination of the two. Labor in Kuwait
G.M. Solaiman - 8/18/2008
Last week in a rare development in Middle East, thousands of Bangladeshi workers went to strike protesting poor living conditions, serious abuse and human rights violation. I hope you were not surprised with the aftermath of this. Instead of addressing the human rights abuse issue that has been happening for Livnis fiasco
Ted Belman - 8/15/2008
Jpost has an editorial Lebanon tipping-point? in which it reviews the deteriating situation in Lebanon. I thought I would review how Livni sold Res 1701 to Israelis just as Olmert sold Israelis that the Lebanon War II was a success. Execution and mass arrest in Baluchistan
Reza Hossein Borr - 8/15/2008
Yaqoub Mehrnehad, the Baloch peaceful political activist, journalist and writer was executed today, the fourth of August 2008 along with another young Baluch human rights activist, Abdolreza Taheri Sadr. He was sentenced to death some time ago. When his family was allowed to meet after that he said that he was quite innocent and had no contact with any armed group. He said that he campaigned for equality and Justice and if death is the price for equality and Justice he would accept it with all his heart as accepting tyranny is giving the tyrants the opportunity to terrorise the innocent people. We'll take the dowry - you keep the bride
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 8/15/2008
A fourth round of indirect talks between Syrian and Israeli representatives was concluded in Istanbul this week and as the Turkish mediators kept themselves in shape conveying messages between the hotel rooms of the two countries' delegations, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was keen to stress the urgency of the hour. Michel Aoun Falsifies History again
Elias Bejjani - 8/15/2008
During his speech to the Lebanese parliament, which is meeting to discuss the new cabinet program and decide on granting confidence, Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah stooge and leader of the FPM parliamentary block, declared that the Palestinian tragedy is the fault of the United Nations among others. He stated: It was a decision by the United Nations to create the state of Israel at the expense of the Palestinian people, and as a consequence to this decision, the Palestinians were forced into exile (speech transcript on the Lebanese Canadian Coordination Council). Arab intransigence wil lead to a Jewish one-state solution
Ted Belman - 8/13/2008
Ahmed Qurei recently warned, The Palestinian leadership has been working on establishing a Palestinian state within the 67 borders. If Israel continues to oppose making this a reality, then the Palestinian demand for the Palestinian people and its leadership one state, a binational state." AP Falsely Reports Israel Building New Settlement
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/13/2008
The AP falsely reported that Israel is building a new settlement on the West Bank and linked this to a wrong-headed spin on an important national leader visiting Israel. The Best Defense Strategy for Lebanon is a Peace Treaty with Israel
Charles Jalkh - 8/13/2008
Hezbollahs propaganda has been focusing the Lebanese people into a single argument of how can we defend Lebanon from Israeli aggressions and designs over Lebanese territory and resources. Lets us analyze Hezbollahs premise in its 2 parts; the assumption of Israeli aggression, and then the designs/wants of Lebanese territory and resources. Annihilatory Politics: How to Get the World To Hate Israel
Dr. Richard L. Cravatts, Ph.D. - 8/11/2008
As part of evaluating the competitive landscape of the popularity of nations, in a process referred to in marketing circles as place branding, Israel, to no ones great surprise, comes up short in brand likeability, ranking last out of 35 nations included in an August 2006 survey conducted by nation branding expert Simon Anholt, even less attractive to respondents than Indonesia, Estonia, and Turkey. Analysis: A Success for Hizbullah - and its Price
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 8/11/2008
The release of Samir Kuntar and his four colleagues, and the national jubilation that greeted their return to Lebanon, bring to a close a week of achievement for the regional bloc of which Hizbullah is a member. The events of the week, however, do not resolve any of the issues of which they form a part. Rather, they plant the seeds of further confrontation. Islamobil: Mosque on Wheels
Amil Imani - 8/11/2008
In one of my articles, Terrorists Bill of Rights, I described how America will be taken over by the Muslims. I warned that Muslims do it first by establishing Mosques in every town and city. These mosques range from the ostentatious, such as the one in Washington D.C., to the academically-cloaked university Islamic centers, to the innocuous storefront types and even prison chapels. One and all have the same aims: Hold the faithful in line, recruit as many new adherents by any and all means, and indoctrinate one and all in the imperative of Islamic conquest. Subtly and determinedly, Syria is taking over Lebanon
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 8/8/2008
Lebanese President Michel Suleiman is to visit Syria next week, to discuss the opening of diplomatic relations between the countries, a Lebanese official told reporters this week. French President Nicolas Sarkozy last month hailed President Bashar Assad's expression of willingness in principle to establish diplomatic relations with Lebanon as "historic progress." Fifty First Negotiations
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/8/2008
For those who don't know, "Fifty First Dates" is a comedy film undistinguished except by its brilliant premise. It describes the dilemma of a man in love with a woman who has short-term memory loss. Each day she forgets she has ever met him and he must start the relationship all over again from the beginning. No matter how kind, funny, or romantic he is it doesn't really matter. Like Sisyphus in the legend, he has to roll the boulder up the mountain from the bottom and never--at least until the Hollywood-style happy ending--gets to the top. Big battle looming between Obama and Netanyahu, if both elected
Ted Belman - 8/4/2008
Lets face it, there is going to be a Declaration of Principles agreed to, if not this year, early next year. The execution of two security men is not justified
Reza Hossein Borr - 8/4/2008
I have been informed that Al Arabia television has broadcast a video film of Peoples Resistance Movement of Iran, Jondollah, about the execution of two members of the revolutionary guards of Iran. I have been informed that the film shows quite clearly how two members of security guards have been executed. If this is the case, as a journalist and a human rights activist, I strongly express my protest about the execution of these officers and showing of the video of their execution. This act of violence is not justified by any means and is not acceptable by anybody who is campaigning for observation of human rights. Self-Radicalization
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 8/3/2008
Over the last two months, Israeli security forces have arrested six young Arab men suspected of seeking to form an extreme Islamist cell for the purpose of carrying out high-profile terror attacks in the capital. Two of the six held Israeli citizenship, while the other four were residents of east Jerusalem. It appears that they were radicalized through involvement in an Islamic study circle and via the Internet. Two Arab Israeli citizens from the town of Rahat were arrested in recent weeks on similar suspicions. Acceptable defined goals and unacceptable hidden agendas
Reza Hossein Borr - 8/3/2008
The heaviness of the burden of Kurdish massacres in the last several decades has inflicted heavy pains on the conscience of many people in the world and specifically the Western intellectuals and leaders. The sufferings of the Kurds have caused enormous debate in the governments, think tanks, universities and media. Millions of people shared their sufferings but few people took their cause seriously. Who Goes There? Friend or Foe?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/3/2008
Here's the most important thing I can tell you about the Middle East. Appeasement Business as Usual
Prof. Kazem Kazerounian - 8/3/2008
White House has announced that the Undersecretary of State William Burns will attend talks between the EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Irans negotiator Saeed Jalili. While Irans lobbyists in Washington are celebrating, many political observers are puzzled by the unexpected change of hearts of the Bush administration that had maintained that no talks would be held until Iran halted its uranium enrichment. A few hours after the US announcement, the Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated that Iran will not pass its read line (namely halting uranium enrichment), but ne... Lebanon's Battle
Elie Elhadj, Ph.D. - 8/3/2008
The battle for Lebanon is a battle between a relatively rich minority among Lebanons four million people and a poor majority. The minority controls the political and economic fortunes of the country. The majority refuses to be dominated. The divide is political and economic, not religious or sectarian; though, Lebanon is home to 18 different religious sects, all recognized in the Lebanese constitution. A Night on the Town in Jerusalem
Ted Belman - 8/3/2008
My night on the town started by attending a talk at 4:30 PM by Shuki Yashuv who was a master cabinetmaker and history graduate, before leaving Jerusalem with his wife and 2 daughters for Moshuv Agur in 1999 to set up his winery. Prophets and Losses
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/3/2008
Strike One. September 6, 2007. Israel bombs and destroys Syrian nuclear facility. Syria is powerless to retaliate. Samir Kuntar is a Convicted Murderer and Not a Hero
Elias Bejjani - 7/29/2008
It is really sad, shocking and shameful when a convicted murderer is decorated as a hero. Shame on Lebanon's leaders, parties, dignitaries, politicians and officials who boldly and evilly distanced themselves from the hopes, aspirations, education, and culture of their own people and welcomed Samir Kuntar as a hero. By doing so they have alienated themselves from the majority of the Lebanese people and negated the deeply Lebanese rooted standards and criteria for what is wrong and what is right, and for what is good and what is evil. Iranian version of Shiism portrayed Ali as the Creator of Universe
Reza Hossein Borr - 7/29/2008
Two separate videos that were recently published showed how the Iranian version of Shiism has been diverted from the Islamic principles. One of them depicted Ali, the fourth Caliph, as the creator of the universe and skies and the giver of food to humanity. The second video portrayed Fatema, the daughter of the prophet, as Al Rahman wa Al Rahim, (2 names of God) and the owner of Day of Judgement. The Iran-Syria Alliance: The Economic Dimension
Nimrod Raphaeli and Bianca Gersten - 7/29/2008
An examination of Syrian-Iranian economic relations reveals that, beyond their propaganda value, these relations are of small benefit to Syria and of negligible benefit to Iran. The alliance between the two countries is driven first and foremost by political and strategic interests rather than by economic considerations. As neither Iran nor Syria is considered a reliable source of data, it is difficult to draw a clear picture on the nature and depth of these economic relations. Often distorted anecdotal figures create a misleading reality in order to serve political objectives. At times it see... Saudi Arabia's Agricultural Project: From Dust to Dust
Elie Elhadj, Ph.D. - 7/29/2008
Arid conditions have always prevented the development of any sizeable settled agricultural communities in the Arabian Desert. This article examines the events that led to and the lessons that may be drawn from a failed, politically determined economic and ecological policy created by poorly informed elite enjoying rentier economic circumstances. Beginning in the early 1980s, however, Saudi Arabia spent enormous amounts of money and exhausted massive volumes of water from mainly nonrenewable aquifers in an ostensible effort to achieve food self-sufficiency. On January 8, 2008, the Saudi governm... Lebanon Needs A Peace Treaty With Israel
Elias Bejjani - 7/28/2008
On Wednesday July 9th of this year, national news agencies reported that the Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Saniora had refused without any declared justifications, an Italian peace initiative presented to him by Italys Ambassador to Lebanon, Mr. Gabriel Kekya. News reports stated that the Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, who was on an official visit to Israel, had asked his countrys ambassador in Beirut to inform Mr. Saniora that he is willing to seriously mediate peace talks between Lebanon and Israel. Islamic Terror Breeds in Iran
Amil Imani - 7/28/2008
The Islamic Republic terror machine once again has taken off at the speed of light in Iran and exemplifies a depraved, clerical system of government, which legitimizes its depravity through terror, fear and intimidation of Iranian people. With the additional handpicking of the newly selected members of the Islamic "Majles," the clergy have intensified their terror against the people of Iran and their insatiable appetite for another holocaust against the Jewish State, at all cost. The leaders of the Islamic Republic have gone completely mad. Israelis and Fellow Travelers
Ted Belman - 7/28/2008
About thirty years ago, my how time flies, I was listening to a lecture by an Israeli law professor who had represented Israel in negotiations with the Syrians after the 73 war. To illustrate the difference in style between negotiators, he informed that when a customer walks into an Arab store, the Arab asks him how he is, to please sit down, can I get you a glass of water, where are you from etc., etc. When the same customer walks into an Israeli store, the Israeli says Hello, what do you want?.. The Israelis are anxious to get down to business whereas the Arabs have all the time in the world. Current day Israeli negotiators should take a lesson from this. What Drives Me Crazy
Ted Belman - 7/17/2008
When I attended High School in Galt, Ontario, a city of 14,000, in the early fifties I was as normal as any other kid except that I happened to be Jewish and proud of it. That singular fact of being a Jew permeated my entire life. Lebanon Needs A Peace Treaty With Israel
Elias Bejjani - 7/17/2008
On Wednesday July 9th of this year, national news agencies reported that the Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Saniora had refused without any declared justifications, an Italian peace initiative presented to him by Italys Ambassador to Lebanon, Mr. Gabriel Kekya. News reports stated that the Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, who was on an official visit to Israel, had asked his countrys ambassador in Beirut to inform Mr. Saniora that he is willing to seriously mediate peace talks between Lebanon and Israel. Collision Course
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 7/17/2008
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak this week called the Iranian nuclear issue "a challenge not just for Israel but for the entire world." He added that "Israel is the strongest country in the region and we have proven in the past that we are not deterred from acting when our vital interests are at stake." My visit to Kibbutz Ein Harod
Ted Belman - 7/17/2008
Mike Packard, a longtime friend of Israpundit, invited me to spend Shabbat with him and his family in Kibbutz Ein Harod. I gratefully accepted. So on Friday I hopped on a bus in Jerusalem headed for Beit Shean. Homecoming for a Child-killer
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 7/17/2008
The deal for the return of convicted terrorist Samir Kuntar, four Hizbullah men captured in the 2006 Second Lebanon War and a number of corpses in return for the remains of kidnapped IDF soldiers Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser comes at an opportune moment for the Hizbullah leadership. Gullibility & Guile: the Ben-Ami Parsi "Peace with Iran" Plan
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 7/17/2008
Humans have a strong desire to solve problems, especially when it is believed that the efforts will solve major international conflicts and bring regionalor possibly even worldpeace. This characteristic within the human psyche may prove to be very beneficial for the long-term survival of this planet in an age of nuclear proliferation. But it is essential for any "problem solver" to know well his/her partners in a potential peace pact. The recent article[1] by Dr. Shlomo Ben-Amiformerly Israels Minister of Foreign Affairs in the government of Ehud Barak and currently vice-president of the T... They Hanged Her for Teaching Love
Amil Imani - 7/17/2008
She is called the Angel of Iran, because she lived her short life angelically. The demonic Islamist Mullahs, true to their nature, couldnt bear an angel in their midst. On June 18, 1983, they hanged the young woman, barely past childhood, for refusing to renounce her belief: the belief in love, justice, and equality for all children of God. The Baloch Movement is not supported by the US
Reza Hossein Borr - 7/17/2008
Dozens of different authors, Think tanks and web sites have claimed that the Baluch struggle for establishing democracy in Iran is somehow financed or supported by the United States of America, Western Europe or Arab countries. These claims are totally false and fabricated. These are either claims by the Islamic Republic of Iran or its lobbyists. Some uninformed journalists and boasting intelligence officers are involved too. The claims that they make are the copies of the false accusations of Islamic Republic of Iran that have been attributed to independent and popular Baluch resistance against the regime. Trade or No Trade
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/17/2008
The Israeli prisoner exchange with Hizballah is a psychological victory for both sides. Nevertheless, I don't like the decision, I understand both ends of the debate over it, and my job is to analyze them. So rather than make some simple conclusion, I want to think out loud with you about all the factors involved. An Alternative to War or Surrender With Iran
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/17/2008
Here's what Israel thinks: Since Iran's regime is thoroughly radical and deeply committed to its destruction, Israel can't accept Tehran having nuclear weapons. Unless sanctions and pressures can stop this program Israel must attack in order to defend itself. Irreconcilable Enemy? Examining Hamas and Hezbollah
Nicholas M. Guariglia - 7/17/2008
It isnt smart to walk alone late at night on the outskirts of Newark, New Jersey. I discovered this for myself last October, when I was returning home from a friends house. Just one hundred yards from my apartment, and ironically just two hundred yards from a police station, a man jumped out of some dark bushes near the side of the road and attacked me. Lebanon's Militia Wars
Tony Badran - 7/17/2008
Lebanon's civil war was a complex, multisided battle whose implications still shape the country's politics today. This article analyzes the forces involved domestically and the course of the war, drawing lessons that apply to the contemporary situation in Lebanon. The Security Council has no jurisdiction over settlement construction
Ted Belman - 7/16/2008
Saudi Arabia is making moves to put a resolution before the Security Council dealing with Israeli settlement construction. So far the exact resolution hasnt been formulated let alone tabled but is expected to demand a cessation of building additional housing units. Radio Farda and Iranian oppositions rally in Paris
Pooya Javid - 7/16/2008
On the morning of June 28, 2008, this news article appeared on Radio Fardas Persian-language web page: Polish Students in the rally of Peoples Mojahedin Organization. Arab Offense, Israeli Defense
Ted Belman - 7/16/2008
Arab's play offense while Israelis play defense. Nowhere is this more evident than in the field of propaganda. The Cyber Highway To Dubai
Naseem Javed - 7/16/2008
Right now, the global business community at large is very curious to discover the charm of Dubai, and what it is about its business community that works so well. The outside world wants to know who these people are, how they run their projects, and what they do exactly that is so grand and magical. The Persian Empire in the Middle East is consolidated
Reza Hossein Borr - 7/11/2008
The shift of power to Hezbollah in Lebanon consolidated the Persian Empire in the Middle East. The Iranians always craved to reinstate their Empire after it was destroyed by the Arabs. Now by plotting, clandestine agreements, smart political manoeuvring and military strategies, the Persians have been able to reintroduce their Empire again in the Middle East. First it was Iraq which was the major barrier towards the advancement of Persians in the Middle East. The United States of America removed that formidable barrier for them and paved their way for further march in the heart of Arabs lands. Iran's discredited Press TV Celebrates Anniversary of Propaganda
Paul Martin - 7/7/2008
According to reports, Iran 's state-run media known as "PressTV" is celebrating its anniversary. Though most people around the world find the media almost synonymous with propaganda, the Iran government continues to pay more than 27 million dollars to run it. MeK Deserves To Be Legalized
Ana K. Sami - 7/7/2008
This text is being written in response to the article written by Ahmad Baaran on June 1, 2008 entitled "Errors in UK Court Decision on MEK". Baaran heavily criticizes the "lack of sophistication" within the UK legal system in regards to a recent decision by their Court of Appeals to remove the PMOI (People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran) from their list of terrorist organizations. The author provides a grossly inaccurate and distorted view of the PMOI's positions and core ideology, in addition to a skewed definition and use of the word "terrorism." Iran's 2008 Parliamentary Elections: A Triumph Of The System
Raz Zimmt, Ph.D. candidate - 7/7/2008
Over 24 million voters participated in the elections for the eighth Iranian parliament (Majlis), on March 14, 2008. Since the Islamic Revolution (1979), the Majlis has been one of the major pillars in Iranian politics. Under Iran's system of clerical rule, ultimate power lies not with the Majlis or even the president, but with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The leadership qualities of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Reza Hossein Borr - 7/7/2008
The Islamic Republic of Iran has been rated as one of the most incompetent and most inefficient countries in the world. It had scored between 10 to 30 points from 100 in areas of accountability, corruption, political instability, quality of performance and government effectiveness. It has possibly wasted more human and financial resources than any other country in the last 29 years. Its performance has declined gradually and steadily and corruption and violence have increased dramatically over the last ten years. Hezbollah is Iran's Army In Lebanon
Elias Bejjani - 7/7/2008
Unfortunately, Lebanon is facing at the present time a crucial and fatal threat to the core and essence of its existence, its soul of coexistence and freedom. The free world is apparently turning a blind eye to the threat to Lebanon, the land of the historic cedars, the home of the great Phoenicians, and the unique mosaic and multi-cultural country of the Middle East. This tragedy has been unfolding without a decisive deterrent stance from the free world. Iraq's Future: The War and Beyond
Panel Discussion - 7/7/2008
On March 27, 2008, the U.S. Department of State's International Information Programs in Washington D.C., the Public Affairs Office at the U.S. Embassy in Israel, and the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center jointly held an international videoconference seminar focusing on Iraq. Brief biographies of the participants can be found at the end of the article. This seminar is part of the GLORIA Center's Experts Forum series. Tehran Tries to Throttle MEK Opposition Through Iraqi Allies
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 7/7/2008
On Saturday, June 14, 2008, the Solidarity Congress of the Iraqi Peoples[1] held its fourth annual meeting[2] at Camp Asraf in Diyala Province where it was hosted by the Iranian opposition group, the Mojahedin-e Khalq [MEK] (aka Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran/PMOI). At the meeting, a petition was presented with the signatures of over 3 million Iraqi Shiites calling for the expulsion of the Iranian regime and its agents from the territory of Iraq, as well as the removal of restrictions from the PMOI in Iraq. The petition stated the following: Mr. Obama: Don't Betray My People
Amil Imani - 7/7/2008
It looks like Mr. Obama may well be the next resident of the White House. It also looks like my people are going to be betrayed once again by a badly misguided American president. Jimmy Carter helped give birth to the virulent Shiite Islamism by forbidding the Shah of Iran to crush the bloodthirsty Ayatollah Khomeini and his band of rabid Islamists. Now, Mr. Obama intends to confer legitimacy on the illegitimate child, the Islamic Republic of Iran. Ceasefire At Any Cost
Ted Belman - 7/7/2008
As I write, the ceasefire, lull or whatever has been in place for an hour, but what are its terms? Nobody is saying at least not exactly. All responsible ministers are not to be seen and they are hiding behind the back of Maj Gen (retd), Amos Gilad who negotiated the deal under their orders. Turkey and NATO: A winning combination in post-war Iraq
Leman Canturk - 7/6/2008
After 2 decades of fighting with the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party), 35 000 casualties, and the capture of the Kurdistan Workers Party leader Abdullah Ocalan in 1999, many Turks thought the PKK era would come to an end. Yet in 2004, against the backdrop of a new balance of power brought forward with the US invasion of Iraq, the PKK ended a 5 year ceasefire and began attacking Turkish soil from Northern Iraqi territory. Now the public is mounting pressure on Recep Tayyip Erdogans government to do something to solve the PKK problem. They're Dictators and Terrorists But What Clean Streets!
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/3/2008
Tamas celebrated its first anniversary of power in the Gaza Strip amidst massive misinterpretations regarding the situation there. The Idiocy of the Iraq War
Kyle Bristow - 7/3/2008
As of June 16, 2008, 4,101 American soldiers have been killed in Iraq since the war began on March 19, 2003, and at least 30,000 have been woundedarguably for a cause that was not, is not, and will not ever be in Americas interest to have undertaken. Petulance and Pandemonium in Petra
David Singer - 7/3/2008
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa must have had a brain explosion during a lunch time speech delivered by Israel's President Shimon Peres to Nobel Laureates attending a conference in Petra to discuss the global food crisis. Fighting To Win
Ted Belman - 7/3/2008
The other day, I met with MK Arieh Eldad to learn from his perspective what was going on, how the forces are lining up for the upcoming elections and how we can keep Judea and Samaria. Livni is not the answer
Ted Belman - 7/2/2008
The Jerusalem Report has a major article, The Livni Beat, which attempts to explain Livnis politics. In Livnis view, the occupation of Palestinian territory must be wound up for two reasons: Iran's Future: Interview with Student Leader Amir Fakhravar
Dan Rabkin - 7/2/2008
Amir A. Fakhravar, an Iranian pro-democracy and student leader, joins me for an interview. He is the founder of the Iranian Freedom Movement, chairman of the Independent Student Movement, founder of the Confederation of Iranian Students, and president of the Iranian Enterprise Institute. Mr. Fakhravar is also an award winning author and journalist. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have a shoot-on-sight order out against him. His website is located at www.fakhravar.com. Hizbullah Won't Stop at Shaba
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 7/2/2008
Israel's announcement of a willingness for peace talks with Lebanon is one of the early fruits of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's recent visit to the region and her unexpected visit to Lebanon. French President Nicolas Sarkozy's recent visit to Lebanon and upcoming visit to Israel is also crucial here. Does Lebanon's House Speaker Head a Jihadist Militia?
Elias Bejjani - 7/1/2008
It was announced in Beirut on Monday June 30/08 that Lebanon's House Speaker, Mr. Nabih Berri will be paying Canada an official visit within the coming few days to participate in the Canadian French Quebec's province 400 years founding anniversary celebrations, and also to take part in the 34 Francophone Parliamentary General Assembly meetings Book Review of: 'The Politics of Chaos in the Middle East'
Susan Froetschel - 6/27/2008
A book's small size can be deceptive. In selecting "The Politics of Chaos in the Middle East," a reader must be prepared to release old assumptions and sort through a multitude of paradoxes and a maze of global connections, some more readily apparent than others. Saudi Oil Price Summit
Abdul Ruff - 6/27/2008
Pressured primarily by the USA and European states and with a view to trying to calm the volatile market, Saudi Arabia , the world's biggest oil producer, hosted an emergency oil meeting of oil producing and consuming nations, known as the OPEC, in Jeddah on June 22 to discuss soaring oil prices. Amid concerns that recent record oil prices are helping tip the US and other major economies towards recession, energy ministers from more than 30 countries, as well as senior executives from the world's largest oil companies, attended the conference in the city of Jeddah. The meeting took place amid ... IRI Mind Games with the Iranian Opposition
Ghazal Omid - 6/27/2008
For the past thirty years, the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) has cleverly come up with a series of layers of fake opposition created to ensure that when Iranians look for regime opposition, they will find a fake, designed to distract, right in front of their eyes. The fake opposition is well educated and equipped with money and knowledge of how to deal with American politicians. There are so skillful that even the most veteran Iranian journalists, researchers and former politicians have a hard time distinguishing between the real and the fake. Interview With Soona Samsami on Iran and NCRI
Dan Rabkin - 6/19/2008
Soona Samsami, a leading Iranian womens rights and pro-democracy activist, joins me for an interview. She is the Executive Director of Womens Freedom Forum and was the U.S. Representative of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) until its U.S. offices were closed by the State Department in 2003. It looks like a peace deal has been cut with Syria
Ted Belman - 6/19/2008
While media attention has been focused on the Palestinian track where no progress has been made and no real pressure applied, serious work has been going on with Syria. 16 top security guards were captured by Baloch fighters
Reza Hossein Borr - 6/19/2008
In an interview on 17 June 08 with Dr Nourizadeh of Chanel one TV, the spokesman of the Peoples Resistance Movement of Iran, Jondollah, wowed to continue their struggle until the Islamic Republic of Iran is overthrown. In answer to a question that what kind of Iran he wants to see in future, he articulated a vision of equality, prosperity, freedom and democracy. He expressed that his organization's military operations in Sarawan, Baluchistan in which 16 top security guards were captured, was in response to the call of local people who had been beaten and their women had been raped by security... Don't be Fooled by Good Reviews
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/19/2008
Golda Meir once said that a bad press was better than a good epitaph. In other words, pragmatic considerations must take precedence over public relations. Sometimes it seems as if contemporary Israeli governments have forgotten that concept. Yet in general, especially where it counts, this principle continues to prevail in Israel. Iraq: Battleground Between Islamists and Secularists
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 6/19/2008
Monica Duffy Toft, professor of public policy at Harvards Kennedy School of Government, recently published an article in the Christian Science Monitor entitled, Why Islam lies at the heart of Iraqs civil war[1]. In her article, Toft, a recognized scholar on civil war, especially in the modern Arab world, suggests that it is the Sunni-Shiite divide that fuels the war in Iraqthat the war essentially is a religion-centered civil war. I am not an expert in civil wars, but my contacts in the Middle East and amongst Iraqis, both Sunni and Shiite, cause me to see things differently, although I a... Utility of Religious Order (Fatwa) Against Terrorism
Tanveer Jafri - 6/18/2008
Today, when the words Islamic terrorism, Muslim terrorism or Jihad like words are being propagated in full order & for that even the Muslims of the world specially the religious leaders of the Muslims have started to feel the insult being done to the Muslims & the Islam religion. At such a time, the Muslim scholars & the Islamic organizations at international level have started serious efforts to be one against the terrorism. The Islamic Republic of Iran is inciting Shia-Sunni Civil War in Iran
Reza Hossein Borr - 6/10/2008
"Damn Omar, the Murderer of Fatema." This was the slogan of the Shia revolutionary community in Zahedan, the capital of Baluchistan on Saturday, 7 June 2008. They marched in the style of grand elections. These marches were organised by the Shia fanatics who were supported by the Iranian regime. The demonstrators had written this slogan on many cars and cardboards and they were shouting it as they were marching in Zahedan, the Sunni dominated city of Baluchistan. The Shia fundamentalists have fabricated the facts of history and alleged that Fatema, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad, was murdered by Omar, the second Caliph. The Situation on the Ground in Basra and Mosul
Nicholas M. Guariglia - 6/10/2008
Violence in Iraq has reached a four-year low. The U.S. casualty rate is now 0.72 deaths per day, constituting the eighth month in a row of dramatic improvements as compared to the 4.2 deaths per day from this time last year. Iraqi civilian deaths, too, are down. For some perspective, the monthly murder tolls in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City were 48.7, 51.9, and 49.3 a few years ago. Today, less than 400 Iraqi citizens throughout the whole country, not just a few cities perish on a monthly basis. And this is a war zone. Drowning in Solutions
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/10/2008
Suppose that debate over the world's most obsessive issue is based on nonsense. Consider if the policy options of governments, discourse of universities, and rivers of word in the media on this matter are clearly illogical. What if thousands of diplomats, journalists, and professors are racing down the wrong path and billions of dollars are being tossed away in a futile pursuit? Israel Should Take Charge of the Peace Process
Ted Belman - 6/9/2008
I see the peace process as a danger to Israel. It empowers the international community to pressure Israel to make concessions to their arch enemy. If only the US had decided to stand by Israels right to retain all captured territory after the Six Day War in 67, we would be in a whole better place today. But they didnt. Also the leaders of Israel share some of the blame. After that war, Israel decided, because of demographic considerations, that she didnt want to keep all of the conquered territories. Following Hitlers Playbook
Ted Belman - 6/9/2008
Arabs play offense while Israelis play defense. Nowhere is this more evident than in the field of propaganda. The global vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Reza Hossein Borr - 6/9/2008
The manifestation of the global vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran is demonstrated in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Palestine. Khomeini formulated and devised a 50-year-global-vision in which he planned for the Islamic Republic of Iran to become the main power of the Middle East and the controller of the Persian Gulf as he asserted that the power that controls the Persian Gulf controls the throats of free world. Is Syria defecting from Iran?
John Loftus - 6/9/2008
While I understand that no "final" understandings have been reached, the mere fact that Syrian and Israeli governments chose this week to openly acknowledge the ongoing peace talks gives credence to the Israeli Director of military intelligence's amazing assertion last weekend. Mr. Yadlin claimed that Syria may be planning to sever its ties with Iran, in favor of closer ties with the West. Islamist Political Activism in Jordan: Moderation, Militancy and Democracy
Prof. Curtis R. Ryan - 6/9/2008
While democracy has proven to be a fragile and elusive form of politics in the modern Arab world, Islamist movements have flourished--ranging from grass-roots pro-democracy activism to militant jihadism and terrorism. Whether Arab politics witnesses more political liberalization in the near future will depend in large part on the nature of Islamist movements, as well as ruling regimes' reactions to them. This article examines the broad range of Islamist alternatives within one of the more liberalizing Arab states--the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan--with a view to understanding the depth and breadth of Islamist forms of political mobilization. A Mullah Reality Check
Amil Imani - 6/7/2008
There is so much smoke around the Iranian Mullahs bomb that it makes Tehrans smog feel like a fresh ocean breeze by comparison. Here is a partial list of misconceptions about the Mullahs, their capabilities and intentions about the bomb affair. Shattered Engagements
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/7/2008
Engagement doesnt always produce marriage. In the U.S.-Iran case, diplomatic engagements have been repeatedly disastrous. Yet many think the idea of engagement was just invented and never tried. Israel's Great Game
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/6/2008
Forget all the wimpy claptrap about Israel disappearing. Anyone who believes such nonsense has obviously never been to an Israeli soccer game. Olmert's Dilemma and Israel's Multi-front Negotiations
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/5/2008
Clearly, the conduct of negotiations by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government with Syria, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas, has an Israeli political dimension. Yet it is easy to misunderstand this relationship. Revisiting Resolution 242
Ted Belman - 6/5/2008
Five months after the Six Day War in 67, The Security Council passed the much referred to Resolution 242. Here are the relevant parts. Despite the Denials, For Now, Syria Lost Big in Lebanon
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 6/5/2008
Caroline Glick, columnist and editor at The Jerusalem Post is normally right on the money with her comments about Middle-East politics. Her column of Friday, May 23, 2008, Column one: Assad's week of triumph [1] was a rare exception. As the title of her essay indicates, Glick believes that Bashar al-Assad had his best week since becoming President of Syria. With all due respect to Ms. Glicks fine understanding of the areas complex politics, I believe that she and her title miss it, by what we in Middle America call a country mile. Rather than being his best week due to Hezbollahs succes... An Empty Package
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 6/4/2008
At this past Sunday's cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert issued a public statement relating to the revived negotiations with Syria. The talks, the prime minister wished to assure us, were "serious" and would be conducted with "all due caution." All the ingredients familiar from peace processes past were present in Olmert's statement: the gravitas; the quiet sense that history is presenting us with a chance that must not be missed; the necessary discretion. However, in the manner now familiar from Olmert's tenure as prime minister, what we were presented with was the form of something, without its content. The Fall of Lebanon
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/4/2008
May 21, 2008, is a datelike December 7, 1941 and September 11, 2001 that should now live in infamy. Yet who will notice, mourn, or act the wiser for it? On that day, the Beirut spring was buried under the reign of Hizballah. Speaking on October 5, 1938, after Britain and France effectively turned Czechoslovakia over to Nazi Germany, Winston Churchill said, What everybody would like to ignore or forget must nevertheless be stated, namely, that we have sustained a total and unmitigated defeat.[i] Hezbollah ruled, the West got fooled
Walid Phares, Ph.D. - 6/4/2008
In the next days a major battle in the War of Ideas will be unfolding worldwide and particularly through the international media. We are now witnessing a massive campaign by Hezbollah's strategic communication machine (as our Western jargon likes to describe it) to frame the outcome of the battle for Lebanon, significantly lost by the United States, the West and the forces of Democracies in the region. The main issue at hand in the Iranian funded war room is not about convincing the international community and the Arab and Muslim world that Hezbollah has defeated its opponents in that small bu... UNRWA: Barrier to Peace
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 6/2/2008
The United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) was created under the jurisdiction of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with the unique responsibility of solely aiding the Palestinians. Due to this special status, the UNRWA perpetuates, rather than resolves, the Palestinian refugee issue, and therefore serves as a major obstacle toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Like no other UN body, UNRWA's definition of refugees includes not only the refugees themselves, but also their descendents. Moreover, refugees keep their status even if they have gained citizenship. UNRWA ... The gradual takeover of Lebanon by Hezbollah
Reza Hossein Borr - 6/2/2008
"When you have lost, pretend that you have won and celebrate so pompously that everybody believes you have won." This is what the Hezbollah of Lebanon did after its war with Israel, but this time when they really won in Lebanon, they did not celebrate as much as they did before just to downplay their victory and diminish its impact over Lebanon's politics and convince the Lebanese people that they did not have another hidden agenda for Lebanon. Hezbollah was right in both cases. In the first case, they had to exaggerate about their victory to inject hope and confidence in their members and t... Syria Isn't Serious - Lebanon Is
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/2/2008
Why is Israel negotiating with Syria and what happened in Lebanon ? One of these events may be the Middle East s most important development for 2008. Hint: it isn't the first of them. Lebanon's collective apathy that will continue to kill
Rabeh Ghadban - 6/1/2008
I had prepared to write a piece on the strategic outlook of Lebanons near future. One that tried to make sense of the confusion that has clouded the recent events in Lebanon. My parents grew up in this country and I returned here a year ago to pursue a professional career, hoping that I would better understand my attachment to this unpredictable state. I spent the previous year before my arrival in Beirut writing a thesis about Lebanon, studying the need to incorporate Hezbollah and Shia aspirations more appropriately into the confessional system. I argued the need to implement reforms, su... The Paradox of Muslim Weakness
Sadanand Dhume - 6/1/2008
In the years since 9/11 two broad narratives have emerged in the West to explain the nature of the so-called War on Terror. On the right it has become commonplace to equate Islamism the ideology that seeks to order 21st century societies by the medieval norms enshrined in Islamic sharia law with a long line of totalitarian threats to liberal democracy. Victor Davis Hanson of the Hoover Institution, for instance, calls it a foul apparition that has succeeded fascism, Nazism, and communism as the world's next bane. The left, not surprisingly, sees the issue as a product of poverty or flawe... Islamists Shine in Kuwait
Abdul Ruff - 6/1/2008
Despite the anti-Islamic propaganda unleashed by the global media, Islamists, both Sunni and Shia, have won nearly half of the 50 seats in the Kuwait National Assembly elections for which were held on 17 May. Turnout was said to be modest in the morning heat and dust but had picked up by evening to end at an estimated 60% Economic concerns dominated the poll in the oil-rich Gulf emirate. While Islamist candidates won 24 seats, more than they won in the last election in 2006, liberal candidates and their allies won seven seats, one fewer than before, but the nationalist Popular Action Bloc led ... Israel-Syria Rapprochement?
Abdul Ruff - 6/1/2008
Media reports suggest that there has been a significant move from Israel to find an amicable solution to the crisis between them and Syria. Israel has utilized the services of Turkish government to achieve that goal, if they are only keen to resolve the decades turmoil in Mideast. Mideast Peace and Bush Oil Diplomacy
Abdul Ruff - 6/1/2008
US President G. W. Bush, a failed president who got thousands of Muslims among others killed especially in Afghanistan and Iraq , delivers nothing but a lousy speech, has been keen, as every US President did before him, to advance the US interests across the globe. Energy resources are on the top agenda of the US policy makers and US agencies both state and non-state pursue policies to garner maximum possible resources from the regions where they are aplenty. The Bush administration has under its full and direct control the energy resources in Afghanistan and Iraq and USA has been squandering... Lebanon Settlement: Is it Temporary Truce?
Abdul Ruff - 6/1/2008
It is only ironical that the Lebanese, like Palestinians, have to settle scores first with domestic opponents and be satisfied with that without having any time left for resolving the ever-increasing problems with Israel . Lebanon back to Normalcy?
Abdul Ruff - 6/1/2008
It is only ironical that the Lebanese, like Palestinians, have to settle scores with domestic opponents and e satisfied with that without having any time left for resolving the eve-increasing problems with Israel. Sanctions against Turkey must be imposed
Theodoros Karakostas - 6/1/2008
The European Union has just published a briefing paper on minorities in Turkey. The fact that the European Union is addressing issues of minorities in Turkey is itself positive, but utterly useless without the imposition of sanctions upon Turkey. To the average observers of the current plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek minority in Turkey, the conclusions of the European report about their problems and the prospect that the Patriarchate itself may be doomed to extinction is not exactly a new revelation. Was Lebanon sold to Hezbollah?
Elias Bejjani - 5/28/2008
Much has been said in praise and criticism of the "Doha agreement" that ended the bloody and criminal unsuccessful coup attempt that the Terrorist Hezbollah Militia and the axis of evil two countries, Syria and Iran, executed earlier this month in Lebanon to take over all the country, by force and topple the whole free and democratic regime. Iran spreading poison of terror in Moslem nations
Sunita Paul - 5/25/2008
Almost every day, we read news and commentaries in the international media about Iran's direct or indirect participation in instigating terror as well as religious extremism. People in most of the Western capitals consider Iranian President Ahmadinejad as a devil. There are series of facts flooding in Western media about today's 'Islamic Republic of Iran' as well as its nuclear ambition and neo-conspiracy in patronizing global terror. Moslem press maintains particular silence in projecting such actions of Tehran in general, for quite obvious reason of religious bias. He who plants the wind shall reap the storm
Colonel Charbel Barakat - 5/21/2008
"It was a forlorn day when the Lebanese agreed, albeit under duress, to the 'Taef Accord". It necessitated dismantling and disarming the militias in 1990. Syria, which at the time was occupying Lebanon, kept and retained Hezbollah, the one terrorizing Lebanon today, as the sole armed militia under the slogan of "fighting Israel". How Iran is changing the balance of power in the Middle East?
Reza Hossein Borr - 5/21/2008
Lebanon fell in the lap of the Iranian regime in less than two days. Lebanon is now unofficially a colony of Iran. The illusions are over now. Those who thought that Iran has abandoned Hezbollah and occupation of Lebanon through Hezbollah were proved to be wrong. Iran designed a strategy of deception for some time to arm, equip and train Hezbollah to the highest level on one hand and to give false assurances to the Arab governments that it has no bad intentions in Lebanon. During this time, the Shia regime of Iran prepared Hezbollah so well and so much that it took over Beirout in less th... The Jews' Stupidest Pro-Obama Argument
Sammy Benoit - 5/21/2008
Two Jews are standing in front of a firing squad. They're asked if they want a cigarette. "Shah," says one Jew to the other, "You'll get us in trouble!" Naqba and the Muslims' Belief in Islam
Prof. John Press - 5/21/2008
I recently attended a counter protest to a Naqba rally near the U.N. building in New York. Naqba means Palestinian Catastrophe and refers to the creation of Israel. Apparently, other Muslim nations also considered the creation of Israel a disaster. All of Israels Muslim neighbors attacked Israel on its birthday. They lost. Israel exists. But I did not attend the counter demonstration because I think it obvious that Israel is right and the Palestinians are wrong. Culturism accepts the possibility that the Palestinians believe they are right. Muslims believe the Koran represents perfect morality. The Palestinians' Self-Made Naqba
Prof. Barry Rubin - 5/21/2008
Its become fashionable to match celebration of Israel s founding (though part of the media cant even admit Israelis are celebrating) with Palestinian marking of their 1948 nakba catastrophe. Yet whose fault is it that they didnt use those six decades constructively? And who killed the independent Palestinian state alongside Israel that was part of the partition plan? Answer: The Arab states and Palestinian leadership themselves. Israel's Disappearing Act
Prof. Barry Rubin - 5/20/2008
Exaggerations of Israel s demise are greatly exaggerated, to paraphrase Mark Twain. The question is: why is this suddenly happening now andeven more importantwhat is the impact of this fad going to be? The answer to the second question is very surprising so keep reading. Redefining What it means to be pro-Israel
Ted Belman - 5/20/2008
The strategy of J Street was to revisit what it means to be pro-Israel and to convince the public that its stance is really a pro-Israel one. To this end, Washington Post published 5 Myths About Being Pro-Israel by Joseph Ben-Ami, J Street's Executive Director, which included this statement "And forging a healthy friendship with Israel requires bursting some myths about what it means to be pro-Israel.". I challenged its position in J-Street is setting up strawmen and speaks for a small minority Khamenei and Ahmadinejad, Men of Confidence or Great Fear?
Ghazal Omid - 5/20/2008
If you could look into their eyes, hear their voice and read the silent language of gestures, what would you see, men of confidence or great fear? May 1, 2008 was declared Teachers day in Iran. It also featured a rare trip for Ali Khamenei to Shiraz. The senior leader of IRI has been diagnosed with many illnesses. Years have passed since his Presidency when he lost the use of his right hand to a bomb. Last year there were rumors of handing power to his successors. It is a rare and important gesture for him to venture to Shiraz, which is known in Iranian history as the cradle of Farsi Literature. A Closer look at Right and Wrong Islam
Rashidul Bari - 5/20/2008
Osama Bin Laden and Muhammad Yunus are both Muslim, but who represents the correct Islam? Who is an asset to Islam and who is its destroyer? Who is a disgrace to the Muslims and who is the symbol of the religion? Who is most notorious member and who is the great benefactor to Islam once famous as a promoter of education, knowledge and peace. What made Dr. Alvin Harp raise the question, When do the lives of 15 million people have a greater value than those of 1.3 billion? UNRWA: Refuge Of Rejectionism
Barry Rubin, Asaf Romirowsky, and Jonathan Spyer - 5/20/2008
On the surface, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) seems a humanitarian group helping Palestinian refugees. In reality, it actually helps destroy the chance of Arab-Israeli peace, promotes terrorism, and holds Palestainians back from rebuilding their lives. This is not Islam
Sunita Paul - 5/20/2008
I was rather shocked to see stories about a religious leader in Bangladesh named Mr. Ahmadullah Ashraf, who grabbed a religious school (Madrassa) in Dhaka with the help of armed hooligans and continuing to use illegal electricity and gas connections by denouncing local laws. He reportedly is also continuing questionable personal life, which certainly goes beyond the minimal standard of dignity of any person having firm faith in God. Yes, it is unfortunately true to some extent that few people in our societies are using religion as a garb to cover their misdeeds and crimes, and the case of Mr. Ahmadullah Ashraf is just one such example. America's Opportunity in Iran and Iraq
David Amess - UK Parliament Member - 5/15/2008
As US rhetoric intensifies over Irans seemingly incessant support for Iraqi militias, five Iraqi Members of Parliament are believed to have travelled to Iran to meet Iraqi cleric Muqtadr al Sadr, hoping to end the continued bloodshed. The discussions are believed to be centred on the increasing violence caused by fighters loyal to the cleric in the Southern provinces of Iraq. However, the delegation of Shia Parliamentarians is further looking to clarify the role that Iran is believed to be playing, most significantly in the clashes across Basra. Lebanon to the West: Wake Up Fast!
Prof. Barry Rubin - 5/15/2008
While America's secretary of state devotes her time to doomed Israel-Palestinian talks and America goes ga-ga over a candidate whose main foreign policy strategy is to talk to dictators, still another crisis strengthens radical Islamists and endangers Western friends and interests. The Humiliating Price of Appeasing Iran
Prof. Sharam Taromsari, Ph.D. - 5/15/2008
In a unique action taken by prominent politicians, including a former home secretary, a former Solicitor General and a former Law Lord of the United Kingdom against the British government, Britain s highest legal authority handed out a humiliating ruling against the British Government. This ruling reiterated an earlier ruling by the Proscribed Organisations Appeals Commission (POAC) in which they described the British governments attempt to list the People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI) as a terrorist organisation as perverse. The 32 page judgement was far stronger and goes beyond... Amin al-Husaini and the Holocaust. What Did the Grand Mufti Know?
Wolfgang G. Schwanitz, Ph.D. - 5/15/2008
Amin al-Husaini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, remains a controversial figure. The Palestinian leader, who was born in 1895 and died in 1974, first sparked controversy during his lifetime. As an officer in the Ottoman army during the First World War, he implemented the German idea of organizing jihad and terror behind enemy lines. (See my discussion here.) Later, he led the resistance against the British mandate authority in Palestine during uprisings in 1929 and in 1936. He fiercely opposed Jewish settlement. Life in Israel
Prof. Barry Rubin - 5/14/2008
I'm sitting in Israel's Independence Hall, a 10-minute walk from my home, a small, relatively bare room that was Tel Aviv's first city hall. Sixty years ago today, it was the place where Israel was declared a country. This Means War
Ted Belman - 5/14/2008
Hezbollah is now in control of Lebanon. What is painfully obvious is that the vacuum created by retreat, is quickly filled by Iran through her proxies. So Israels retreat from Gaza enabled the takeover by Hamas. Israels retreat from Lebanon enabled the takeover by Hezbollah. Similarly a retreat from Iraq by US forces will enable Irans proxy to takeover. The US should have invaded Saudi Arabia, not Iraq.
Ted Belman - 5/14/2008
The best response to 911 is still the matter of heated debate. Obama wants out of Iraq and into Afghanistan and wants Pakistan bombed. Democrats generally argue we should have stayed in that theater and not gone into Iraq and what they want to do now is correct the administrations mistake. Hillary shares this view except for the bombing of Pakistan. Gholam Haidar Baloch will be executed if he is transferred to Iran
Reza Hossein Borr - 5/14/2008
Balochistan Human Rights Watch reported that Gholam Haidar Baloch, a Pakistan national who was arrested for carrying unauthorized arms in Pakistan will be extradited to Iran after the court sentenced him for one-year imprisonment . The new government of Pakistan who has not sufficient experience in foreign policy of the region has decided to deliver this Pakistani citizen as the Iranian government claims that he is an Iranian national and he has committed crimes in Iran. The Question of Power in Lebanon
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 5/12/2008
Whe recent events in Beirut pose a simple, fundamental question: Who rules in Lebanon. The answer proposed by Hizbullah last week is that the government of Fuad Saniora and Saad Hariri is to be permitted to hold the formal reins of administration - on condition that they well understand the inherent limits of their position. Most important, any attempt to interfere with the Iranian-created and Iranian- and Syrian-sponsored military infrastructure in the country will result in a swift, disproportionate and bloody response. Happy Sixtieth Birthday Israel
Amil Imani - 5/12/2008
Israel, your people, as well as people of good will, are celebrating your sixtieth birthday. We, the children of Cyrus the Great, also would like to offer our heartfelt best wishes to you on this occasion. Yet, this, in fact, is your rebirth. Your birth occurred some 4,000 years ago. Lebanon's '300'
Walid Phares, Ph.D. - 5/12/2008
While the West is busy living its daily life, a beast is busy killing the freedom of a small community on the East Mediterranean: Lebanon. Indeed, as of last week, the mighty Hezbollah, armed to the teeth with 30,000 rockets and missiles and aligning thousands of self described "Divine soldiers" has been marching across the capital, terrorizing its population, shutting down media, taking its politicians and the Prime Minister as hostages, and looting at will. The hordes of Lebanon's "Khomeinist Janjaweeds" have conquered already half of the Middle East's cultural capital, Beirut. As I have rep... What Happened to the Middle Easts Jews
Prof. Barry Rubin - 5/12/2008
Uh-oh! Its Israels sixtieth birthday and that means articles on Israel in the news media and, in turn, that may often mean something between inaccuracy and slander. Ive been conditioned by now to know what to expect. Lets try a test. Read the following headline from a Reuters story, and guess the theme. Ready? Here we go: Israel's Advent Altered Outlook For Middle East Jews. In the name of Allah
Alexander Maistrovoy - 5/12/2008
Had anyone of the European monarchs, grandees or pontifices of the XVth century ever heard a word " Prussia "? Unlikely. Stuck in the Baltic bogs between Russia and Poland , Prussia , the miserable successor to the Teutonic Order, the obedient vassal of proud Poland (Rech Pospolita), hopelessly vegetated on the boondocks of Europe . Could anyone imagine that in two centuries only Prussia would ! become one of the main players on the European arena, initiate the two most terrible in history wars and claim world hegemony? However, skeptics would not consider three important circumstances: bellig... Israel and Europe: A Pretty Good Relationship
Prof. Barry Rubin - 5/11/2008
PARIS, FRANCE. Israel-European relations are at their highest point in a very long time. The strong anti-Israel forces that are often so loudly heard in elite and media circles should not drown out that fact. Israels never-ending battle
Ted Belman - 5/11/2008
As the West ups the pressure on Israel to capitulate to Arab demands and return to the armistice lines, it is important to remember that all of Judea and Samaria were held in trust for the Jewish state from the singing of the Palestine Mandate in 1922, if not earlier from the time the San Remo Conference awarded these lands to the Jews. Force is the only Language that Hezbollah knows and understands
Elias Bejjani - 5/11/2008
The recent on-going bloody terrorism riots that Hezbollah has inflicted on Lebanon and its peaceful people since last Wednesday, tragically shows that this country today is confronting challenges of a magnitude unseen since the end of its civil war in 1990. Turkish Denial and The Forgotten Genocides
Ioannis Fidanakis - 5/11/2008
Throughout time man has associated certain images with events, images that shock the human mind so much they are permanently engrained in our memories. The Holocaust, the mere mention of the word fills people with images of horrible persecution. Mountains of shoes and gas chambers are all quickly associated with the horrible events which took place in the Second World War. In the United States, whippings and lynchings are seen as trade marks of African-American Slavery in the South. Todays society identifies these images with crimes against Humanity. We are taught to no longer tolerate such a... AP Explains to you Why Israel Shouldn't Exist
Prof. Barry Rubin - 5/4/2008
If I would choose one article in the Western media that I have read over many decades as the worst piece of anti-Israel propaganda of all, it might well be Karin Laubs April 26, 2008 piece, Palestinian plight is flip side of Israel's independence joy. Why? Because many articles have slandered Israel on various points or told falsehoods ranging from the disgusting to the humorous or been based on assumptions that were at odds with the truth. But in this case, the article encapsulates the way in which much of the world has turned from admiration to loathing of Israel , and the way in which Israel s destructionwhich in other contexts would be seen as genocidalhas been justified. Yes, Iraq Had Unsettling al Qaida Connections
Nicholas M. Guariglia - 5/4/2008
The proposition that Iraq, prior to our intervention, never had a connection to al Qaida, or to any jihadist movement in a broader sense, has prematurely congealed into conventional wisdom. Nevertheless, this exemption of the Hussein family is fallacious and untrue. It would be appropriate if we can look at the history and information we have the known knowns, lets say in an empirical and apolitical manner, separating this discussion from the debate as to whether or not any of this merited war. Making Mischief
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 5/4/2008
Whatever the Israelis offer, Syria won't give up its alliance with Iran, which allows it to punch above its weight in the region. With attention in the Middle East focusing on the US congressional hearings regarding a possible Syrian nuclear programme, the Syrian newspaper al-Watan made a surprising announcement last Wednesday. According to the newspaper, Israel, via Turkish channels, had in the previous 24 hours expressed its willingness to exchange the entirety of the Golan Heights area for peace with Syria. Israeli State Radio Outs the Academic Fifth Column
Steven Plaut - 5/3/2008
Until now, Israels state-owned media have generally never done any investigative reporting on Israels Far left and Academic Fifth Column. The TV and radio stations are owned by the Israel Broadcasting Authority, and the IBA has always been a poorly-disguised bastion of the Left. Its heads have never hidden the fact that think their mission in life is to advance the Lefts agenda. Muslim Women: Status and Divorce Rights Under Islamic Law
Shabdita Gupta - 5/3/2008
Muslim Law could be seen as an admirable system of jurisprudence providing, as it did, many rational and revolutionary concepts that could not be conceived by the other systems of law then in force at that distant date. It provided, for example, for the right of inheritance to the females even when there were male heirs and also the modern concept of divorce by mutual consent, while the other systems of law took so many centuries to do so. But as a result of deplorable distortions made by, and unfortunate metamorphosis undergone at the hands of Anglo-Indian courts, substantial portions of the... The beginning of a peoples war in Balochistan, Iran
Reza Hossein Borr - 5/3/2008
When the Islamic Republic of Iran hanged two Sunni Baluch leaders in the morning of 9 April 08, the Baluch people knew that a new era has began in the relationship between the Shia fundamentalist regime of Iran and the rising Sunni Baluch people. As the Baluch culture requires, the Baluch people offered plenty of advice to the regime to stop its atrocities in Baluchistan and if they did not, then, they would face severe consequences. As usual, the Iranian regime underestimated the inner strength of the Baluch people and continued the execution and hanging of Baluch people. Now a widespread... Israel is hanging tough
Ted Belman - 5/3/2008
First we hear that Abbas was angry with what he was told and wasnt told when he recently visited the Whitehouse. He didnt get the kind of support he wanted. Barak is standing firm, so far, in rejecting a stupid hudna. Why Syria cant be 'flipped'
Ted Belman - 5/3/2008
I recently wrote The Golan is safe, for now in which I set out my reasons for and described, the US hope of flipping Syria. No one cares about the Golan
Ted Belman - 5/3/2008
In my article Greater Syria is the answer. Yes, no, maybe. written in Nov 06, I wrote: Shia-Sunni Unity for World Peace
Tanveer Jafri - 5/2/2008
The Religion of Islam outwardly seems as a single sect & generally all its followers are called the Muslims. But reality lies somewhere else. Undoubtedly, the Muslims are one in following the basic principles such as one Allah (God), One Quraan, One Hajj, and Namaz (Prayer) for five times a day, Roza (Fast) & Zakaat. Usually all the Muslims who have religious attitude try to follow these basic principles. But in reality, the Islam religion that seems one, as historical paradoxes go on, is divided in 73 different sects. The two sects - The Shiites & the Sunnies, are the major sects. Besides the... War with Iran: Closer than Ever II
Dan Rabkin - 5/1/2008
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), the Iranian Oppositions parliament-in-exile, is one anti-regime organization worthy of Western support. Egypt: Between the Devil and the Blue Sea
Prof. Barry Rubin - 5/1/2008
Egyptian President Husni Mubarak is 80. After over a quarter-century in office he is ready for more. But how much longer will his ruleor regimecontinue? Can Israel withstand US pressure?
Ted Belman - 4/30/2008
Recently we hear that Olmert offered to cede the Golan to Syria and I commented The Golan is safe for now. For now, because ultimately the US will be pressuring Israel to do the deal. War with Iran: Closer than Ever
Dan Rabkin - 4/30/2008
Americas Mayor and former U.S. presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani previously said that the use of military force against Iran would be very dangerous. It would be very provocative. The only thing worse would be Iran being a nuclear power. Giuliani is absolutely right, but why are we sitting by as these frightful alternatives become the only two feasible options? Interview with Pierre Maroun: 'Hezbollah must be confronted'
Manuela Paraipan - 4/30/2008
Pierre A. Maroun is the Secretary-General American-Lebanese Coordination Council. When Manuela Paraipan met him for an interview, he spoke openly about things that some dare not say publicly. Google Must Be Held To Account on 'Arabian' Gulf
Amil Imani - 4/30/2008
It is one thing for Google Earth to depict the map of the world as is and another thing to manipulate it. It is one thing for any business to market its product and it is another thing to peddle something it does not own. Israel is Safe and Strong. Really.
Prof. Barry Rubin - 4/30/2008
Lets face it, after almost 2000 years in exile and only 60 years of Israel as a sovereign nation, it still feels funny for Jews, especially those outside Israel, to have a state. Turkeys Chronic Inability to Face the Truth
Edward Papelian - 4/29/2008
White House should have the courage to call a spade a spade. President Ronald Reagan did It why doesn't everyone? How would the USA react were a country to demand that the terrible act of terrorism on 9/11 be labeled a simple "accident" and be forgotten? Does Quran endorse travel ban?
Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury - 4/29/2008
According to Quran two mosques are most sacred and precious for all Muslims. These are called Haramine in Arabic. According to the holy Quran, if someone stops Muslim from visiting any of these mosques, it will be considered as unforgivable sin. But, very unfortunately, due to suggestions of some uneducated clergies and anti-Semitic elements in the society, Bangladeshi government is continuing travel ban on Israel, thus stopping the people of this country from visiting Al Aqsa mosque. Palestine: Carter woos Hamas?
Abdul Ruff - 4/28/2008
Historically speaking, both USA and its major ally in the Mideast, Israel oppose Hamas Palestinians and call them the terrorists and USA as a long-term policy supports Israeli aggression over the Palestine, killing many each time but never condemns the repeated illegal aggression. Nor do they recognize the democratic polls held by Palestinians electing Hamas party to rule their apart of the globe. To make the peace efforts worse, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas dismissed the Hamas government led by Ismail Haniyeh, presumably under pressure form USA, and installed his own puppet government, leading to further aggravation of the conflict. There Is No Demographic Bomb For Israel
Ted Belman - 4/25/2008
Jews in Israel and the Diaspora follow the peace process closely and a majority of them favour the two-state solution. As Yoram Ettinger explains below, this is due in part to their fear of the alleged Demographic Time Bomb. The Funny Side Of Islam
Fjordman - 4/25/2008
Iranian Islamic leader the Ayatollah Khomeini once said that There is no fun in Islam. I disagree. Islam can be quite funny; it just isnt intended to be so. I have long said that Islams weakest point is mockery. Any enemy will reveal what he fears the most, if you listen to him closely. Muslims fear criticism or mockery of their religion more than they fear death. Well, if mockery is what they fear above all else, maybe thats exactly what we should give them? Mercaz Harav and the G-Word
Richard Landes - 4/25/2008
Just after the murderous attack on the Seminary students in Jerusalem, SPME issued a statement to which it attached the names of the board members. The key passage runs as follows: And Yes, Iran Has Unsettling al Qaida Connections
Nicholas M. Guariglia - 4/25/2008
My last article explored what the 9/11 Commission had to say about Iraqs links to al Qaida. The consensus of that commission was, in essence, that while it has not been proven that Saddams Iraq had any collaborative relationship with the terror group that is to say, they never cooperated on a specific attack there were, in fact, serious connections and high-level contacts between the two parties for years (offers of asylum to bin Laden, requests for basing privileges by bin Laden, etc.). The Brutal Truth About Hamas Depravity
Tom Carew - 4/25/2008
The strict use of the term depravity has been much considered by legal and psychiatric experts in USA, where many State laws provide for severe penalties where a crime can be judged depraved or heinous, atrocious, cruel, in regared to either the [a] intent, [b] actions, or [c] attitude, which is displayed in the criminal act. The Palestinian State - How Near Is The Resolution?
Abdul Ruff - 4/24/2008
Amid continuous reports of killings of Palestinians by the Israeli forces, the flame of hope is being kept alive by mediators for peace in the Mideast with regular meeting and summits. Since the US brokered Annapolis summit last November, there have been a lot of activities taking place in the Middle East with several US dignitaries dashing in to mediate a truce, if possible, permanently between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Recently, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has made a couple of shuttle-trips meeting the leaders of the region. The creation of a Palestinian state has be... Will the US Withdraw From Iraq And What Would Be The Consequences?
David Storobin, Esq. - 4/22/2008
The US policy in Iraq is not going to change significantly in the short-term simply because it cannot change. For the US to continue to be a superpower, it must constantly prove itself as a military superpower. Losing Iraq to the Mullahs in Tehran would be a disaster. Christian Politics in Lebanon
Ghassan Rubeiz - 4/22/2008
Western media outlets have portrayed divisions within Lebanon's Christian community as threatening to tear Lebanon apart,[1] as if Sunnite-Shiite tension is negligible and the divide between Christians and Muslims has disappeared. The split that threatens Lebanon's national unity is less between Christians than between two political camps that cut across sectarian boundaries. Most Christians are not blindly following their leaders to the brink. Above all, they are divided over one m... Is Criticism of Israel Courageous?
Ami Isseroff - 4/22/2008
There is an old joke about the Englishman who explains that their way of answering the telephone is much better: "We say 'Are you there?' If you're not, there's no sense in continuing the conversation, is there?" The same logic underlies a popular refrain that seems to accompany every recent Israel-bashing publicity gig. No matter that it is prima facie illogical, it is now a permanent repetitive feature of every article, book and interview relating to anyone who wants to criticize Israel. You can read it in the morning paper, you can hear it on the radio, and you can see it on television. Jimmy Carter does it. Professors Walt and Mearsheimer do it. Everyone's doing it. Western Failure to Contain Iran
Dr. Sharam Taromsari - 4/20/2008
Since the 1979 revolution in Iran, international political systems have witnessed dramatic changes. The cold war was declared over after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Given the nature of these changes, terms such as critical engagement and constructive engagement became buzz words amongst foreign policy decision makers. A new world order was declared and in the UK, New Labour went as far as declaring "ethical foreign policy". Close Encounters of the Suicidal Kind: Crimes Against Jewish Humanity
Boris Celser - 4/20/2008
Israel is a confused nation, because its society is not given a chance to live a normal life, not only because of a hostile world, but also because of the ruling elite. In no other country would a perennial loser like Shimon Peres be allowed to manipulate the system for his own gain for so long and to implement his megalomaniac ideas at the expense of the lives of so many. He continues to do so almost unimpeded. Israel is in serious difficulties and, under the false pretence of being a true democracy, it is likely to never convene a real commission of truth to expose the crimes and punish the ... Iraq War: Al Qaeda Crumbled or Iraq
Tanveer Jafri - 4/19/2008
Five years have past when the American army entered Iraq. The unverified sources claim that during this period about lacs of Iraqis have been killed in terrorist activities, combats or raids by the American army. The fresh informations reveal that by now four thousand and thirty American, too, have lost their lives. Perhaps not knowing about this information, American president Bush is feeling that the Iraq government is improving its economic condition. George bush is also hopeful that soon, Iraq will be in a position to bear the expenditure of current 'War', and its reconstruction. Murderous Mothers: The Hidden Female Face of Honor Killings
Dr. Chesler, Ph.D. - 4/18/2008
Texas-born Patricia ("Tissie) Said, formerly of the Owens family, is the mother who lured her two teenage daughters, Sarah and Amina, to their deaths at the hands of their own father this past New Years Day in Dallas. How can a mother do such a thing? Even if her own life was threatened, even if her husband Yasser had literally held a gun to her head and told her to trick her daughters into returning, isn't a mother supposed to sacrifice herself for her children? Or at least to protect them? What can explain such a perversion of maternal instinct and of the life force itself? The Palestinian Refugee Issue: Rhetoric v. Reality
Sidney Zabludoff - 4/17/2008
The sixty-year-old Palestinian refugee issue has little connection with reality. It has become solely a bargaining chip used by Arabs and Palestinians in peace talks with Israel and, as such, is a distraction from the real issues of terrorism and boundaries. Indeed, continuing to call Palestinians refugees is a misnomer. They no longer live in tents or temporary quarters. In addition, the Palestinian refugee issue is unique. Since 1920 all other major refugee crises involving the exchange of religious or ethnic populations, while creating hardships, were dealt with in a single generation. Mea... 'Annapolis' is all about ending the occupation
Ted Belman - 4/17/2008
It is standard practice for athletes and magicians to fake us out. They distract our attention to mislead us as to their intentions. Politicians do to. Michael Ignatieff in the lions den
Ted Belman - 4/16/2008
In the last couple of months, Barack Obama has gone before the American public to explain himself or perhaps to apologize for remarks made. He wasnt terribly successful. Similarly, Michael Ignatieff, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Lakeshore, Deputy Leader Liberal Party of Canada, delivered an address at Holy Blossom Synagogue, Toronto last night with the intention of doing likewise. He also wasnt successful. The USA, Israel's Friendly Bully
Sam Vaknin, Ph.D. - 4/16/2008
It is common knowledge that, in international affairs, emotions defer to self-interest. As George Orwell noted in his masterpiece, "1984", the flux of circumstance may render yesterday's foe tomorrow's friend. The Iranian Job
Colonel Charbel Barakat - 4/16/2008
During the Shah time Iran was becoming one of the major players in the Middle East region, being an oil country with a liberal regime and an ally to the West at the borders of the Soviet Union, the Shah had the best army in the Gulf very well equipped and trained in the Western military academies. We still remember the celebration of Persepolis with the fortune the Shah spent to show the glory of the ancient Persia. The French President then, Mr. Ponpidou, refused to assist to this celebration, to which all the world leaders were invited, claming that it is not fair to spend so much money for such a celebration while the Iranian people is in need of it. General Michael Aoun Backs Hezbollah Worldwide
Pierre A. Maroun - 4/16/2008
During his press release on Monday April 14, 2008, Michael Aoun replied to a Syria wants to annex Lebanon
Ted Belman - 4/14/2008
Pursuant to the San Remo Conference in 1920 The Syrian Mandate was created with France in charge. France broke it up into six separate states including Lebanon. Lebanon was intended for the Maronite Christians that lived there. But it also included some Muslims. How to Win in Iraq Without Losing to Iran
Dilip Hiro - 4/12/2008
The testimonies of General David Petraeus, commander of the American forces in Iraq, and Ryan Crocker, the US ambassador in Baghdad, to the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees earlier this week have thrust the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq to the center of the presidential campaign. Turkish Revisionist Claims on Thrace
Ioannis Fidanakis - 4/11/2008
Recent events taking place in the Balkans surrounding the push for an Independent Kosovo, has many eyes now turned towards Western Thrace (Thraki). Recently, Bruce Fein of the Turkish Coalition of America released an article about the supposed Human Rights abuses facing the Turkish minority in Greece. As President of the Pan Thracian Union of America Orpheus, I find it my duty to speak out openly to prevent the spread of a Turkish smear campaign, which is more laughable then a true scholarly concern for Human Rights. The Relationship Between Traditional and Contemporary Islamist Political Thought
Sherko Kirmanj, Ph.D. - 4/11/2008
Political Islamism has often, though not always, been treated as a relatively new phenomenon. By the same token, examinations of Medieval Islamic political thought, like those of Montgomery Watt and Ann Lambton, look at this factor in its own historical context.[1] There are exceptions, of course, as with Hrair Dekmejian who studied the historical cyclic responses of radical Islamism,[2] while Antony Black has traced the broad history of Islamic political thought.[3] What is both interesting and useful at present is to take a broader view of Islamist political thinking over time and the relationship between various waves of its development. Egyptian Local Poll: Mubarak's Games
Abdul Ruff - 4/10/2008
Boycotted by the main opposition group the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) and against a backdrop of violent popular unrest, centered on the Nile Delta city of Mahalla el-Kobra, local elections took place in Egypt on April 08 and calls for a boycott by the opposition. Some 52,000 local councilors are being selected - but the ruling President Hosni Mubarak's ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) is standing unopposed in the great majority of seats at least in 90% of them, party sources said. Only 30 percent of seats were being contested, as the NDP has already won 70 percent unopposed. Results will be announced on April 09 and over the next five days. Turkish Secularists Attempt a Judicial Coup
Ron Coody - 4/10/2008
Understanding the complexities of the current political clash in Turkey between secularists and the Islamic leaning AK party is very difficult due to the unique character of Turkishness that has evolved over several centuries since the Fatih Sultan Mehmet first breached the walls of Istanbul in 1453 (then Constantinople) and set up his headquarters in that powerful city which would eventually become the center of a sprawling empire encompassing the historically and strategically significant lands of the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeastern Europe. These lands continue to hold signific... Palestinian 'Moderates' Ensure Extremism
Prof. Barry Rubin - 4/10/2008
Rice Wins Concessions from Israel, read the Washington Post headline after Secretary of State Condoleezza Rices recent visit. Rice herself told reporters her goal was to further Israel-Palestinian Authority (PA) talks by getting Israeli concessions to improve the quality of life for Palestinians. She listed ten different Israeli concessions including: removing 50 roadblocks, easing checkpoint procedures, increasing travel and work permits, backing economic projects, letting 700 U.S.-trained PA security men deploy, and giving the PA armored vehicles and night-vision goggles. Islam in the Age of Extremism
Abukar Arman - 4/8/2008
Extremism is the root cause of the proliferation of violence throughout the world. It is the impetus pushing lawlessness, gluttonous greed and downright disregarding of human rights. It is a massive boulder blocking the path to peace. The Greek Minority of Turkey
Theodoros Karakostas - 4/7/2008
Last July, Army officers in Turkey were arrested for planning the assassinations of Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomaios I and Mesrob II, Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The targeting of the spiritual heads of these two ancient Christian communities is symbolic considering the genocide of Armenians and Greeks in Anatolia by Turkish regimes earlier in the twentieth century. Human rights abuses against the Christians of Turkey, harassment, and violations of religious freedom continue unabated in Turkey. What is just as appalling as the relentless assault on Christianity ... What could be more democratic than a referendum?
Ted Belman - 4/7/2008
Finally Bibi took a stand I will not allow for the division of Jerusalem. Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot wrote: "Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu (Likud) met with Condoleezza Rice Sunday, and stated that he informed the visiting US secretary of state that he would not endorse a declaration of principles calling for a return to 1967 borders and the division of Jerusalem." Flirting with the Mullahs
Prof. Mohammad Parvin, Ph.D. and Hassan Daioleslam - 4/7/2008
Senator Dianne Feinstein is announced as the keynote speaker of an upcoming event in Capitol Hill on US-Iran relations.1 (April 6th) Trita Parsi, the president of the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) will moderate the conference. Parsi was the political advisor and assistant to now the federal prisoner Bob Ney. Neys conviction was partly related to the bribes he received from two London based international felons working with the Iranian regime. Iraqi Christians: Exodus, Ethnic Cleansing & Identity Annihilation
Elias Bejjani - 4/7/2008
In Bagdad on Saturday (5 April 2008), another innocent Iraqi clergyman fell victim to the on-going persecution and ethnic cleansing of Christians in Iraq. Iraqi security sources announced that a group of unknown armed men gunned down Father Youssef Adel Aboudi, a Christian priest with Saint Peter's Assyrian Orthodox Church. He was murdered while on his way to the church which is located in the centre of Baghdad. The Moslem Hero of Moderation
Sunita Paul - 4/5/2008
"People are punished for crime, for creating anarchy and for putting humanity into horrifying terror. But, could we ever believe that someone would be arrested, tortured and imprisoned for long 17 months just for being in favor of global peace, inter-faith dialogue, ending religious hatred and thinking of everything good and noble for mankind? In my case it did happen and after being released on bail keeping the sedition charge very much alive. According to the allegations, my crime is: I am a living contradiction to today's phenomenon in the Muslim world, a Zionist, a defender of Israel and a devout, practicing Muslim living in the second largest Muslim country in the world." What's More Important: Blue Jeans or Being Blown Up?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 4/5/2008
It's hard to satirize a lot of media coverage about Israel and the Arab-Israeli or Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. The truly dreadful stuff is in the details, the small stories and big assumptions on which they are based, rather than in any "scoops" or blockbuster articles. Condi's Contortions Can't Create Palestine
David Singer - 4/4/2008
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has expressed her amazement at the scope of the concessions Israel has agreed to make to the Palestinian Authority in a 35 page booklet given to her by Israel's Defence Minister - Ehud Barak - during her latest visit to Israel this week. Peace Process is a losers game
Ted Belman - 4/3/2008
American Friends of Likud just held a worldwide conference on Israel at the Crossroads: The Palestinians and Gaza in the Shadow of Iran featuring MK Yuval Steinitz, Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror and Dan Diker. Palestinian Politics: Onward and Downward
Prof. Barry Rubin - 4/3/2008
A recent Washington Post column, entitled, Let's Help the Good Guys in the West Bank, provided what it thought of as good news: Fortunately, there is a smart and honest leader of these forces: Salam Fayyad, an apolitical economist (with a doctorate from the University of Texas) who is prime minister of the Palestinian Authority. The Legal Status of East Jerusalem Under International Law
David Storobin, Esq. - 4/1/2008
Despite the common misconception, God did not create Heaven and Earth during the 6 days of the 1967 war, and starting that late in history distorts ones understanding of the Middle East conflict. Thus, lets start from the beginning. Alliances of Convenience: What Mughniyahs Death Reminds Us
Nicholas M. Guariglia - 4/1/2008
You could almost picture the scene: an eloquent but exclusive reception in downtown Damascus to mark the anniversary of Ayatollah Khomeinis revolution. The lounge is full of intelligentsia and dignitaries, as one Imad Mughniyah shares stories and cocktails with the man of the hour, the host of the evening, Mr. Musavi the new Iranian ambassador to Syria. After a few drinks, and perhaps a few laughs, Mughniyah decides to call it an early night and leaves. At around 10:35p.m. he enters his silver Mitsubishi Pajero, where, hours prior during the dinner party, someone had replaced his drivers ... This is a Cultural/Religious War
Ted Belman - 4/1/2008
Moshe Feiglin was in New York on 9/11. Two weeks later he wrote this profound article, Why America Has Already Lost the War. For him it was a cultural/religious war. The same war that Israel had been fighting for a century and losing. Islam destroyed the greatest symbol of the West, he wrote, namely the Twin Towers and nothing less would do but to destroy Mecca, Medina and al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Demography and Democracy in Lebanon
Mark Farha - 3/31/2008
Lebanon's modern history has been punctuated by periodic outbreaks of fratricidal violence, followed by political compromises that recalibrated the distribution of power and privilege among the major confessional communities. Although many factors have contributed to these cycles of conflict and compromise, incongruity between demographic and political balances of power has been a major driving force in all of them. The pursuit of more equitable and just political representation has figured as one of the most salient justifications for communal calls to arms. The demographic question remains as much a fundamental - if rarely highlighted - reference point of Lebanese politics as ever before. The Iranian Cultural & Natural Heritage Year
Amil Imani - 3/31/2008
According to the World Encyclopedia, cultural genocide is a term used to describe the deliberate destruction of the cultural heritage of a people or nation for political or military reasons. Since coming to power twenty-nine years ago, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been in a constant battle with the Iranian people as well as her culture and heritage. The Price of Dissent in Islam
Rafi Aamer - 3/31/2008
Individual disagreements on many issues are common occurrences but when this disagreement involves religion, things have the potential to become really nasty. Faith invokes strong emotions. Disagreements with someones belief can earn you pronouncements of apostasy--and even a death threat is not out of question. Such has been the case with people belonging to almost every religion at one time or another. Lately, though, it has become predominantly a Muslim phenomenon. Islam & the Iranian Dilemma
Amil Imani - 3/30/2008
Since its inception fourteen hundred years ago, Islam has been at war with the people of this planet. Millions of people have been literally butchered with the sword of Islam. Culturist Lessons from Iranian Textbooks
Prof. John Press - 3/30/2008
Peoples little multicultural bubble has been popped and outrage and indignation have followed!! French researchers at Freedom House found out that women in Iranian textbooks are not presented as independent individuals. Rather, they are a mans wife, mother, sister, or daughter. Worse yet, though minorities prophets are given some respect, the Iranian state is portrayed as Persian Islamic. The textbooks criticize the West and proclaim Israel and ally of the West and the enemy. The Middle East gets presented as sharing a common Islamic identity which is presented as the exclusive religion of social justice and the defender of the poor and oppressed both in Iran and abroad!! Salafi-jihadism in Lebanon
Gary C. Gambill - 3/30/2008
As Lebanon looks back on a summer of vicious fighting between the army and Fatah al-Islam that left 168 soldiers dead, armed Salafi-jihadist networks continue to operate beyond the ruins of the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp with relative impunity. Contrary to the conventional wisdom among many terrorism analysts, they have never plotted (let alone attempted) to establish an Islamic state in Lebanon. Rather, these Sunni Islamist militants have used "islands of insecurity" in the country as conduits for training and dispatching terrorists to conflict zones around the world (particularly Iraq). ... Is it possible to make peace with those who don't recognize your right to exist?
Alexander Maistrovoy - 3/28/2008
A couple of weeks before the opening of the conference in Annapolis Saib Arikat, Head of Negotiations with Israel categorically rejected the opportunity of recognizing Israel, as the Jewish state. In other words, the body politic which PA is considered to be, negotiating for peace with its neighboring state, Israel, denies the very existence of this state. Is it surrealism and absurdity? Undoubtedly. However, this is an integral part of the Middle Eastern reality. And in this context the statement of Arikat (the representative of "pragmatic" and "moderated" Palestinians) is not accidental at all. Lebanese Government needs to declare Hezbollah a Terrorist Organization
Elias Bejjani - 3/28/2008
The Lebanese government has done well in boycotting the Arab League summit to be held in Damascus on March 29-30. Israel-Arab Reader: The Seventh Edition
Prof. Barry Rubin - 3/26/2008
Now available from Penguin publishers is this new edition of one of the most highly respected, widely used reference books on the Middle East , documenting the Arab-Israel conflict and peace process from its inception to the present day. Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi: Portrait of a Leading Islamist Cleric
Ana B. Soage, Ph.D. candidate - 3/25/2008
Yusuf al-Qaradawi is one of the best known and more important contemporary Muslim clerics. He is widely read and heeded throughout the Muslim world. This article discusses al-Qaradawi's thought, his influence, his style of leadership and where he stands on the spectrum of Islamist political thought and activity. Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi is the cofounder and president of the International Association of Muslim Scholars and the European Council for Fatwa and Research. He has his own Arabic-language website and supervises the popular site Islam Online (bilingual English/Arabic). He... Turkey and Saudi Arabia's new rendezvous
Iqbal Latif - 3/25/2008
Saudi Arabia is a land of predicament for Saudi women seeking opportunities but facing constraints. They are neither allowed to drive nor vote, but some good news has emerged. They can now stay at an all-womans hotel. Saudi Arabia recently opened its first hotel for females only. It is big news in a country where sensitivities about having male guides are so predominant that last year two Saudi clerics issued a fatwa forbidding women from accessing the Internet without the presence of a male guide. The hotel offers luxurious accommodation with a full-range of health and beauty care for ladies... Why There Is a Hamas-Israel War
Prof. Barry Rubin - 3/24/2008
The deliberate murder of eight and the wounding of nine Israeli rabbinical students in Jerusalem only highlights the fact that Hamas is at war with Israel. It is, from Hamas's view, a war that will never end until Israel is exterminated and its citizens killed or expelled. No other analysis is accurate or can explain what is happening. Iranian Nuclear Program Remains In Full Flow
Lt. Cdr. Esmaeil Abnar - 3/24/2008
The threat posed by Iran to Coalition troops in the region is considerable. Iran has for a number of years run a systematic campaign of targeting all Coalition troops based in Iraq, Afghanistan and the wider region. However, this campaign may well be considerably more deadly if the Iranian regime were to acquire a nuclear weapon, a scenario which is now becoming an ever growing prospect. Stand with Israel against Durban II
Ted Belman - 3/24/2008
A couple of weeks ago, I attended an event hosted by the Conservative Party in Canada to report on its efforts to combat antisemitism. Canada as you know was quick to condemn and pull out of Durban II. Israel followed suit. No Sweat Organic Fashion, Made In Palestine, Sold Internationally By A Jewish Run Boston Company
Angelique van Engelen - 3/24/2008
An important part of the Palestinian economy consists of organic cotton manufacturing but the conflict in the Middle East has badly impacted the industry. John McCain, Human Nature and Gaza
Imran Khan - 3/23/2008
United States republican presidential candidate, John McCain on 20th March visited Sderot, an Israeli town hit frequently by Palestinian rockets from nearby Gaza Strip. His visit was a part of a fact-finding mission to the Middle East. He has said Aoun/Hezbollah War of Terror vs. March 14ers Reaches US Federal Court
Pierre A. Maroun - 3/23/2008
When General Michael Aoun was shouting fancy slogans from his comfortable home in Paris, many Lebanese viewed him as the Godfather of resistance, the man of principles, and the ultimate defender of Freedom and Democracy. Therefore, some cherished him, others idolized him, and few criticized him for they saw his real color. Thus, when this few exposed his dirty dealings withSyria and Hezbollah, similar to Paul Shaoul, Fares Khashan, Bassam Abu Eid, et. al. Aoun turned his fangs and claws on us. Therefore, when the threats of the Syrio/Lebanese security apparatus/terrorists on his behalf to sile... Dont Muddy The Waters: War and Morality
Ted Belman - 3/19/2008
I commissioned a legal opinion from Col. Bruce T Smith, on what restrictions or laws Israel is subject to in its self-defense and included it in my recent article Bomb Gaza. Win the War. Ending The Ping Pong Game In Gaza
David Singer - 3/19/2008
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon seems unable to comprehend that Israel is at war with Hamas - declared a hostile entity by Israel and a proscribed terrorist organisation by America and the European Union. What to Do About Gaza: The Realistic Scenario
Prof. Barry Rubin - 3/19/2008
Not only is there no good solution to the Gaza problem, theres no solution at all, But in the Middle East , solutions are rare; whats needed is the best, imperfect, option among five alternatives: Current policy. Israel absorbs damage and casualties in Sderot and some other places. Few are affected; almost all the country functions normally. International pressure and casualties are limited. Israel hits rocket launchers, terrorist bases, and leading terrorists periodically. Eventually, there will be an anti-rocket defense. Paris, Palestine and Pledges
David Singer - 3/18/2008
Tony Blair has found that it doesn't take too much to wipe the smile off one's face when trying to resolve the competing Arab and Jewish claims to the territory once called Palestine - known today as Israel, Jordan, the West Bank and Gaza. Let's Talk About The Nazis
Prof. Barry Rubin - 3/18/2008
Comparing contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis is increasingly commonplace." --U.S. State Department report on antisemitism, 2007. Lets talk about the Nazis. There should have already been more than enough discussion about this in the more than half-century since Adolf Hitlers bunker fell in 1945. There have been hundreds and thousands of books, articles, speeches, and so on about what is commonly known as the Holocaust. But apparently it hasnt been enough, or well enough understood. Impediments to Stability in Iraq: Th Illusive Economic Dimention
Prof. Robert E. Looney - 3/16/2008
Of the major contributors to stability in Iraq--military, political, and economic, the economic dimension has received the least attention from both the United States and the Iraqi authorities. In turn, the country's failed economy has undermined efforts in the other two key areas. While many mistakes have been made in trying to jump-start the economy, a number of lessons emerge from these efforts. Rather than piece-meal programs, economic recovery must be part of a comprehensive strategy oriented toward creating a virtuous circle whereby improved security leads to economic gains which in turn facilitate improvements in governance and market reforms. Israel should release Palestinians prisoners according to a Plan
Ted Belman - 3/16/2008
Israel should release most of the 10,000 Palestinian prisoners held by them as part of a plan. I say most because the worst ones, I.e. those with blood on their hands, must be kept to make a point, namely, that murderers must be held accountable. Renaissance Cannot Be Islamic
Iqbal Latif - 3/16/2008
The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has adopted a new charter that calls for a jihad of peace to spark off an Islamic renaissance. Muslim country Indonesia called for an Islamic Renaissance. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang was quoted as saying The possibility of an Islamic renaissance lies before us. We need to get our act together as an organisation of Muslim nations. These are virtuous and extremely timely, helpful statements cannot be overlooked, these represents sea change of attitude and I can see beginning of a thaw in very hardened ideological quarters. The world should try to capitalise on these offshoots and act as catalyst to commence a debate on change. The Iraqi Chaldean Archbishop murder is a new victory for Terrorism
Elias Bejjani - 3/16/2008
The Lebanese Canadian Coordinating Council (LCCC) strongly condemns the vicious, heinous and cowardice kidnapping and murder of the Iraqi Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul, Paulus Faraj Rahho. The Archbishop's body was found on Thursday 13/02/08 in a grave located in Al-Intisar suburb of the south-east Mosul Iraqi City. An anonymous phone call was received by the police informing them where he was buried. The condition of the body indicated that he had been dead for some time. Archbishop Rahho was kidnapped on February 29/08 during which three of his escorting deacons were also murdered in cold blood. Arab Ideological Doctrine Syndrome: A Crippling Plague
Prof. Barry Rubin - 3/16/2008
One of the things least understood by people in the West is the frameworkor should I say straitjacket?of the dominant ideology in the Arabic-speaking world in shaping thought, speech, and political alternatives. This shows up in the smallest of exchanges. But atoms, too, are very tiny yet make up all the wide variety of things in the world. Sunnis and the Contemporary Political Process in Iraq
Prof. Ronen Zeidel - 3/13/2008
This article is the first in-depth analysis of the situation of the Sunni Arabs in Iraq after April 2003. Beginning with the Sunni predicament before 2003, it goes on to show how the threat to Sunni identity contributed to the construction of a distinctive identity after 2003. Although Sunni Arab cohesion is challenged by the debate over the political process and internal strife, the article delineates the Sunni Arab vision for a future Iraq. Requisites for a Real Friend of Israel
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 3/13/2008
The 2008 Presidential campaign has brought forth statements from all the major candidates, both Democrat and Republican, of the depth of their support for the State of Israel, and their commitment to maintaining the close relationship that exists between the United States and the only real democracy in that area of the world. On the face of it, there would appear to be very little difference between the Democrats and the Republicans regarding support for Israel. The politically naive would be able to look at all the candidates and seeing their near equal support for Israel, come to the concl... If they can't fool you, they can't defeat you
Prof. Barry Rubin - 3/13/2008
Radical forces in the Middle East have rewritten the international rulebook in a way designed so "they can't lose." That is, theres no easy response to their behavior and strategies. The Axis of Evil Stands Behind the Jerusalem Crime
Elias Bejjani - 3/9/2008
The Lebanese Canadian Coordinating Council (LCCC) strongly condemns the heinous and barbaric crime that was committed by the fundamentalist Hamas organization and Hezbollah militants against a religious school students' in Jerusalem. In this immoral act, we see a flagrant violation of all international Human Rights, laws and covenants which prohibit the killing of civilians, or attacking them under any given circumstance. At the same time, we strongly denounce all the commemoration of glorifying, praising and sanctifying of this suicide and homicide atrocity that was publicly uttered and shamefully exhibited in Lebanon and other countries. Arab Ideological Doctrine Syndrome: A Crippling Plague
Prof. Barry Rubin - 3/6/2008
One of the things least understood by people in the West is the framework--or should I say straitjacket?--of the dominant ideology in the Arabic-speaking world in shaping thought, speech, and political alternatives. This shows up in the smallest of exchanges. But atoms, too, are very tiny yet make up all the wide variety of things in the world. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: MP Lord Waddington - Iran Regime Change Is "Essential"
David Storobin, Esq. - 3/6/2008
Lord David Charles Waddington served in the UK Parliament from 1968 to 1974. He returned to Parliament in 1979. Lord Waddington was a junior minister under Margaret Thatcher, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department of Employment (198183), Minister of State at the Home Office (198387) and Chief Whip from 1987 until his elevation to Cabinet level, becoming Home Secretary in 1989. In 1990 he was created a life peer as Baron Waddington, of Read in the County of Lancashire. He served as Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Lords until 1992. He later served as Governor of Bermuda. Lo... Michele Aoun Represent Axis Of Evil & Not Lebanese Christians
Elias Bejjani - 3/5/2008
On February the 2nd, 2008, the National Lebanese News Agency has reported the following: An FPM (Free Patriotic Movement) student committee delegation from French St. Joseph's University in Beirut laid a wreath of flowers at the tomb of the martyr Imad Mughniyah in Ghobeiri (Beirut), in a salute to his sacrifices and accomplishments in regard the sovereignty and liberation of the nation, then they stood one minute in silence for his soul. Imad Mugniyah: Confessions At a Funeral
Prof. Barry Rubin - 3/5/2008
A funny thing happened at the funeral of Imad Mugniyah. Those who had for years been denying any connection with him and his international terrorist activities--Iran, Syria, and Hizballah--suddenly admitted that he was one of their favorite people. If Someone Comes to Kill You, Rise Up and Kill Him First
Ted Belman - 3/5/2008
Israel is free to employ ALL munitions, tactics, equipment and personnel in her arsenal to defend herself against the outlaw Hamas terrorist organization. Short of the intentional targeting and murder of truly uninvolved and innocent civilians, Israel can (and should) operate as freely as she desires to protect her territorial sovereignty and the lives of her citizens. YouTube Banned and Censored in Iran
Ghazal Omid - 3/5/2008
Feb 26th, 2008, Reuters reported, YouTube outage might have been caused by Pakistan. The same night, news of YouTube being shut down was discussed on every major network, speculating whether the Pakistani government was responsible. YouTube executives didnt call it censorship, explaining the shutdown was the result of a routing change creating a massive traffic jam and many users around the world could not access the site for about two hours. The Two State Solution
Ted Belman - 3/4/2008
I was shocked to receive a note from Dr Paul Eidelberg advising that The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) had endorsed for the first time a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Power Plays in Palestine
David Singer - 3/4/2008
Jordan's decision to begin supplying electricity to Jericho last Monday - coupled with Egypt's intention to do exactly the same in Gaza - sends a clear message that perhaps the lights are at last being turned on for the first time in 40 years - possibly heralding the beginning of the end to the gloom and darkness that has marked the long running Arab-Jewish conflict over the territory once called Palestine. Nasrallah's Dilemmas
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 3/4/2008
In a speech last week broadcast at the Sayed al-Shohada Mosque in south Beirut, Hizbullah General Secretary Hassan Nasrallah promised his supporters that Israel's 'disappearance' was an 'established fact.' US Policy on Iran: Where is the Missing Link?
Ghazal Omid - 3/4/2008
A new set of sanctions against Iran has again been recommended to the UN Council. The IRI reacted with an unenforceable threat to the UN. The threat is impotent because Irans economy is not thriving but IRI uses media cleverly to portray Iran as otherwise. Article 44 of IRI Assembly allows the IRI to cleverly work around sanctions. The IRI relationship with Arab countries of the Persian Gulf suggests that, behind the scenes, there is blinking at the sanctions. The Unfinished War In Lebanon
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 2/28/2008
The Lebanon war of 2006 failed to resolve any of the issues over which it was fought. Ultimately, the �war may be understood as a single campaign within a broader Middle Eastern conflict--between pro-Western and democratic states on the one hand, and an alliance of Islamist and Arab nationalist forces on the other. The latter alignment has as one of its strategic goals the eventual demise of the State of Israel. While such a goal may appear delusional, the inconclusive results of the 2006 war did much to confirm the representatives of the latter camp in their belief that they have discovered a method capable of eventually producing a strategic defeat for Israel. Bomb Gaza, Win the War
Ted Belman - 2/28/2008
The Assault on Israels Right to Self-Defense was described by Abraham Bell in his article on International Law and Gaza. Dr. Avi Bell is a member of the Faculty of Law at Bar-Ilan University, Visiting Professor at Fordham University Law School, and Director of the International Law Forum at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. He clearly advised that Israel has the right of self defense and described the law as it pertains. Middle East Pressure Points
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/28/2008
Ironic, isnt it, that radical forces threaten a wide range of violence, sanctions, and other behaviors against democratic states while insistingalong with their Western apologiststhat any attempt by their victims to put any kind of pressure on them is useless. Using Amnesty and Human Rights for change in Iran
Ghazal Omid - 2/28/2008
On February 22, Amnesty International had a panel discussion on Human Rights in Iran and how to move forward with that issue. The following paragraph is from Amnestys webpage: "This is a panel presentation followed by discussion on how activists can promote human rights in Iran in the context of the current situation. Panelists include: Trita Parsi of the National Iranian-American Council, activists Elahe Amani and Nazanin Boniadi, and former AI Board member Alireza Azizi. Several days prior to this panel discussion, Iranians flooded Amnesty with faxes and e-mails in angry reaction to the de... Iranian Elections A Faade For Terror-Sponsoring Regime
Hossein Abedini - 2/26/2008
As the Iranian regime prepares itself for upcoming parliamentary elections on 14 March, I am reminded of a day in Turkey exactly 18 years before it, when the mullahs' brutal nature and their support for terrorism became a stark reality for me. On 14 March 1990, in mid-afternoon I was sitting next to the driver taking me to the Istanbul airport, when suddenly a car carrying four men blocked our path. Another car pinned us in from behind. Seconds later, two men, one from the front car and one from the car behind, raced out with automatic guns. As they approached, I opened the car door and rushed... So Many Problems, So Few Solutions
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/26/2008
The Middle East is a region where so many things seem to happen, so little appears to change, and far too much is said about it all. Partly this is due to the area's turbulence; partly to obsessive hyper-reporting in an era when everyone claims to be a Middle East expert and the most basic exercise of logic is often absent. Yet, at the same time, silly ideas and policies often also correspond to real needs. Lebanon's Saniora Government & and the Israeli Complex
Elias Bejjani - 2/26/2008
During his two years in office, Lebanon's PM, Mr. Fouad Saniora has proved time after time, and without any shed of doubt that psychologically he is like many other "day dreaming Arabs", still possessed by the obsolete rhetoric of the "Nasser phenomenon", that was founded by the late Egyptian President Jamal Abdel Nasser. In the fifties and sixties Nasser promised his fellow Arabs a strong, unified Arab nation, and advocated for throwing the State of Israel into the sea. In the end, he caused the Arabs more and more divisions and led them in the six days war with Israel in 1967, to the worst humiliating defeat in their history. Syria Killed Imad Mughniyah!
Elias Bejjani - 2/22/2008
"The world is a better place without this man in it. He was a cold-blooded killer, a mass murderer and a terrorist responsible for countless innocent lives lost," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack. "One way or another, he was brought to justice." War of Muslims Against Muslims, Arabs Against Arabs
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/22/2008
Following up on article Who Owns the Palestine Card in which a high-ranking Iranian official claims the battle against Israel as a Shia and non-Palestinian monopoly now comes a Hamas statement which also indicates the deep divisions among Muslims and Arabs. At the same time, in contrast to the bragging (or is it whistling in the dark?) of Iran and Hizballah, it shows the high sense of despair among radical forces. Who Owns The Palestine Card?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/21/2008
In the course of Hizballah's threats against Israel, following the assassination of that group's international terrorism director, Imad Mugniyah, there was an extremely important point that speaks to the Middle East's future. Radical Disorder Over Lebanon
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/20/2008
The assassination of Imad Mugniyah, arguably the worlds second most dangerous terrorist after Usama bin Ladin, has riveted world attention on the story. But few are aware of the dramatic aftermath. Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) Campaign of Terror Against the Opposition
Ghazal Omid - 2/20/2008
The Iranian regime celebrated its 29th anniversary in January 2008 for a two week period called Fajar or Victory. No doubt the revolution has been a victorious event for the IRI government but it is an entirely different story for the Iranian people. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?
Ted Belman - 2/20/2008
I have been looking for details as to the siege Israel has applied to Gaza. I read a lot of invective toward Israel such as this odious article in the International Herald Tribune, but little detail. Israel is always guilty regardless of whether she has committed a crime. It is always assumed that the law proscribes such conduct and that Israel has violated it. In most cases the law is misapplied. Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty. In the case of the siege she is guilty of collective punishment according to the Human Rights activists. Gaza: All Options Are Bad
Ted Belman - 2/19/2008
Under the headline IDF exit plan: Gaza invasion will bring multinational force Yaakov Katz reports in THE JERUSALEM POST today, Israel is considering a large-scale incursion into the Gaza Strip during which it would present an ultimatum to the international community for the deployment of a multinational force as the only condition under which it would withdraw, defense officials have told The Jerusalem Post.Israpundit reported on this plan a few days ago sugge... Grand Mufti of Syria Threatens Europeans at EU Parliament, EU Media Silent
Fjordman - 2/19/2008
This information was brought to my attention by the blog Snaphanen. As a part of the deliberate merger of Europe and the Islamic world that is the policy of the European Union at the highest levels, yet almost never debated in European media, 2008 will be a "Year of Intercultural Dialogue," which means that Europeans will be bombarded with propaganda about how good it will be to submit to Islamic rule, and some veiled threats about what happens if we don't... Fatah Falls Apart?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/19/2008
Rather than unite in the face of the Hamas challenge and the task of gaining support from the West Bank s people, Fatah seems to be collapsing. Or perhaps the feuds are not only over power but who gets to control the almost $7 billion scheduled to be given the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority (PA) over the next three years. A contributing factor is that Fatah has said it will hold a congress in March, the first full such meeting in almost 20 years. Hear the Cry of the People of Iran for Freedom
Baroness May Blood - Member of UK House of Lords - 2/19/2008
On January 31, the European Parliament (EP) adopted a resolution expressing its "deep concern over the deterioration of the human rights situation in Iran." The EP strongly condemned the death sentences and executions in Iran, in particular those imposed and/or carried out on minors. Moroccan Democracy Process: The Will Needs Citizens Trust
Ahmed Jazouli, Ph.D. - 2/18/2008
On January 23th, the Moroccan Lower House closed its first session. Officially, the elections that led to its election knew the lowest after rates of participation in Moroccos history (37 percent). Blacklisting Iranian Opposition Despite Court Order
Malcolm Fowler - 2/18/2008
On Wednesday, January 23, 2008 the Council of Europe voted on a resolution in relation to the United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) terror blacklists. This resolution was based on a report by Dick Marty, a Swiss investigator working for the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Council of Europe. The report and the resolution in turn were a damning indictment of the way in which individuals and groups are blacklisted within the EU and UN. Palestinians and Jews: A Solution?
Bernard Gilland - 2/14/2008
The conflict between Jews and Arabs over Palestine arose soon after Russian Jews began to immigrate into Palestine in 1882. No solution acceptable to both sides is yet in sight, but it is possible to identify the least unsatisfactory solution by a process of elimination. Peace Must Be Desired For Peace Process To Work
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/14/2008
Theres a fascinating interview in the February 10 Jerusalem Post with former British prime minister and now Quartet peace envoy Tony Blair. On one hand, it gets things wrong but on the other hand it expresses some extremely important trends. Islamists Blast Valentine's Day
Jeremy Reynalds, Ph.D. - 2/14/2008
While millions of men and women are gearing up for a happy Valentines Day, the same cannot be said for Muslims. The Culture of Tyranny
David Singer - 2/14/2008
The ancient city of Damascus received another mark of recognition last week. Following in the wake of Liverpool - which was recognized as the European Capital of Culture, and Stavanger in Norway, which was named the non-EU European Capital of Culture, UNESCO last week designated Damascus as the Arab Capital of Culture for 2008. Pay Now, Nothing Later
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/13/2008
Step right up! Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen! It's easy, fun, and everybody's a winner! Just guess which shell the nut is under. Lebanon - A Return To Civil War?
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 2/12/2008
Much will be said about Benazir Bhutto's assassination; little will be understood about what it truly means. I'm not speaking here about Pakistan, of course, as important as is that country. But rather the lesson--as if we need any more--for that broad Middle East which begins in Pakistan and ends on the Atlantic Ocean coast. Take Me To Your Leader!
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/12/2008
The day of giantsthough some of them were ogresis certainly over among Middle East leaders. In fact, what is most remarkable fact is how unremarkable the current rulers are. There is both good and bad in this situation, since while there is no one capable of turning around a whole country Samson-like that also means there is no one likely to pull down the temple and crush everyone underneath. That is, with one possible exception we will discuss shortly. Time For A New And Different Palestine Mandate
Ted Belman - 2/12/2008
Things are not going well for the two-state solution. Palestinian PM Fayed said that no agreement will be reached this year. The latest poll in the territories discloses that since the Annapolis meeting, Fatah is losing popularity. Hamas has taken centre stage with its breach of the Gaza border. Livni acknowledges that Hamas must be dealt with first before the peace process can succeed. Though some say the look of the final deal is known others say the parties are farther apart than ever. St. Maroun & His followers the Maronites
Elias Bejjani - 2/10/2008
Every year, on the ninth of February, more than ten million Maronites from all over the world celebrates St. Marouns day. On this day, they pay their respect to the great founder of the Maronite Church, Maroun the priest, the hermit, the father, the leader and the Saint. They remember what they have been exposed to, since the 4th century, both good and bad times. They reminisce through the past, examine the present and contemplate the future. They pray for peace, democracy and freedom in Lebanon, their home land, and all over the world. Elmo Has a Question: Who Voted For the Kurd?
Weam Namou - 2/10/2008
Iraq is as famous for its Kurdish jokes and riddles as America is for its Polack ones. After the January 30, 2005 elections, Iraqis came up with a new riddle: If 60% of Iraqis are Shia, 35% Sunni, and 15% Kurds, who voted for the Kurd? According to CIAs World Factbook, the population of Iraq is 75%-80% Arab, 15%-20% Kurdish, and 5% Assyrian or other ethnicities. Yet Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, was chosen as Iraqs president on April 6, 2005, becoming the first leader of an Arab country who is not himself an Arab. His leadership proved to satisfy both Sunnis and Shiites to such extent that he was reelected in April 2006. Uniquely Bizarre
Prof. Barry Rubin - 2/10/2008
The Arab-Israeli conflict definitely holds the record for the most bizarrely treated issue in modern history. It is easy to forget just how strange this situation is and the extent to which it is understood and handled so totally different from other, more rationally, perceived problems. Iran's Majlis Elections Neither Free Nor Fair
Mark Williams - UK Member of Parliament - 2/7/2008
It is with optimism that I usually regard elections. Win or lose, they are an opportunity for the voice of the people to be heard, but an exception to this will be the Iranian elections this March. Elections in Iran are neither free nor fair. Mahmoud Ahmadinejads rise to the Presidency in 2005 serves as a striking example. Even by the regimes own pre-poll records, Ahmadinejad was not even close to first place. So how does a previously-unheard-of Revolutionary Guards commander with no proven success in politics and no pre-poll showing get more than 50 percent of the votes in an election widely boycotted by the vast majority of the Iranian population? Simple. He doesnt. Israel, Gaza & Egypt: No Change
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 2/7/2008
The response of Israeli officials to the latest events in Gaza may in essence be divided into two halves. The initial response was one of frustration at Egyptian unwillingness to restore order on the international border. The subsequent sense is that the latest Gaza events have served to clarify, rather than significantly alter, an already existing reality. Israel Should End Occupation Of Gaza
Ted Belman - 2/7/2008
In October 04, I asked What will disengagement accomplish? and referred to a DEBKA Report which said, Musharraf and Barak- Why did they meet?
Iqbal Latif - 2/7/2008
Politics is the name of the art of survival. In todays world, geo-strategic realities demand that countries should work closely to reduce the threat from the unseen. When the very survival of a nation is at stake, efforts should be made to reduce tensions and harvest confidence building measures. Pakistan and Israel have solid rationale to promote the intensity of their communication. Last week, I highlighted that Lieberman's recent itinerary in Islamabad included two unusual appointments. Senator Lieberman had long meetings with Pakistani army chief, General Parvez Kiani, and the director ge... Operation Iraqi Freedom Enslaved Iraqi Women
Weam Namou - 2/4/2008
My twenty-year-old cousin Renda is currently a student at Mustansiriyah University in Baghdad, Iraq. Established in 1227, Mustansiriyah is one of the oldest university in the world. Extremists have targeted this university since the 2003 U.S. and British-led invasion, the most brutal act having taken place on January 16, 2007 when a double bomb attack killed sixty five people, mostly female students, and wounded 138. Though these incidents did not deter Renda from attending classes, they have had a negative impact on the majority of the countrys students. According to a joint Ministry of Inte... Annapolis is a separation process, not a peace process
Ted Belman - 2/4/2008
David Samuels, who wrote In a Ruined Country,the definitive article on Yasser Arafat in The Atlantic in 2005, and a stunning article last year in The Jewish Press entitled The Silence of the Lambs, has now written another essential article in the February 13 issue of The New Republic entitled The Father of Palestine, dealing with the object of the current peace process. Do Iranians Have the Courage to Say No to Islam
Amil Imani - 2/4/2008
Nearly 1400 years ago, a group of nomads from across the scorching Arabian Desert conquered Persia (Iran), the greatest empire known to the history of mankind. With that, they injected their Islamic virus into the veins of their victim: the Iranian people. Hamas's Gaza Debacle
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/30/2008
Imagine a very secret meeting held somewhere in the Gaza Strip. Around a table sit various Hamas bigwigs and their leader makes the following speech: Muslims Victim Mentality
Amil Imani - 1/30/2008
As a group, Muslims are paranoid and suffer chronically from the disease of victimization. That is, they either victimize the helpless whenever and wherever they can, or scream murder against the strong. This mentality is one of the many bequests that Muhammad left for his Ummah. This Is War
Ted Belman - 1/29/2008
Now nobody can ignore reality. Disengagement from Gaza has permitted a war machine to be developed there that includes a standing army larger than Israels. It has unlimited funds and no need to work for a living. It is supported by the west. In Remembrance of Cyrus the Great
Amil Imani - 1/29/2008
It happened here, on January 26, 2008 at the UCLA Freud PlayHouse, in Los Angeles, California. It brought the world's most renowned scholars and top performing artists to a remembrance of the life of Cyrus the Great, the founding father of Persia and the mighty Persian Empire perhaps the most exemplary, magnificent and just king the world has ever known. Gaza - Stateless, Leaderless, Mindless and Powerless
David Singer - 1/29/2008
"A humanitarian crisis" is how the Arab League described Gaza as it was plunged into darkness when its only power plant was shut down three days after Israel ceased the delivery of fuel supplies to the trouble-plagued territory. Fuel supplies have now been resumed but continued supply is certain to be disrupted. Fatah's Politics Make Peace Impolitic
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/29/2008
T.S. Elliot wrote memorably in "The Hollow Men": Between the idea/And the reality/Between the motion/And the act/Falls the Shadow Free World: Rescue Lebanon before it is too late
Elias Bejjani - 1/29/2008
A Lebanese top anti-terrorism investigator was murdered along with his escort and three other civilians in a powerful car bombing that ripped through a neighborhood of Beirut on Friday January 25/08. Maj. Wissam Eid and Aspirant Officer Ousama Mireeb, of the Internal Security Forces (ISF), were killed along with three civilians, and forty two other people were wounded. Eid was a key member of the ISF and was involved in many investigations related to terrorist bombings in Lebanon in recent years. He was involved in sensitive probes and this is a major loss for Lebanon. Eid was on his way ba... Turkey And The Middle East: An Updated Assessment
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/22/2008
In a sense, no country has tried harder to get out of the Middle East than Turkey--by way of achieving membership in the European Union--yet Turkey does have an important role to play in the region. At the same time, though, this situation is complicated by divergences over Turkey's identity, interests, and internal politics. Interview with Etienne Saqr (Abu Arz)
Manuela Paraipan - 1/22/2008
At the suggestion and direct support of Dr. Hitti, whom I consider by now to be a trustworthy friend, I went to Cyprus to meet Abu Arz (Etienne Saqre). Abu Arz is a living legend. As with any legend he is also controversial. I read all that I could about him before meeting him, but what I expected was much different from what I experienced. The conclusion of most of my readings was that Abu Arz is an extremist Christian military leader who fell into the state's disgrace for having a relationship with Israel. Nothing could be further from the truth. I found a man who deeply cares and misses his country and wishes to be allowed to go back. Iranian Revolutionary Guards Perpetuate Terror Within and Without
Majid Sadeghpour, Ph.D. - 1/21/2008
"Cold blooded murders", a friend of mine cried out recently as she recalled gruesome memories from Iran while reflecting on the newly levied sanctions against Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Encouraged and emboldened, her voice was filled with anger, determination, and a newfound hope that echoed the braveness of dissident university students in Iran of today. All a reminder that the Presidential executive orders 13382 and 13224 carry a subtle but dual benefit affecting not only Iranian regime's activities abroad, but also its enemies within. Clinton, Bush and the Illusion of Last-Minute Peace
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/21/2008
Doesnt it all sound so familiar? A president in the last year of his office decides that the Middle East and Israeli-Palestinian issue can and will be put in order just in time for him to leave the White House, as if these complex, dangerous issues can be resolved like the happy ending of a 30-minute television show or 90-minute Hollywood film. Terror Victims Remembrance Campaign 2008 - Israel 's 60th Birthday
Ted Belman - 1/21/2008
This year, on Wednesday May 7th, Israel 's memorial day, we will remember the Israelis fallen in the long battle for the existence of the state and for our right to a normal, sane and peaceful life in this small piece of land we call home. Letter To President of Yemen From The Family Of USS Cole Victim
Gary Swenchonis - 1/18/2008
President Saleh, It has been over seven years now since our son and his mates were brutally murdered in your country on October 12, 2000 when terrorists attacked the USS Cole and murdered 17 innocent young sailors and injured 39 more. Let me begin by thanking all the Yemenis who called us at our home and sent letters of condolence. The kindness, compassion, warmth and sympathy expressed in those calls and letters comforted us and gave us a strength that we carry with us today. Our Deadly Tango with Iran
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 1/18/2008
In the convoluted world of Middle East politics and diplomacy, the American relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) remains one of the most difficult to fathom. However, of late, the dense fog that emanates from the Persian Gulf and also swirls so frequently along the shores of the Potomac that the area is known locally as Foggy Bottomthat veil of fog has lifted, and for once a relatively clear view is possible for those willing to look. Islamic Irans policies on the ground, particularly in Iraq, are directly related to our own forcefulness or timidity towards the mullah regim... US Policies On Iran and Iranian People
Ghazal Omid - 1/18/2008
President Bush has been active the first month of 2008 reviving his efforts to boost his Middle East peace initiative. Part of that campaign is his trip to the Persian Gulf region. The Iranian and Gulf media has written more about Presidents Bushs photo-ops and the Kuwait Foreign Ministers sudden visit to Iran while President Bush is in that country than about the core of the trip itself. General Aoun in his new Iranian, Syrian, and Godly Attire
Elias Bejjani - 1/13/2008
I am duty-bound to congratulate Lebanon's MP, General Michel Aoun on his tremendous successes and accomplishments in the area of domesticating and Lebanising the Syrian Baathist policies, especially after his official appointment recently by Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem as representative for the Axis of Evil (Syria and Iran), its spokesman, and negotiator on behalf of its groupings in Lebanon. How blessed are we, the Lebanese people in both Lebanon and Diaspora, that the Syrian/Iranian oppressing conditions are allowing us to elect the president who's in the general's pocket. But what else do we want beyond this great victory that General Aoun spearheaded? Syrian Games Without Frontiers
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 1/13/2008
The ongoing impasse over the appointment of the next Lebanese president, after Emil Lahoud stepped down on November 24, is the product of Syrian machinations and interference in Lebanese politics. The agreement reached on Sunday in Cairo may finally ensure the appointment of General Michel Sleiman as president, but it is unlikely to bring the crisis in Lebanon to an end. The nature and extent of Syrian involvement can only be understood in the context of the larger, region-wide rivalry between US-led and Iranian-led blocs that is shaping and defining the politics of the region. Empowering Lies
Prof. Barry Rubin - 1/13/2008
What if a major news story is made up? What if it's just Hamas propaganda without being true? And what if this story is repeated around the world? Of course, nowadays it's not hard to imagine such things happening. When one gets to specific statistics, however, it should not be too easy to lie and get away with it. 'Nation of Islam' and Denial of Its Killing Fields!
Iqbal Latif - 1/12/2008
Suicide bombers have traumatized the conscience of our nation. Instead of outright condemnation of the civil society, it is intellectually fashionable to draw moral equivalence holding poor social conditions as catalyst of these acts; it is poor judgment and disregard of history. Heartless assassins removed an icon of democracy and pluralism in Pakistan, however, political expediency took over the better of national conscious, in a sorrowful display of politics over her dead body the nation imploded within. Her killers remain at large in the wilderness. Everyone else is blamed but the heartles... Israel: Time to Apply the Mandate
Ted Belman - 1/12/2008
The Bush trip to the Middle East was over before it began. Or putting it another way, Bush is just going through the motions. The impediments to progress are so great that only the naive believe that a deal can be reached. In fact many people have written to the effect that the gaps have widened since Ehud Baraks offer at Camp David. Can The Peace Process Be Stopped?
Ted Belman - 1/8/2008
I recently wrote, "The peace process is like an enormous ship traveling with great momentum to a predetermined destination. Nothing Israel can do will stop it or alter its course. While Israel continues to debate the details, the ship continues, inexorably." The two-state solution has been planned for years. The Kurdish-American Honeymoon Has Ended
Yerevan Adham - 1/7/2008
I woke up and was greeted with news that Turkey bombed Iraqi Kurdistan. Despite America's alleged friendship and alliance with the Kurds, Washington not only permitted Turkey to bomb Kurdish villages in Northern Iraq, but supplied Turkey with intelligence to attack under pretext of existence of PKK in the rugged mountains of Qandil in Northern Iraq. Jerusalem belongs to the Jews by history, religion and law
Ted Belman - 1/7/2008
Jews all over the world are preparing to rally to save Jerusalem as the united and undivided capital of Israel. Their efforts will reach an apex during the visit by Bush next week. But the fight for Jerusalem is ongoing as a result of the Annapolis Conference at which discussion were held about the division of Jerusalem . The fight to save Jerusalem will continue after Bush leaves. There Is No Right Of Return
Ted Belman - 1/4/2008
The LA Times continues with its pro-Palestinian advocacy and it misinformation. It recently published Will peace cost me my home? by Ghada Ageel who is a self professed third-generation Palestinian refugee. There are tens of millions of third generation refugees all over the world who neither claim a right of return nor would they ever claim to describe themselves that way. They and their parents have gotten on with their lives. A Roadmap for Free Lebanon in 2008
Charles Jalkh - 1/3/2008
When a nation is faced with open rebellion by at least a third of its people it has three basic choices; reach a settlement, quell the rebellion, or let go of the rebel territory. You can do this in war, or in peace, then live one more day hoping that you may be able to reunite the nation in the future if the people are willing. The peace process has it backwards
Ted Belman - 1/2/2008
Saul Singer advises How to pressure for peace. I go further suggesting that the peace process has it backwards. Rather than arm and train the terrorists (Fatah) it should force their disarmament. Rather than finance them to the tune of $7.4 billion thereby enabling them to continue the resistance, they should be left to fend for themselves. Rather than force Israel to freeze settlemen... Maronite Graces to Pursue for the New Year: Faith and Hope
Elias Bejjani - 1/2/2008
"Be on guard, then because you do not know what day your lord will come. If the owner of the house knew the time when the thief would come, you can be sure that he would stay awake and not let the thief break into his house. so then, you also must always be ready, because the Son of Man will come an hour when you are not expecting him". Matthew 24,/42-44 Has the PLO lost the plot - or missed the boat?
David Singer - 1/2/2008
Instead of immediately entering into negotiations with Israel - the promised outcome of the recent Annapolis meeting called by President Bush - the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) has wasted the past two weeks demanding Israel totally cease all current building activities in the West Bank as a condition of those negotiations proceeding. The Way Forward In The Middle East
Ted Belman - 12/27/2007
I Hate The "Peace Process". The bottom line is that it is a vehicle that the world community rides to force Israel to capitulate to Arab demands. Many people including Jews support the process and even support US pressure on Israel to make more concessions. Without making a further argument in support of my rejection and against their designs, I would like to identify certain facts which inform the reality upon which I base my ideas of the way forward. US-Kurdish Relations in Post-Invasion Iraq
Aram Rafaat - 12/27/2007
The Kurds' desire to secure and consolidate the freedoms they enjoyed in the decade prior to the U.S. invasion of Iraq has reshaped U.S.-Kurdish relations in many ways. In order to keep Iraq united with a strong central government, U.S. policy tries to ensure that the Kurds do not seek independence. At the same time, though, The United States has tried to work with the Kurdish Regional Government. The Kurds have equally tried to support the U.S. presence in Iraq as they too benefit from the cooperative relationship. The Jewish Version Of The One-State Solution
Ted Belman - 12/23/2007
In my article, The War on Zionism, I decry the smear that Zionism is racism. It is a national liberation movement. Having said that I want to address the arguments in Just one State. While I also am against the two-state solution it is for a different reason. It is not workable nor achievable. Get the Arabs to make a better offer
Ted Belman - 12/22/2007
I received this letter:
"It must be hard being the only virgin left standing a true believer who is certain that he has found the right truth and would you believe it, its on his right side. In your selective parsing of the Salon article you do exactly the same thing you accuse the left of doing of being blind to reality. Your so sure statement that right wingers do not reject peacethey just reject faux peace on Arab terms ignores the fact that regardless of the absolutist voicesof which your, I believe, is a Jewish echo, people of good will, however strained that good will is... Iran's Nuclear and Syria's Iraq Adventures
Prof. Barry Rubin - 12/22/2007
The two main areas where the alliance of radical forces in the Middle East confront Western interests and pose a danger of major instability are Iran's drive for nuclear weapons and Syria's efforts to destabilize Iraq. This article considers these two issues. First, it examines what effect Iran's obtaining nuclear weapons would have on Middle East politics, with an emphasis on scenarios that would occur even if Iran never actually uses them. Second, it asks why it is that the interests of Iran's ally, Syria, compel it to destabilize Iraq. Morocco's 2007 Elections
Samir Ben-Layashi - 12/22/2007
This article discusses the social and political context of Morocco's 2007 parliamentary elections, which brought surprising results. It attempts to explain why the moderate Islamic party, the PJD, did not achieve an overwhelming victory as was expected. It also explores why the formerly undefeatable socialist party, the USFP, lost popularity. Finally, it examines the remarkable comeback of the historically conservative Independent Party, the IP. The article points out that while the PJD may have lost on the national scale, it won in most of the big cites--the political, economic, and intellect... Paris Produces Palestinian Funding Frenzy
David Singer - 12/21/2007
Ninety Nations meeting in Paris this week fell over themselves in the rush to pledge US$7.4 billion dollars over the next three years - US$1.8 billion more than anticipated - in a desperate attempt to salvage their greatest failure in international diplomacy - the creation of a new Arab state between Israel and Jordan. Muslim Pilgrimage Exemplifies Believers' Equality Before God
Ahmad Al-Akhras, Ph.D. - 12/19/2007
Muslims from all over the world are taking part in the largest gathering on Earth, the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hajj is a religious obligation that every Muslim must fulfill, if financially and physically able, at least once in his or her lifetime. During these historic days, white, brown and black people, rich and poor, kings and peasants, men and women, old and young will all stand before God, all brothers and sisters, at the holiest of shrines in the center of the Muslim world, where all will call upon God to accept their good deeds. These days represent the zenith of every Muslim's lifetime. The War on Zionism
Ted Belman - 12/19/2007
Post Annapolis, the Palestinian Authority made it crystal clear that it will never recognize Israel as a "Jewish state". Furthermore, it made it crystal clear that it will not compromise on Jerusalem making it a capital offense to do so. Yet negotiations continue. Either Olmert doesn't believe the PA or what is more likely, he will still cut a deal where Israel is denied that recognition and will divide Jerusalem according to Arab demands. Irans 2003 Grand Bargain Offer: Secrets, Lies, and Manipulation
Hassan Daioleslam - 12/19/2007
In the past year, Iran has emerged as the main concern for United States foreign policy. In the aftermath of Iraq war, the United States is blamed for not pursuing diplomatic means in dealing with Iran. Much is said and written about the lost opportunity of dialogue and settling differences with Iran in 2003. The Bomb, Iran's Mullahs and Doomsday
Amil Imani - 12/18/2007
It is the holiday season and we all have received this most welcome present: the U.S. National Intelligence Estimate about Irans nuclear problem. Since 2003 the mullahs running Iran have, on their own and through their own goodwill, have ceased all activities aimed at acquiring the bomb, so says the report. Survivor, Gulf Style
Prof. Barry Rubin - 12/18/2007
Let's say you rule an Arab state in the Persian Gulf--Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates. How does the world look to you right now? Islamist Groups In Lebanon
Gary C. Gambill - 12/18/2007
The article examines the evolution of three distinct poles of Islamism in Lebanon and how they have adapted to changes in local political and security conditions over the past three decades. There is no duty to accept peace on Arab terms
Ted Belman - 12/18/2007
Salon recently published a review by Gregory Levey, of the efforts of the Coordinating Council on Jerusalem under the title, The right wings Jerusalem gambit and sub-titled, Syrian and Iranian Leadership Comprehends Only The Language Of Force And Coercion
Elias Bejjani - 12/17/2007
With sorrow and pain the Lebanese Canadian Coordinating Council (LCCC) condemns the assassination of General Francois Hajj. This crime has in fact targeted all the Lebanese people in their safety, security and the stability of their nation, as well as their common living and the future of their young ones. It can't be seen or understood except in the context of the Syrian-Iranian axis of evil ongoing scheme against Lebanon and its democracy. All previous and current unfolding major events indicate plainly that the assassins are Syrian - Iranian agents. Why Irans Mullahs Must Have the Bomb?
Amil Imani - 12/15/2007
Why Irans Mullahs must have the bomb? Because their very survival depends on it; because they know how vastly unpopular they are at home; and because they have absolutely no legitimacy to exist, and the bomb would give them a greater freedom to obliterate the freedom-loving Iranian people with impunity and export their brand of Islam outside Irans boundary with carte blanche. Annapolis will lead to Dhimmi status for Israel
Ted Belman - 12/14/2007
Everything I read about the negotiations leading up to Annapolis and the event itself suggests that a deal has been cut whereby Israel assumes its rightful (according to Islam) role as a Dhimmi in exchange for Saudi acceptance of the existence of Israel. Hezbollah Is Syrian Occupation
Charles Jalkh - 12/14/2007
There will not be any security nor peace in Lebanon as long as Syrian-Iranian controlled armed groups continue to dominate large swaths of Lebanese territory and violate the authority of the Lebanese state. There is no doubt that the terrorists are using safe havens in the Hezbollah security zones and some Palestinian camps to launch their attacks and assassinations against the Lebanese. Liberating the Palestine Liberation Organisation
David Singer - 12/14/2007
For better or for worse Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) are the parties that will - for the next 12 months - be negotiating the resolution of sovereignty in the West Bank with a view to ultimately creating a new independent Arab State between Israel and Jordan. These identical parties have been negotiating on the same issue for the last 14 years without the slightest sign of success. Hizb ut-Tahrir: A Rising Force In Palestinian Territories
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 12/14/2007
Demonstrations across the West Bank in protest of the Annapolis conference showcased the entry into the public eye of a new force in Palestinian politics - the pan-Islamic Hizb ut-Tahrir (Party of Liberation.) The party held a demonstration numbering 2,500 in Hebron, and one of its members was killed in subsequent clashes with Palestinian Authority police. Similar gatherings took place in other West Bank cities. Hizb ut-Tahrir's slow emergence from eccentric obscurity has been a subject of note among observers of Palestinian affairs in recent years. The anti-Annapolis demonstrations are the la... Syriantoxication: An Infantile Malady
Prof. Barry Rubin - 12/14/2007
A strange malady has apparently descended on part of Israels, much of Americas, and most of Europes elite. Lets call it Syriantoxication, the belief that there is a real chance to make peace with Syria andin its extreme versionthat Lebanon should be sacrificed for that goal. To call this wishful thinking is understatement. Why is this happening? Terrorism Can Only Be Controlled By Occupation
Ted Belman - 12/14/2007
Hamas continues to fire rockets at Sderot. The situation is intolerable. Chief of Staff Lt. -Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi had a brain wave. He recently said, Distortion of Palestinian Aid Politics
Prof. Barry Rubin - 12/11/2007
My favorite sentence of the week is this one: Asking for record $5.8 billion in aid through 2010, Palestinians promise fiscal reform. Karen Laub wrote on this subject for the Associated Press, December 5, 2007, recounting how the Palestinian Authority (PA) asked the world to double the aid it receives. The Beirut Down Town Sit-in: Sacrifices, Dragons & Saint Georges
Elias Bejjani - 12/11/2007
"Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. For those who are such don't serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent" (Saint Paul's Letter to the Romans:16/17 & 18) Beyond Annapolis - Political Paralysis
David Singer - 12/10/2007
President Bush will be bitterly disappointed if he is expecting a historic breakthrough in negotiations over the next twelve months between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). War With Iran For Knowledge
Imran Khan - 12/9/2007
Two significant things happened in October 2007. One was the visit of Russia's President Vladimir Putin to Iran in mid October, as he was the first Kremlin leader to visit Iran since Josef Stalin in 1943. He exchanged warm words with Iranians and said that there is no evidence to suggest Iran wants to build a nuclear bomb and "peaceful nuclear activities must be allowed". He also warned against the use of force against Iran "Not only should we reject the use of force, but also the mention of force as a possibility." What's After Annapolis?
Ahmad Al-Akhras, Ph.D. - 12/9/2007
On the 60th anniversary of the UN partition plan, President George W. Bush invited the conflicting parties of the Middle East to Annapolis, Maryland. It seems that President Bush wanted to have a legacy for being a broker of a long-awaited peace deal between the Palestinians and Israelis. It looks like nothing is coming out of this meeting. However, it may turn out as a nice photo op for everybody involved. Annapolis: One Cheer, One Yawn, One Cynical Shrug
Prof. Barry Rubin - 12/8/2007
Before the Annapolis meeting, some said the operation would save the patient; others that it would kill the patient. In fact, the patient is exactly the same but the doctors had a hell of a big party and congratulated themselves on doing a terrific job. General Michel Aoun's Cancerous Arrogance
Elias Bejjani - 12/3/2007
Poor General Michel Aoun, his blind obstinacy and hatred has lead him to a deadly state of perversion that requires our pity towards the conclusion of national and political career of a once-promising leader that was perceived as a different and unique role model unlike all the other vacillating politicians. Israel Will Annex Judea And Samaria and Remain Jewish
Ted Belman - 12/3/2007
After the Annapolis fiasco, Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said, If the day comes when the two-state solution collapses, and we face a South African-style struggle for equal voting rights [assuming that the Palestinians in the territories will petition peacefully to be citizens of Israel, taking on the obligations of Israeli citizenship], then, as soon as that happens, the State of Israel is finished." So Why Do They Hate Us?
Hashmat Moslih - 12/3/2007
The 11th of September is a gruesome celebration of a gruesome act committed by the leaders of the Western civilization. It is the celebration of the death of logic. Logic died when the Western leaders demanded that the occupied must provide security for the occupier. In such an environment of world order, attacks like that of 11th of September are inevitable and nothing is going to prevent it. Humanity has reached a deadlock - war is the only path in resuscitating reason and logic. What happened to reason and logic and where enlightenment is are questions which can only be answered by... Turkeys mlitary operation in Iraq: Limited incursion or full-scale invasion?
Abid Mustafa - 12/3/2007
On 2 December 2007 the Turkish military said Saturday's operation was the first since it had been authorized by the government to launch a cross-border offensive, and that operations will continue "depending on intelligence gathered." In some quarters there is apprehension that this may mark the beginning of an all out invasion to occupy northern Iraq . To understand the reality of this military adventure it is important review the internal politics of Turkey , especially the tussle between AKP and Turkey s powerful generals. You Can't Get to Peace if You Can't Get it Right
Prof. Barry Rubin - 12/2/2007
I love Annapolis. A charming town that has maintained its historic district quite nicely. Nice little harbor with interesting shops. Then there's the magnificent statehouse, best-known for George Washington's famous farewell speech, when he gave up the command of the American army at the end of the revolution rather than making himself dictator, got on his horse, and rode home to be a farmer. No Honor or Loyalty in Gen. Michel Sleiman candidacy
Charles Jalkh - 12/2/2007
The French Daily "Le Figaro" published a report yesterday claiming that the Lebanese Army commander General "Michel Sleiman" is reported to have falsely obtained a French Passport in 2004 in order to flee the country as the Syrian occupation was collapsing. Why I Hate Annapolis
Ted Belman - 12/2/2007
Why do I hate Annapolis? Because what was agreed to at Annapolis will destroy Israel. Let me count the ways it threatens the Jewish state: Jerusalem Is a Jewish issue
Ted Belman - 12/1/2007
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Monday categorically rejected assertions by American Jewish leaders that Jerusalem is not an Israeli issue but a Jewish one. Speaking at a news briefing Monday, Olmert said that the Jerusalem issue had been determined long ago and that the government of Israel has a sovereign right to negotiate anything on behalf of Israel. He said that at this stage, the matter was a theoretical rather than practical one, as the subject of Jerusalem was not yet on the negotiating table. Dont you believe it. Mideast Peace Negotiations Should Be About Syria
Ted Belman - 11/30/2007
The key to solving American troubles in the ME is Syria, not Israel. You may recall that Saudi Arabia demanded that Syria be invited as the price for gaining its attendance and Syria was invited. There is no solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, or should I say the Israel/Arab conflict, until the Arab countries are prepared to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and sign an end of conflict agreement. The former has been rejected and the latter is not even discussed. Annapolis: Munich Rising
Jerry Gordon - 11/27/2007
I listened to an interview with Ambassador John Bolton and Natan Sharansky with Lori Lowenthal Marcus and Steve Feldman on the ZOA Middle East News Hour on WNWR.com. Listen to the interview here. I came to a basic conclusion. What we have going down on the US Naval Academy grounds in Annapolis, Maryland next week is Munich Rising. Exclusive Interview: Danny Dayan, Yesha Council Chairman
Anthony Stroe - 11/27/2007
The Yesha Council is an umbrella group that governs Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria (West Bank). Yesha is the Hebrew acronym Judea, Samaria and Gaza. The Yesha Council was formed in the 1970's as a successor to Gush Emunim, an organization formed to oversee the return to Jews to their Biblical homeland. The council consists of 25 elected mayors and 10 community leaders. Its mandate is to provide security for its residents such as to arrange the acquisition of bullet proof ambulances and buses; to oversee the improvements of infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water supplies a... Annapolis Drop-Ins And Mary Poppins
David Singer - 11/26/2007
The spotlight is now directly focused on Annapolis as preparations are finalised for the opening night of the proposed revival of the show "Road Map" - first conceived by President George Bush in 2002. Tickets have been finally mailed out for this eagerly anticipated event to a large number of so far unidentified VIP's who will drop into Annapolis to attend a gala dinner on 26 November to be followed by a full blown performance the following day. They are slotted to fly out after meeting the two principal actors - Ehud Olmert and Mahmoud Abbas - who will be desperately trying to get the show on the road once again after a series of abysmal failures over the last four years Looking Down the Precipice
Manuela Paraipan - 11/26/2007
During the time I spent in Lebanon I had the chance to talk - off and on the record - with individuals from various walks of life and with people who act as mediators between the March 8 bloc (Hizbollah, Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), Amal, Marada, Syrian Socialist Nationalist Party and allies) and March 14 bloc (Future Movement, Progressive Socialist Party, Lebanese Forces, Kataeb Party and allies). No one can play a completely neutral role in Lebanon, but some do manage to keep away from the inter- and intra-quarrels and thus become trustworthy actors. There's No Diplomatic Solution To the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Ted Belman - 11/22/2007
On October 26, 2005, Ahmadinejad gave a speech to the "World Without Zionism conference" in Iran. The New York Times published a full transcript of the speech in which Ahmadinejad was quoted in part as follows: Exclusive Interview: MP Binley - Isolate Iran Like Apartheid South Africa
David Storobin, Esq. - 11/22/2007
Brian Binley has been a Conservative Party Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom for Northampton South since 2005. He has taken an active role in the UK House of Commons on issue of Iran and its opposition groups. David Storobin interviewed him for the Global Politician. What Sort Of Message Is It For Syrian Reformers?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 11/20/2007
The idea that poverty, relative backwardness, violence, and instability must be caused by external circumstances is engrained in much of the Western intelligentsia. It encourages a tendency to apologize for those regimes and radical groups which are the main cause of continued stagnation and suffering. The Truth About "Islamic Science"
Fjordman - 11/20/2007
According to University of Columbia's Arabic and Islamic Studies Professor George Saliba, "Islamic science" virtually created the modern world. This is a bit odd, since Saliba has reviewed the work done by scholar Toby E. Huff, which concludes that Islamic countries largely failed in developing modern science. I have made a series of posts about... Hizballah As The Iranian Army In Lebanon
Elias Bejjani - 11/20/2007
Hizballah's General-Secretary Sayed Hassan Nasrallah gave a fiery speech on Sunday November 11, 2007 vowing to maintain his party's military power, in opposition to the free world and the majority of the Lebanese people, as well as the United Nations resolutions. Most observers saw it as a sign of an Iranian-Syrian instigation for a coup in Lebanon. Nasrallah declared: "No one in the world can disarm Hizballah! The resistance in Lebanon has determination, will, manpower and sufficient weapons to face Israel in a new conflict, No to the implementation of the UN Resolution 1559. Hizballah's rece... Interview With Settler Leader of Homesh First
Anthony Stroe - 11/18/2007
Homesh became one of the places from which Jews were expelled by the Israeli Government two years ago during the disengagement. Anthony Stroe interviewed Boaz Haetni, one of the leaders of Homesh First, a movement to re-populate the abandoned settlement. Land for War or Palestine for Bombs?
Ted Belman - 11/18/2007
The internet magazine, Insight, has reported that the U.S. has offered Israel a A Land For War deal. Israel Should Say To US, 'Bring It On!'
Ted Belman - 11/17/2007
It is obvious that the Arabs by refusing to recognize Israel as a Jewish state in addition to everything else they are refusing, dont want peace, but surrender. The US for its part has removed the gloves and are down to bare knuckles or should I say brass knuckles, at least when it comes to Israel. Rice has made it clear that Israel must march to the US drummer or else. She is now demanding that that Israel make it clear that it will be withdrawing from Judea and Samaria by enforcing the settlement freeze and dismantling the "illegal" utposts built since 2001. Nuclear Iran: The Strategic Fallout
Prof. Barry Rubin - 11/16/2007
The Iranian nuclear issue is too important and dangerous to be miscomprehended. So here are some life-and-death factors to keep in mind about it: Annapolis Will Bring Death And Destruction
Ted Belman - 11/16/2007
Make no mistake about it, Annapolis represents a mortal danger to Israel and the Jewish people. We dont have to know how and when the An Increasing Possibility
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 11/16/2007
The possible emergence of a nuclear-armed, Islamist Iran committed to the destruction of the Jewish state is the key security issue currently occupying the attention of Israel's political and security elite. It is one of the few issues upon which there is near (but not total) consensus. Israel has watched the growing power of radical elements within the Iranian ruling elite in the last half-decade with concern. These elements, of which President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad is the most prominent representative, openly reject Israel's right to exist. Ahmedinejad's comments advocating Israel's destructio... The Islamic Republics War with the Dead
Amil Imani - 11/15/2007
"The hatred of the extremist mullahs for the Baha'is is such that they, like the Taliban of Afghanistan who destroyed the towering Buddhist sculptures at Bamiyan, intend not only to eradicate the religion, but even to erase all traces of its existence in the country of its birth," says the statement, which took the form of a paid advertisement in the New York Times. Such has been the plight of one of the greatest segments of the Iranian population. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Yemeni MP Ahmed Said Hashed - "There Are No Human Rights In Yemen"
Jane Novak - 11/14/2007
Mr. Ahmed Saif Hashed serves on the Yemeni Parliament's Freedom and Human Rights Committee. An independent MP, Mr. Hashed represents constituency 70, which includes parts of Lahj and Taiz. Mr. Hashed is a prominent human rights activist with a special interest in the condition of Yemeni prisoners. He heads the Al-Tageer human rights organization and owns the Al-Mostakela newspaper. Jane Novak interviewed him for the Global Politician. Arab Rejectionist Front's Catastrophic Victories
Charles Jalkh - 11/14/2007
Since the birth of the State of Israel, the suicidal anti peace Arab-Islamic ancient regimes persisted in promising their people Great Victories, such as the famous throwing the Jews in the sea, Chasing the Colonialists out of the region, Building the Emirate of the Fakih, and recently Defeating the Zionist/American plan for the Middle East in Lebanon, only to lead their masses into the slaughterhouse of history in calamity after calamity. Blacklisting Iran's Revolutionary Guard: War On Terror Has Finally Begun
Shahab Sariri - 11/13/2007
It was a real shocker to the clerical regime in Iran when the Bush administration blacklisted the Iranian regime's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and accused its elite Quds Force of supporting terrorism. The silence of the high ranking clerics in Tehran for several days was the proof of that. It was not until the passing of five days that Ali Khamenei appeared in public to alleviate the anxiety of the clerical establishment's shrinking ideological base. To Save Jerusalem, We Must Kill The Peace Process
Ted Belman - 11/13/2007
The Coordinating Council on Jerusalem, created on October 24, 2007, is off to a good start. The organizations joining, and there are many, have accepted the principle that defending Jerusalem from division is more important than unquestioned support of decisions made by the Government of Israel. Annapolis Turns Into Fantasyland
David Singer - 11/11/2007
Fantasy is rapidly overtaking reality threatening to turn President George Bush's upcoming international meeting in Annapolis into a real farce - if the following classic statements are any guide: Is Allah A False God?
Amil Imani - 11/10/2007
The New Testament tells how the Christians have to regard Islam. The apostle John wrote in his first letter, "Every spirit which does not acknowledge that Jesus has come in the flesh... is the spirit of the antichrist..." (1 John 2:18-23; 4:1-6). Annapolis Conference: 13 Questions For The Israeli Government
Ted Belman - 11/10/2007
On the eve of the Annapolis conference, we would like to ask a few questions of the Government of Israel: Will Iran celebrate the 100th anniversary of its oil discovery with $100 petroleum?
Shirzad Azad - 11/10/2007
Oil prices have surpassed a record US$97 a barrel. Given the growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving an imminent war between the Turks and the Kurds over the future of oil-rich Kirkuk and the prospect of an independent Kurdish state, and the current standoff about Iran's nuclear program, petroleum prices may cross over $100 a barrel in coming months. Annapolis: A Wedding or a Disaster of the Year?
David Singer - 11/8/2007
Best Man - President George Bush - and Matron of Honour - Condoleezza Rice - are becoming increasingly frustrated as the reluctant bride - Israel - and a very impatient groom - the Palestinian Authority - continue haggling over the substantial dowry the groom is demanding from the bride's family before the wedding of the year can go ahead in Annapolis this month - or maybe next month. Enough of Enough
Prof. Barry Rubin - 11/7/2007
If you want to understand the Middle Easts continuing tragedy over the last decade and why the region is stagnating at best or entering an era of radical Islamist upheaval at worst, consider the tale of Egypts Kifaya movement. This is the kind of thing Western politicians, officials, academics, and journalists must comprehend to know how Middle East politics really works. Warning: Dont Reverse The Steps In The Roadmap
Ted Belman - 11/7/2007
Tzipi Livni spoke yesterday to the NATO-Israel Symposium. The speech could have been written by the State Department as they both are on the same page. According to them the world is divided between moderates and extremists. The US has been peddling this tripe for at least a year. You know, rally the moderates to oppose the extremists. The Attempt to Kill Olmert
Prof. Barry Rubin - 11/6/2007
Several Fatah security force officers assigned to protect Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as he went to meet with Palestinian Authority (PA) head Mahmoud Abbas, it has just been revealed, planned to assassinate him instead. This event should be amazing enough to get people to rethink their premises. After all, it is late 2007, with a supposedly moderate leadership running the PA and Fatah, and this kind of thing is still happening. US Investigation Into Iraqi Government's Corruption Is 'Classified Information': State Department
Angelique van Engelen - 11/5/2007
The government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is corrupt. The Bush administration knows it. Yet the State Department in Washington has decided that the investigation into this issue will be classified to the extent that all embarrassing issues will stay out of the public domain. An October 4 hearing by the House government oversight and reform committee (which has powers to investigate any federal legislative issue) is seriously impeded by the secrecy. Without Illusions
Prof. Barry Rubin - 11/5/2007
The alternative Western view of Middle East strategy--so influential in academic, media, and to some extent diplomatic circles--has a six-point program that boils down as: Make deals with Iran, Syria, Hamas, and Hezbollah; ally with Muslim Brotherhoods; and split Iran and Syria. Happy Cyrus Day
Amil Imani - 11/5/2007
October 29th has been designated as the international day of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, who declared the first charter of human rights in the world, also known as the Cyrus Cylinder. Life After Death
Dr. Joseph Hitti - 11/5/2007
On the occasion of the 24th commemoration of the bombing of the US Marines Barracks in Beirut (October 23, 1983) by Hezbollah, we re-post the 2003 piece below since it captures the mood of the transformation in US foreign policy that took place after 2001. Syria and Hezbollah are no longer the factor of stability that Richard Murphy and Edward Djeredjian of the US State Department were so fond of telling the Lebanese between 1975 and 2003; it became an occupation. And the US no longer runs away out of fear of Syria and Hezbollah, like Ronald Reagan did in 1983; today the West is fighting t... Saudi Arabia, Wahhabism and the Spread of Sunni Theofascism
Amb. Curtin Winsor, Ph.D. - 10/22/2007
The United States has largely eliminated the infrastructure and operational leadership of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda terrorist network over the past five years. However, its ideological offspring continue to proliferate across the globe. Lebanon's Abandoned Role In Hezbollah - Israel exchange Of Prisoners And Bodies
Elias Bejjani - 10/19/2007
Worldwide news agencies published on October 16, 2007 the following Report: (Israel and Hezbollah carried out a prisoner swap on Monday. The Jewish state handed over the bodies of two militants and a prisoner in exchange for the remains of an Israeli man. The exchange of bodies and a prisoner swap took place at the Naqura crossing between Israel and Lebanon," The two Hezbollah fighters were killed during the 34-day war in Lebanon last summer between the Shiite militant group and Israel. The prisoner to be released was believed to be a militant seized during the war. The dead Israeli was an Eth... And What Do We Get?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 10/17/2007
The Israeli-Palestinian peace process is about to be the topic of an international summit and optimism is breaking out all over. A breakthrough to comprehensive peace, however, is very unlikely. Hamas controls the Gaza Strip; the Palestinian Authority (PA)-Fatah leader, Mahmoud Abbas, is weak; Fatah is still overwhelmingly radical and has not conducted the internal debatemuch less public education effortnecessary for a change of policy. Leftist Islamist Alliance Aligns Against Jerusalem
David J. Jonsson - 10/16/2007
The West has a worldview based on the analysis and actions influenced by looking through the lenses of politics and economics, whereas the Islamists looks at the world through the lens of ideology. It is time for the West to place importance on looking at events happening around the world through the lens of ideologies. In the case of the Muslims, their worldview and subsequent actions are shaped by their vision for world domination, the establishment of Islamic kingdom of God on Earth the creation of worldwide Caliphate and the End Times. Have We Been Good Muslims?
Ghazal Omid - 10/15/2007
The Muslim Eid al-Fitr (Celebration of Ramadan) is upon us. Have we been good Muslims? Fitr is similar to Lent for Catholics; a celebration of the ending of a month of getting closer to God through soul searching, soul cleansing and clarity. It is not simply a month of self torture by starvation for which God has no respect. The Real Winners And Losers in Turkish Elections In July 2007
Heymi Bahar - 10/13/2007
The July 2007 Turkish parliamentary elections were a major victory for the governing Justice and Development Party (AKP), entrenching it in power. By the same token, the historic center-right parties virtually disappeared, the left stagnated, and the number of nationalist MHP and independent Kurdish members increased. This article lays out the reasons both for the AKPs success as well as the performance of other forces. How Arab Regimes Defeated The Liberalization Challenge
Prof. Barry Rubin - 10/13/2007
This article examines democratization efforts in the Arab world and how governments neutralized, utilized, or adjusted to them. The reactions of Islamists and the liberal movements themselves are also examined. In general, the regimes were able to defeat the demands for reform by using a number of classical techniques and new adaptations. Jerusalem's Status Under Review
Angelique van Engelen - 10/12/2007
The status of Jerusalem has been the most contentious issue of the Middle East peace process. But a proposal by Israel's vice prime minister could bode change on this issue. Whats cooking? The Cole Bombing in Yemen: A Seven Year Perspective
Jane Novak - 10/12/2007
On October 12, 2000 two Yemeni suicide bombers rammed an explosives-laden dingy into an American destroyer, the USS Cole. Seventeen US service members were killed and forty-nine injured. The destroyer had been invited by the Yemeni government to refuel in the port of Aden. Saudi Arabia Lectures the EU on Human Rights
Fjordman - 10/10/2007
The Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia, a country where slavery was formally abolished as late as the 1960s and is still practiced more or less openly (it is allowed according to sharia law), now lectures Europeans on Islamophobia. Let's Make A Deal
Prof. Barry Rubin - 10/10/2007
Quick! Tell me. Whos desperate to make a deal? Who acts as if they are the weaker party, eager to negotiate solutions in order to end their peoples suffering and the costs of conflict? Certainly not Iran. It has been pushing ahead with its nuclear program for more than three years during a period of intense Western diplomatic effort, lots of talk about sanctions, and even the implementation of some. Iran is indifferent to threats of attack or warnings of isolation. To a large extentbut not completelythe regime thinks the West is bluffing. But if Tehran really sought nuclear energy, not bo... Michel Aoun: From Jesus to Judas
Charles Jalkh - 10/10/2007
For 15 years, Michel Aoun and the Free Patriotic Movement were the symbol, the inspiration, and the dream of Free Lebanon. The flame was kept alive through the few pure souls who believed in something greater than themselves; Free Lebanon. During those dark years, Michel Aoun was revered as our Nelson Mandela, or Che Guevara, our George Washington. When he returned to Lebanon, he was met by hundreds of thousands. It was hoped that he becomes the Guardian of the Revolution, instead, he sank into the narrow alleys of local politics, and then his true dimension was revealed. Gutenberg and the Date Palm
Warner MacKenzie - 10/9/2007
During the Taleban rule in Afghanistan it was difficult to ignore the irony that, despite the banning of everything modern and infidel, the Toyota pick-up truck and the AK-47 seemed to warrant a special dispensation. Television sets, cassette players, radios, and even kites were sought out and enthusiastically destroyed as un-Islamic symbols of evil Western influence, but not however, the Talebans indispensable satellite phones. The taleban era was held up as an example of how an ideal Islamic state should look and function; which gives me cause to ponder just how those who crave a recons... Wither Maliki? Whats Working, Whats Not, and Why
Nicholas M. Guariglia - 10/9/2007
Are you of the lot that feels security can only come to Iraq if there is a political accommodation amongst internal factions? Or do you believe the establishment of security is a prerequisite step that must be taken prior to a political resolution? Or are the two interwoven and yet distant all at once? The Israeli-Palestinian Conference in November
Shlomo Brom - 10/9/2007
President Bushs initiative to convene an international meeting in November on the Israeli-Palestinian track has given a new boost to the Israeli-Palestinian dialogue. This follows the dynamic created by Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip in June this year. The key question now is whether these stimuli can pull the cart of Israeli-Palestinian relations out of the bog in which it has been stuck since the end of 2000. Return from Paradise in the Left Lane
Hassan Daioleslam - 10/8/2007
In 2006, the Irans nuclear dossier was referred to the UN Security Council inaugurating a new era of confrontation between the clerical rulers and the international community. To counter the diplomatic pressure on Tehran, a new advocacy and PR group namely Campaign Against Sanction and Military Intervention In Iran (CASMII) was created. Transferring American Military Values to Iraq
William Bache - 10/6/2007
The President of the United States expressed his desire to build a democratic Iraq that could serve as an example to the rest of the Arab and Islamic nations. The American military was the instrument chosen to build an Iraqi security structure that could fight terrorism and still promote ethical leaders and democratic values. However, efforts to transfer American military values to Iraq have been a failure. The leaders of the Iraqi Joint Security Forces have politely listened to what the Americans have determined is best for them and then have gone back to doing what they feel is best for them_namely situational leadership, corruption, and human rights violations. The Truth About Syria - Book Review by Gateway Pundit
Gateway Pundit - 10/6/2007
Another anti-Syrian Lebanese Christian politician is assassinated in Beirut. A massive bomb killed Antoine Ghanem outside of his home in a Christian neighborhood on the outskirts of Beirut. He was the seventh anti-Syrian politician assassinated in the last two and a half years in Lebanon. French Plan To Impose Fresh Sanctions On Iran Finds Strong Support in London, But Less Enthusiasm In Germany and Italy
Angelique van Engelen - 10/5/2007
A French plan to impose fresh sanctions against Iran very soon has found strong support by the UK, whilst Germany and Italy are more hesitant. A British Foreign Office spokesman told AFP that the UK 'wholeheartedly' backs the initiative. Germany and Italy are reportedly not so keen to act outside the United Nations. A letter written by the French foreign minister, urged other European countries that it is necessary that new measures are taken straight away. "Time is working against us, since each day Iran moves closer to mastering the technology of enrichment, which means a de facto military nuclear capacity," Kouchner wrote. He proposed "a combination of dialogue and firmness". President Ahmadinejad's Vision
Amil Imani - 10/3/2007
Being the observing Shia that he is, President Ahmadinejad, Mahmood (lets call him PAM, for short) has adopted for himself a Marjae Taghleed (Spiritual Guide, Point of Emulation), as recommended by Shia doctrine. The Spiritual Guide, chosen from the ranks of the clergy, supposedly personifies a living example of piety to be consulted in all matters, revered and emulated. Disbanding and Rebuilding The Iraqi Army: A Historical Perspective
Prof. Ibrahim al-Marashi - 10/3/2007
In 1921, the Iraqi Army was established in the British mandate, which had weak democratic institutions at the time of the first insurgency. The Iraqi public saw that its destiny was controlled by the British, whom it believed sought to exploit the country's natural resources. In a backlash of nationalism, the public projected its aspirations for complete independence on the growing army. After 2003, the Americans reestablished an army in a state with weak democratic institutions during a period of civil internal conflict, and 82 years after the British mandate, the United States controlled Ira... In Search of Ahmadinejad
Prof. Barry Rubin - 10/2/2007
A massive controversy has erupted in the United States, and across the world, around Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads visit to New York, where he spoke at the United Nations and Columbia University. Who is this man and what does he want? Is he a new Hitler or a leader with understandable grievances who should be engaged in dialogue? Apart from the passion provoked and navet too often shown toward this leader, how can we accurately assess him? Military Coup - A Gift For Israel's 60th Birthday
David Singer - 9/27/2007
Israel's enemies have become emboldened into believing that the moment is fast approaching when they can once again try to achieve their long held aim to eradicate Israel. They have taken this view following Israel's unilateral withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 and what they perceive to be a victory over Israel in the 2006 Lebanon War. Iran - Hezbollah's puppet master and chief arms supplier - has openly threatened to unleash its nuclear weapons on Israel's 7 million citizens - 20% of whom are Arabs. Lebanese Crisis Could Turn Violent
Angelique van Engelen - 9/26/2007
The killing of Christian member of parliament Antoine Ghanem last Wednesday has made it clear that regional and international conflicts are more than tangible in Lebanon. Politics in this country mirrors the struggle between Israel and Syria and the pro-Sunni Arab nations’ jostle for regional influence outrivalling Shi’ite Iran. And the puzzle pieces together too in the greater context of the American struggle with Iran. Who is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?
Amil Imani - 9/26/2007
To understand Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's mindset and behavior require close scrutiny of the elaborate and intricate theology of Hujetieh Shiism, perhaps the most fundamentalist of the numerous Shiite sects. In the 1950s, a group of Islamic clergy led by Sheikh Mahmoud Halabi (a close associate of Ayatollah Khomeini) formed a society called the Anjoman-e Khayryyehye Hujjatiyyah-ye Mahdaviat (Charitable Society of the Mahdi), based in Mashhad, Iran. The Hujjatyyah membership was mostly composed by the bazaar-i businessmen and fanatical mullahs. Among many things, they were against ... Israel Is Not the Cause of All the World's Problems
Prof. Barry Rubin - 9/26/2007
Note: The following article was published as a response to an editorial in The Diplomat, a top Canadian international affairs magazine, which explicitly claimed that the Arab-Israeli conflict--and specifically Israel's "occupation" policy--was at the root of all the problems in the Middle East, between the Middle East and the West, and between Islam and the West. This notion continues to be expressed (perhaps increasingly so) despite the fact that there is so much evidence to the contrary and that (though many in the West seem to have failed to nice this little detail) Israel has withdrawn fro... The Truth About Syria by Prof Barry Rubin - Book Review
Gateway Pundit - 9/25/2007
Another anti-Syrian Lebanese Christian politician is assassinated in Beirut. A massive bomb killed Antoine Ghanem outside of his home in a Christian neighborhood on the outskirts of Beirut. He was the seventh anti-Syrian politician assassinated in the last two and a half years in Lebanon. Franchising & Novou-Consumerism in Middle East
Naseem Javed - 9/25/2007
Two things; firstly among all of the great business concepts of the last few decades the franchise model has always surfaced to the very top. Secondly, over the next decade the introduction of hundreds of fresh, locally nurtured franchise concepts emerging within Dubai and the Gulf States will set the stage for a great revolution of nouvo-consumerism. So what are the four key factors driving this movement? The IAEA-Iran Partnership
Ephraim Asculai - 9/21/2007
On August 27, 2007, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) published an Information Circular (INCIRC 711) that included the text of the Understandings of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the IAEA on the Modalities of Resolution of the Outstanding Issues. Towards the end of that document, the following text can be found: "The Agency's delegation is of the view that the agreement on the above issues shall further promote the efficiency of the implementation of safeguards in Iran and its ability to conclude the exclusive peaceful nature [sic] of Iran's nuclear activities." Resolution of ... Majority Parliamentarians Need Protection Outside Lebanon
Elias Bejjani - 9/20/2007
Syria's terrorist hand has struck again in Lebanon through its fundamentalist mercenaries spread across the territory of Lebanon. New victims fell today, as the car of MP Antoine Ghanem was targeted by an insidious and criminal bomb that killed him and eight other innocent bystanders, all of whom join the ranks of hundreds of thousands of new martyrs on this endless Calvary of the country of the Cedars. The Iran Conundrum
Amil Imani - 9/20/2007
Underneath all conquests and expansions, underneath all the frivolous wars over religious differences, underneath all the oppression and tyranny, underneath all the motives of greed for wealth, underneath all the wars over injustices, lies one single drive: to dominate. The passion to dominate, control and rule over one's fellow humans is an ancient impulse. It goes back to prehistoric times when certain individuals had the desire to force their will upon those around them. The Real Impact Of Sanctions Against Iran: Interview with Chris Cook
Angelique van Engelen - 9/17/2007
The next few days, the world will be holding its breath as the US is drumming up support for highly controversial sanctions against Iran. The implications of such a move could be potentially disastrous and its likely well see a showdown of who holds what kind of power and where on the planet. In a bizzare twist of fate, a UK consortium that is involved in developing the Iran Oil Bourse (IOB), might stand to benefit from sanctions. How Iranian Leftists Protect Islamic Regime
Kambiz Basetvat - 9/16/2007
Iranian commentators in US media, with the impressive professorship credentials from prestigious universities or other institutions, are engaged in providing considerable misinformation to the American public concerning the course of action that US should take for overthrowing the Islamic regime in Iran. After twenty seven years dealing with Islamic regime, the US government and the united stats people have no doubt in hostility they are facing from Hezb Allah regime. The political ambitions of Islamo-Fascist head quartered in Iran, although, concentrated in the Middle East for the time being,... Iranian Nuclear Issue Is Heating Up
Angelique van Engelen - 9/16/2007
Irans recently struck agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) might be too late, but judging from IAEA officials comments, what Iran brought to the table is certainly not classifiable as too little. IAEA top officials say that Iran has offered it access to information that goes even beyond requirements of the additional protocol that Iran failed to fulfill earlier on. The Future Of Lebanon
Panel Discussion - 9/15/2007
The U.S. Department of State's International Information Programs (IIP) in Washington D.C., the Public Affairs Office at the U.S. Embassy in Israel, and the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center jointly held an international video conference seminar focusing on both domestic and foreign affairs in Lebanon. Israeli and U.S. experts examined the balance of and struggle for power in the country, external factors, and future prospects. Family Status Among Egyptian Copts
Adel Guindy - 9/15/2007
The following article discusses the impact of the Egyptian Family Status Law of 1955 (which is still in effect) on the country's Coptic population. It provides a concise overview of these laws, especially in light of the dearth of resources in English on the topic. While the Family Status Law is considered part of the "civil" code of law, it still has religious elements, referring to the Shari'a as a basis for Muslims, and to the corresponding religious principles or regulations for each of the non-Muslim communities. However, due to the general constitutional stipulation "Islam is the religio... Why Did Israel Air Force Enter Syria And Why Is The World Quiet?
David Storobin, Esq. - 9/14/2007
So why did the Israel Air Force (IAF) fly deep inside the Syrian territory? Some have suggested that it was done to gather intelligence, to attack terrorists and even to bomb the embryonic Syrian nuclear facilities. All of these may be true and I have no way to either confirm or deny these claims. But it is possible to gauge Jerusalem's desired long-term effects, and the reason why the world has remained silent. Finkelstein-ed Academia and the Truth about Palestine
Abukar Arman - 9/13/2007
The long bitter saga of DePaul University s scandalous decision to deny tenure to one of its most prolific and internationally renowned public intellectuals, Professor Norman Finkelstein, is officially over. But, not before bringing to light what some consider the most dangerous trend stifling intellectual freedom in the American academia and various circles of influence. Pilgrimage to Tehran
Prof. Barry Rubin - 9/12/2007
The big picture can be found in the little details. Heres a great example. Iran recently held a summit meeting bringing together Palestinian leaders. Hamas was there, of course, and Islamic Jihad, too. No surprise that. But there was someone else participating in the gathering: Farouq Qaddumi. Wrong Concepts About Islam
Imran Khan - 9/11/2007
Accusations against Islam are not something new but since 9/11 have found new heights. The latest attack has come in the shape of a newly published book named "Infidel" written by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, which is her autobiography. Terrorism and Muslim Women: Why Moderate Muslims Do not Stand Up To Radical Muslims
Ghazal Omid - 9/11/2007
Recent articles about a Muslim woman doctor, who received death threats after speaking out on Al-Jazirah network against Muslim hardliners and terrorists, has been generating publicity for the right people and for a well justified cause that seldom gets enough attention, even though it would work to our advantage in the war against terrorism. Iran: Targeting the Heart of Terrorism
David Johnson - 9/11/2007
On the surface, the terror bombings in London and the ascension of fundamentalist radicals to high ranking positions in Iran may appear unrelated. However, they both should serve as a stern wake-up call. Iran: The Rise Of The Revolutionary Guard and State-Sponsorship of Terror
Nasser Rashidi - 9/11/2007
A few years ago, the world was awakened to the dangers of the mullahs' nuclear program by an opposition group. Since then, faced with more recent regional events, international consciousness has come to better appreciate the extent of Iran's involvement in terrorist activities abroad, its nuclear ambitions, and its interference in Iraq, Lebanon and Israel-Palestine. It was this same group (The National Council of Resistance of Iran, NCRI) which first unmasked the so-called "moderation" agenda of the mullahs, that had culminated in the election of the current "moderate" president, Mr. Khatami... Lebanons Struggle Magnifies Problems Throughout The Middle East
Angelique van Engelen - 9/6/2007
The Lebanese armys victory over the 500-strong Fatah al Islam group might have wiped out the newly established terrorist cell in the space of three months, but Lebanons 6-month old political impasse still needs sorting. The countrys muddled situation can be seen as a microcosm of the problems in the Middle East where political gridlocks are tighter than ever and where extremism is flourishing on the ground. Zuckers List: Enemies of the Rajavi Cult Terrorists
Prof. Paul Sheldon Foote - 9/4/2007
Professor Rabbi Daniel Zucker, a promoter of the Iranian Communist MEK (MKO, PMOI, NCRI, Rajavi Cult, or Pol Pot of Iran) terrorists, has made a new list of the enemies of this evil cult. It is a high honor to be placed on a list of enemies of these communist terrorists who have murdered American military officers, Rockwell International employees, and large numbers of Iranians and Iraqis. Supporters of the MEK have committed terrorist acts in many countries, including in America in 1992. In September 2002, the White House published a background paper listing the MEK as a Saddam Hussein-suppor... Disinformation Campaign in Overdrive: Irans VEVAK in High-Gear
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 9/3/2007
In two prior articles,[i] we looked at the Islamic Republic of Irans Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS = Farsi: VEVAK=Vezarat-e Ettela'at va Amniat-e Keshvar). The following essay is a third installment in what looks to be a growing research project. Reference to the earlier papers is suggested for those new to the subject. The Battle For Lebanon
Prof. Barry Rubin - 9/3/2007
Lebanon may be beginning one of the most turbulent periods in its all-too-tumultuous history. As the world looks on with apparent indifference, Islamist and Iran-led forces may be on the verge of a new victory over Arab nationalists and just about everyone else. Yes, Mr. Saniora, Hezbollah Has Committed War Crimes
Elias Bejjani - 9/3/2007
We denounce the hysterical outcry in Lebanon against the Human Rights Watch" report which discussed with objectivity, transparency, and total neutrality Hezbollahs military actions which violated international law during the destructive war it started last year at the behest of Iran and Syria. These actions were defined as war crimes against civilians. The report stated that during the 2006 war Hezbollah launched thousands of missiles indiscrimately, and sometimes in a premeditated manner, against civilian areas in Northern Israel killing at least 39 Palestinian and Jewish citizens of Israel... Palestine, Fantasy and Tales from the Arabian Nights
David Singer - 9/1/2007
President Bush's planned Middle East peace summit is rapidly being transformed into an event that will rival the Tales from the Arabian Nights. It seems no one is listening to what the Arabs are saying - which is nothing new. However you would think that after sixty years of drum beating by the likes of Arafat, Abbas, Haniyeh ,Assad Senior and Junior and the Arab League the message might have started getting through to opinion makers and influence peddlers in the West that the Arabs ( apart from Egypt and Jordan) are really not interested in a peace deal with Israel - that the demands they are... Lebanon's Partition may be a good interim solution
Charles Jalkh - 8/31/2007
The formal partition of Lebanon into two states; a multi-ethnic Christian-Sunni-Druze democratic and liberal state, and a Shiite fundamentalist state is a good thing for the following reasons: Time for Washington To Admit It Backed The Wrong Horse In Iraq
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 8/30/2007
Iranian exile dissident Ghazal Omids recent Op-Ed of August 16, 2007, Close the Iraq Chapter Before Opening Iran1, published on Omedia.org, presents a cogent argument for the United States to admit that it committed many errors in its handling of Iraq these last four plus years. As Ms. Omid points out, the U.S. has been remiss in understanding Iraqi culture and customs, part of our general poor knowledge of Islam, the Middle East, and anything beyond the shores of our own nation. Her essay was occasioned, at least in part, by her reaction to photographs of Iraqi Prime Minister Dr. Nouri Kam... Domestic Genocide in Iran
Amil Imani - 8/30/2007
The worlds most notorious state exponent of anti-Semitism, the Islamic Republic of Iran, is on a path to uproot, not only all that are perceived as civilized, but to annihilate the greatest threat to its existence, the Iranian people. The mullahs and their mercenaries are wasting precious human life in order to maintain themselves in power through terrorizing the population. IRGC: Iran's Old Dogs
David Johnson - 8/30/2007
You cant teach old dogs new tricks; so the saying goes. This tired clich seems to fit the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) very well. The organization, scorned by majority of Iranians as the rabid dogs of ayatollahs, has been unwilling to be domesticated, no matter how delicious the incentive. The IRGCs top commander, Rahim Safavi, has repeatedly threatened the United States, Israel , Arab and Muslim states, and international shipping lanes with violence. Increased, tangible interference in Iraq s affairs has been repeatedly and consistently attributed to the IRGC by the United S... Geneva Accords Are Being Elevated To Government Policy
Ted Belman - 8/27/2007
"The 'peace process' is like an enormous ship traveling with great momentum to a predetermined destination. Nothing Israel can do will stop it or alter its course. While Israel continues to debate the details, the ship continues, inexorably." Eight months after the US invasion of Iraq and the announcement of the Roadmap, Yossi Beilin, the Oslo architect, and Abed Rabbo, launched their peace proposal after two and one-half years of work. It was to be known as the If God Had A Vote...
Ghazal Omid - 8/27/2007
Watching last night's news, which is already inundated with speculation about future elections, made me wonder: With all the promises that men and women, some of whom are even preachers in Christian churches, make to God and man, how much do they really care about what they say...? Important Statistics About Iranians
Amil Imani - 8/24/2007
It is a matter of pure coincidence that the survey conducted by the Center For the Promotion of Democracy and Human Rights (CFPD) on Iranian public opinion came out at almost exactly the same time as that of Terror Free Tomorrows (TFT) survey on the same subject. Behind the Curtain!
Ghazal Omid - 8/24/2007
This week, on August 21, 2007 Mr. Lee H. Hamilton achieved the goal of diplomacy for which he worked so hard for nearly four months, the release of Ms. Haleh Esfandari from an Iranian prison. As an Iranian and human rights activist, I am both relieved and saddened. Trite as it may be, sometimes the end does not justify the means. On one hand, I am delighted to see an innocent woman, an Iranian American scholar from Woodrow Wilson Center, freed without further delay. I was asked to help her and would have gladly done so had I been needed. On the other hand, the price Mr. Hamilton bargained ... Iran: A Third Option
Shahab Sariri - 8/22/2007
Iranian cities have been the scene of widespread protests and clashes between a restive population and the Iranian regimes State Security Forces (SSF). Students from Tehrans Amir Kabir otherwise known as Polytechnic University, where Ahmadinejads pictures were burned earlier this year, have been staging sit-ins demanding the release of political prisoners. Across the country, other universities have followed suit and clashes with SSF have been widely reported. Over the past few months, teachers, laborers, and feminists have also staged their own protests, strikes, and sit-ins. The peopl... Secure Syrian-Lebanese Border Is Necessary For Middle East Peace
Elias Bejjani - 8/22/2007
The UN Security Council is scheduled to convene before the end of this month to debate the renewal of the UNIFIL forces mandate in South Lebanon. This European-led mission that comprises 13,600 troops was deployed in southern Lebanon in the aftermath of last year's war between Hezbollah and Israel in a bid to assist the Lebanese authorities in the implementing of UN resolution 1701. The Council is expected to renew the force's mandate unanimously for an additional year as of September 01/ 07. Nationalists Versus Islamists: The Middle East's Core Issue
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/21/2007
The Middle East is in a new era, very different from the politics and strategic situation we have been used to for so long. For 55 years the region has lived under Arab nationalist dominance. Every Arab regime, except perhaps Sudan, is Arab nationalist, governed by that basic system and world view. Of course, these regimes have governed badly, not keeping pledges to unite the Arab world, minimize Western influence, destroy Israel, or bring rapid social and economic progress. Still, they know how to stay in power. Nationalists Versus Islamists: The Middle Easts Titanic Battle
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/20/2007
The Middle East is in a new era, very different from the politics and strategic situation we have been used to for so long. For 55 years the region has lived under Arab nationalist dominance. Every Arab regime, except perhaps Sudan, is Arab nationalist, governed by that basic system and world view. Shia Revival, Shia Triumphalism
Jason Guberman-Pfeffer - 8/20/2007
Vali Nasr (2006) The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 304, $17.13 It is certainly true that a Shia revival is manifest in post-Saddam Iraqthe first and arguably the last Arab Shia nationand that this realitys reverberations across the Middle East cut deeply against the grain of the historic Sunni-Shia and Arab-Persian divides which make up the regional dynamic. To admit as much is, however, to grasp the pinnacle of Shia ascendancy. Iraq, Lebanon and the Islamic Republic in Iran are collectively likely to remain the greatest p... What the U.S. needs to do in Iraq
Ghazal Omid - 8/20/2007
On Aug. 9, 2007, President Bush addressed journalists at the White House regarding Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Malaki's mission to deliver a message to Iran. On Aug. 8, Maliki arrived in Tehran from Ankara, Turkey, purportedly to deliver the U.S. president's press conference message. When I saw a photo on the Iranian state website IRIB of Maliki meeting the Iranian supreme leader, Seyyed Ali Khamenei, my impression of the Iraqi prime minister was that he looked like a nervous and obedient schoolboy brought before a principa... U.S. Iran Talks: A wakeup call
David Johnson - 8/16/2007
Talks between the U.S. and Iran on Iraqi security came at a crucial time for all parties involved. Right now, Baghdad is a bulls-eye in a decisive competition for influence in the Near East . In our increasingly globalizing world, the stakes are higher than ever. While the United States is using talks to clarify necessary steps toward sustainable peace in Iraq , Iran is using talks as a means to acquire official legitimacy to sustain violence. To that end, Iran is training, arming and funding sectarian militias. Iranian backed militias not only isolate Iraqi communities from their neighbors, ... Lebanon Terror: The Syrian Moukhabarat Connection
Pierre A. Maroun - 8/16/2007
On August 13, 2007, Lebanese Army General Michael Suleiman shed some light on the military situation in Naher El Bared and the fight against Fateh el Islam terrorist group. In the process, General Suleiman mentioned that such a terrorist group is definitely linked to Al-Qaeda, yet, he added, it has no connection to Syria whatsoever. Such distortion of the truth triggered this document, in which most of its intelligence information came from the same Army that General Suleiman is the commander. Palestine - Where Size Really Matters
David Singer - 8/16/2007
False claims that Israel is 78% - not 17% - of historic Palestine whilst the West Bank and Gaza comprise the remaining 22% - not 5% - of historic Palestine have materially derailed efforts to resolve the issue of sovereignty in the West Bank and Gaza. Condemning Assault On Taslima Nasreen
Syed Ali Mujtaba, Ph.D. - 8/15/2007
Let me first condemn the assault on anti- Islam writer Taslima Nasreen. The label attributed on her being a Muslim reformist writer is a misnomer. Such pretensions should be unmasked dealing with characters like Miss Nasreen. She is not the first writer that comes under the bracket of anti- Islam writer. Such writers have started surfacing in Europe since 15th and 16th century. Ad Islam spread across the globe the tribe of such writers grew in number. So there is nothing new about Ms Nasreens action. She should be approached with this position and none should get trapped in her Islamic name thats just an illusion. Iranian President Makes Moves To Capitalize On Iranian Oil Wealth
Angelique van Engelen - 8/14/2007
The Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad is reshuffling the oil ministry. He says this way, he hopes to deliver on his promise to redistribute wealth. Hes also sacked the Industry Minister. And next on the agenda is the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Lebanese Canadians Condemn Billboard Promoting Hezbollah
Elias Bejjani - 8/13/2007
The LCCC, (Lebanese Canadian Coordinating Council), strongly condemns the erection of a billboard in the city of Windsor which surreptitiously promotes the terrorist organization Hezbollah, which has been banned in Canada since 2002. While not identifying Hezbollah by name, the billboard depicts Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the controversial group. Printed in English are the words: "Lebanese and Arab communities in Windsor city congratulate the Lebanese people for their steadfastness and endeavor to establish peace in Windsor." Arab-Israeli Peace: Window Of Opportunity Or Window Dressing?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/13/2007
Is there a window of opportunity for Israel-Palestinian peace right now? Let me put it this way: in diplomatic terms, looking through the window is worthwhile but, in analytical terms, I dont think anyone is going to be able to climb through it. Islam: New Leaders, Old Slogans
Imran Khan - 8/6/2007
There is a big row about the Muslim world, especially from the West and Muslim political leaders (mainly in power), that there are Moderate Muslims and Extremists or Fundamental Muslims and there is a big danger that extremists could become in charge of those parts. Their definition of a moderate is that the Muslims who want to live peacefully with everyone despite of any religious affiliations. The term Extremism or Fundamentalism is used for those Muslims who want to implement harsh rules over people and even want to kill others due to their religious believes. Israel, Palestine and Condoleezza - The Crowd Pleaser
David Singer - 8/6/2007
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is at it again talking up the prospects of ending the 140 years old Arab-Jewish conflict by the adoption of a two state solution involving the creation of an Arab state between Jordan and Israel - the 23 rd Arab State in the world should it ever eventuate. Reading the Middle East in Bangkok
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/5/2007
A fascinating way to try to improve one's own understanding of the Middle East is to try to explain the region to people from a totally different culture and history. I've done this in several far-flung places around the world but Thailand provides a particularly interesting example of the particularity and--in global terms--bizarre nature of the Middle East. Love, Honor, Shame And Hubris In Iraq
Anthony C. LoBaido - 8/4/2007
Despite all the talk about a "surge," there is still much which needs to be said about Iraq, and to a lesser extent, Afghanistan. This exercise will require the painting of some very broad and even painful strokes. So many important and vital questions have not even been asked, let alone pondered. Secular or Islamist still on Turks' minds: Interview with Prof. Barry Rubin
GP Interviews - 8/4/2007
* Is the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) going to make Turkey Islamist or not? The Truth About Syria: Interview with Barry Rubin
Michael J. Totten - 8/3/2007
Michael Totten has conducted an interview with Barry Rubin regarding his new book, The Truth About Syria, which is a detailed examination of that extremely important country in the news, including being America's main Arab state opponent in the Middle East. Voice of Mullahs in Washington Silences Voice of America
Omid Biniaz - 8/2/2007
National Iranian American Council (NIAC) on their web site has announced that it has "taken legal action against proponents of US-Iran war who have waged a defamation campaign against NIAC". Of course as is usually the case with NIAC, the truth is between lines. By legal action, NIAC is referring to a letter written by their own lawyer to Voice of America-TV (VOA). This tactic, commonly known as "cease and desist letter" is typically not the first step in a legal action but an alternative to taking a legal action, aimed to intimidate. NIAC in the same statement has also braged abo... Secular Turkey Is Becoming a Thing of the Past
Ron Coody - 8/1/2007
For those who follow Middle Eastern affairs, the recent election in Turkey probably got their attention. It certainly got the attention of lots of Turks, with nearly 80% of the electorate turning out for the specially called vote. The election saga started in the spring when the ruling secular elite threw out the AK partys candidate for president on the grounds that the parliament lacked a quorum. A new election was called to reelect the parliament, with the secularists hoping to gain some seats and weaken the pro-Islamic AK party. The secularists failedmiserably. Turkey: Threat or Triumph for Democracy?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 8/1/2007
ISTANBUL, TURKEY. Turks of every political position tell me the same story to explain their situation: to cook a live frog you don't put it in a pot on a high flame. You put it in cool water and raise the temperature very slowly. This is what they fear is happening in Turkey due to the victory of the Islamic-oriented Justice and Development (AK) party in the July 22 parliamentary election. The Saudi Plan is carved in stone by the US - or is it?
Ted Belman - 7/31/2007
A year ago, I wrote The Conspiracy to Shrink Israel in which I made the case by quoting from a number of sources, that the US was party to the conspiracy and its leader. Middle East Peace: What Can Tony Blair Do?
Saberi Roy - 7/29/2007
One of the questions that could bother everyone is that what will analysts and world leaders do if the Israel-Palestine conflict ever gets resolved? Its possible that this worry is unfounded as the mid-east problem will not be resolved completely in the immediate future but will hopefully start dwindling and will be seen as a less important issue. AKPs Victory: Politics of Identity and Economic Effectiveness and Empowerment
Timothy Brown - 7/29/2007
The recent July 22, 2007 elections in Turkey heralded a victory for the Islamist (AKP) Justice and Development party over the other contenders. Six years after the tragic event that occurred in New York City and nearly five years after the United States invaded Iraq, the Middle East and Arab world has been viewed in terms of oversimplified categorizations, for example, Islamist/Moderate, Religious/Secular, and Sunni/Shia. The Turkish elections were viewed in a similar context: Islamist vs. Secularist. Looking deeper than the Islamist vs. Secular paradigm that framed the election from a western... Yester years hardliners, today's peacemakers - Guns from Israel
Iqbal Latif - 7/27/2007
The ancient proverb, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend," is usually considered a foreign policy doctrine that is commonly used to confront a significant enemy through an intermediary in order to undermine the enemy and in a "cold" manner, as opposed to a "hot", direct confrontation. Hamas, most likely, is the common enemy here. In a strange twist of events, moderate Palestinians, of course great ex-hardliners, are being provided arms to save them from the coup d'tat of Gaza's zealots. Israel authorized the transfer of 1,000 rifles from Jordan to the security forces of the Palestinian Author... Fantasist and Fanaticist Renegades
Nicholas M. Guariglia - 7/27/2007
A video has recently hit the Internet, where two Iraqi men, presumably Shia, are hauled away by members of Muqtada al Sadrs Mahdi Army. The two men sat blindfolded, their captors spit periodically hitting their cheek. Their accused crime was the selling of alcohol, banned under Islam. The one man asks of his subjugator, We were saved from tyranny! And you brought another? He then turns to his prison mate, How can it be, brother When Saddam fell I rejoiced, but now again Im blindfolded. Turkey: No One Knows What Will Happen
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/26/2007
In political terms, the Justice and Development (AK) party which won 47 percent of the votes in Turkeys July 22 elections and will have almost two-thirds of the parliament seats is a pragmatic, conservative, business-oriented moderate party despite its roots as an Islamic-oriented one. In societal terms, the Justice and Development (AK) party is probably transforming Turkey from a secular into a more Islamic society, with a big effect on the status of women, the situation of minorities, and Turkeys foreign policy. Arabs Will Never Accept Israel and We Should Accept It
Ted Belman - 7/26/2007
Saudi Arabia gave birth to its baby The Saudi Plan just before the invasion of Iraq in the expectation that it would come of age in the Roadmap. Thomas Friedman was the midwife. The Roadmap, making reference to the baby, was announced just days after the invasion. I forcefully recommended that Israel Reject the Roadmap and later traced the genesis of the Roadmap in Leaving Iraq Holds Difficult Challenges
Amit Pyakurel - 7/22/2007
While the discussion is rising that the Iraq war isn't gaining fruit and withdrawal of the coalition troops is needed, the withdrawal, however, may not take place that soon given the disapproval of the Republicans in US Senate against the amendment proposed by the Democrats that could have forced President Bush to begin withdrawing the US troops within the next 120 days. Iraq Policy Requires Withdrawal Plus Redeployment
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/22/2007
The Iraq war is one of modern history's most difficult, controversial issues. There is no ideal solution but, as is so typical of our current era, the passions aroused make it difficult to discuss the problem rationally. Ayatollahs Lobby In Washington Offering Human Rights As A Negotiating Item
Hassan Daioleslam - 7/21/2007
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) and its president Trita Parsi plan to organize a panel in the US House of Representatives on July 26th, 2007, titled Human Rights in Iran and US Foreign Policy Options [1]. According to the published agenda, representatives from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch will participate. The sponsors of the program (NIAC and Trita Parsi) are key players in the lobby enterprise of Tehrans ayatollahs in the United States. The Iranian regimes violations of human rights have reached unprecedented levels. Its barbaric suppression of women, workers... Islam's Five Wife, Ten Breast Fantasy
Ghazal Omid - 7/20/2007
We know that women, under Islamic law, are able to divorce their husbands with minimum difficulty and in theory have personal freedom and rights to travel, education, etc. In fact, women are accorded more respect under Islam than any other religion on earth. Turkish Membership to the European Union; an Advantageous Turning Point for the EU or an Adverse Drawback
Devyani Jagasia - 7/19/2007
This article will attempt to explore the issues regarding Turkish accession into the European Union. There are advantages and disadvantages for the European Union (EU) if Turkey is to become a member. Some setbacks for Turkey stand in the way of it becoming a member, such as economic concerns and Turkeys previous problems with human rights issues. If Turkey should even be considered part of the European Union is also a concern, due to the fact that Turkey is predominately a Muslim country. If Turkey becomes a member it will be the first predominately Muslim country to ever join the EU. Tale of Four Op-Eds: The Media's Cooperation with Hamas' Public Relations' Campaign
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/19/2007
The Communists disdain to conceal their views and aims, proclaimed the Communist Manifesto a century and a half ago. They openly declare that their ends can be attained only by the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions. But this was before the age of public relations. Here is how its done today. Regime Change In Iran: Interview With Mahtub Hojatti
Ryan Mauro - 7/18/2007
Mahtub Hojjati writes under the by-line of Mattie Fein. She is the founder and president of the Institute for Persian Studies in Washington, D.C. which aims to replace the current regime of Iran with a democracy. Global Politician's Associate Editor Ryan Mauro interviewed Mr. Hojjati. Do Not Arafatize Abbas
Nicholas M. Guariglia - 7/18/2007
What are we to make of Jimmy Carters most recent hysteria? Palestine has reached its two-state solution, albeit having nothing to do with Israel. One is a shoot-em-up gangland (West Bank), the other, recently seized by mask-clad Hamas killers, an urban jihadist slum (Gaza Strip). And yet Mr. Carter, with his twang, is castigating not Hamas or Fatah, which throw each other off roofs, but the United States for its criminal policy of not trying to reconcile the two terrorist factions together. Syria and Iran Again Target UN Forces In Southern Lebanon
Elias Bejjani - 7/18/2007
A second fiery terrorist message to the UN forces operating in South Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been delivered today July 16, 2007, with hatred and grudgers, by the two pillars of the Axis of Evil, Syria and Iran, through their militia and fundamentalist instruments positioned in Lebanon. The message targeted a UN position manned by the Tanzanian Brigade on the newly repaired Qassimiyeh bridge. Fortunately no lives were lost. Quartet Quartered, Road Map Thwarted, Palestine Aborted
David Singer - 7/17/2007
The Quartet's Road Map has failed according to the ten foreign ministers of the European Union's Mediterranean States - Bulgaria, Cyprus, Spain, France, Greece, Italy , Malta, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia - ("the Mediterranean Ten"). In an open letter to the Quartet's new negotiating supremo Tony Blair, they state unequivocally and without any diplomatic nuances: What Oppresses Muslims?
Warner MacKenzie - 7/17/2007
Oppression: 1. to burden with cruel or unjust impositions or restraints; subject to a burdensome or harsh exercise of authority or power: a people oppressed by totalitarianism. 2. to put down; subdue or suppress. 3. to press upon or against, crush. Hezbollah's Delusional
Elias Bejjani - 7/16/2007
Delusion is defined by the science of Mental and Psychological Disorders as a false belief that is firmly maintained in spite of incontrovertible and obvious proof or evidence. A delusion is a detachment from tangible and lived reality, from the facts and the environment, and from the capabilities available to the inflicted individual. It is a thought or thoughts which can be neither addressed nor corrected through logic or persuasion. The most frequent types of delusions are the "Delusion of Grandeur", the "Persecutory Delusion", the "Nihilistic Delusion", and "Guilt". Islam is a religion of....what?
Warner MacKenzie - 7/16/2007
What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet. Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare. So, with Shakespeare in mind, aren't the accepted meanings of words common to all peoples, all languages? If one mentions the word rose in the English, Spanish, German or Chinese language, surely the same imagery appears in the mind of the listener? Well, at least one would think so. What about more abstract concepts like love and peace? Don't they resonate with the same import in the minds and hearts of all cultures? The Palestinians' Greek Tragedy
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/15/2007
In this land, says a character in Oedipus by the ancient Greek playwright Euripides, Who seeks shall find; Who sits with folded hands or sleeps is blind." Yet in most things concerned with this land of the Middle East, the blind dont just sit with folded hands or sleep, they are running things. What Can Olmert And Abbas Do Now?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/14/2007
In completely objective, totally detached terms, there is a really great policy available in the aftermath of Hamass seizure of the Gaza Strip. Palestinian Authority (PA) and PLO leader Mahmoud Abbas and his Fatah-dominated government in the West Bank could present their people with an attractive alternative. Cease terrorism, really purvey moderation (as an actual policy and not just in interviews with Western correspondents), and make a comprehensive peace agreement with Israel to create a Palestinian state with its capital in east Jerusalem. Huge amounts of aid are pledged internationally, ... The Truth Behind the Veil
Weam Namou - 7/14/2007
During my trip to Baghdad five years ago I visited my parents' Christian village in Mosil and asked my cousins to find me an abayya in the souk. He found one I liked, disputed with the merchant over a few dinars, wanted to walk out, and at my plea, agreed on a price. I left with an abbaya that today still has some of the spices I'd carried in my luggage in a journey that lasted from Baghdad to Detroit three days. Getting Serious About Syria
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/13/2007
"We must once again restore the Israeli armys deterrence, because there is no other way, explains Defense Minister Ehud Barak. Quite right. The place to start is Syria. Israels strategic policy toward Syria should be based on two simple, basic principles: The Fall of the House of Yasir
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/12/2007
DURING the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year.I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country; and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher.With the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit. Thus, Edgar Alan Poe began his remarkable 1839 short story, The Fall of the House of Usher. Israel's Illusion - Fatah Feted Is Hamas Hated
David Singer - 7/12/2007
Israel's unilateral decision to release 250 Fatah terrorists from Israeli jails continues the insane policy of appeasement adopted by successive Israeli Governments since the Oslo Accords were signed in 1993. Walk In My Muslim Shoes
Ghazal Omid - 7/12/2007
For more than five years, since 9/11, we have been hearing about terrorism. Lately another phrase seems to be dominating the media; in some cases with very valid concerns: "Muslim (or Islamic) extremism." Washington and Lebanon after the Syrian Withdrawal
Gary C. Gambill - 7/12/2007
"All the parties have started again to be armed, as if we had gone back more than 20 years and learned nothing."[1]
Cardinal Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, Patriarch of Lebanon's Maronite Christian community. The withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon in 2005 marked one of the most significant American diplomatic achievements in the Middle East in years. Washington played a decisive role in mobilizing international pressure on Damascus, encouraging defections among Lebanon's governing elite, and inspiring mass demonstrations in Beirut, leaving Syrian President Bashar Assad little choice but t... Observations on Arabs
Stephen W. Browne - 7/11/2007
Well, the war has come, as some of us knew it would. We have fearlessly trodden into a conflict in a region that Gods holy angels have regarded as a punishment post for millennia. And libertarians, though we appear to be divided on this issue, have typically produced a crop of military and Middle East experts most of whom have never served in the military or lived in the Middle East. God And Guidance In Islam
Ghazal Omid - 7/11/2007
For millions of Muslims, Friday is a holiday as well as the holy day of the week. We worship from Thursday night through Friday afternoon and believe the spirits of those who love us come back to visit and guide us. I believe it is time for me to believe this because I am writing this article inspired by the true story of the great Gandhi. Reinforcing Failure In The Middle East
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 7/10/2007
Israeli responses to the news that Tony Blair has accepted the post of Quartet Middle East Envoy have ranged from the warmly supportive, via the mildly bemused, to the downright opposed. The former British prime minister is generally regarded as warmly disposed to Israel. He has often expressed himself in this regard. Blair's latest mission, however, is flawed in its very definition. The Rise of Fatah al-Islam
Gary C. Gambill - 7/10/2007
The sudden outbreak of fighting between the Lebanese Army and Fatah al-Islam in late May has touched off a flurry of conspiracy theories about the meteoric rise of this shadowy terrorist group. Supporters of Lebanon's ruling March 14 coalition typically allege that the militant fundamentalist organization is an "imitation al-Qaeda" secretly controlled by the secular Baathist regime of neighboring Syria,[1] while those on the other side of the political divide allege that Fatah al-Islam is a creation of Lebanon's ruling coalition. The Case Of The Murdered Palestinian Mouse
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/8/2007
The Hamas satellite TV channel produced a childrens show Tomorrows Pioneers, which should have been called Tomorrows Suicide Bombers, designed to get children to kill Israelis, or Jews in general, and participate in a radical Islamist attempt at world conquest. We know this because that is what the shows hosts and their mascot, the high-voiced Farfur the mouse (based on Mickey) said. International media often reported that the show only asked the children to fight or resist Israel but this was a clear misrepresentation of the programs incitement to terrorism, antisemitism, and evenin a departure from past Hamas propagandacalls for an Islamist-dominated planet. Muslim Violence
Fjordman - 7/7/2007
In Denmark, Muslims are attacking the Inuit people, the indigenous people of Greenland, who have been a part of the Kingdom of Denmark for centuries. Whenever Muslims target non-Muslims with violence, this is blamed by the media on past legacy of colonialism, US foreign policy, Israeli aggression etc. What Was The Role Of 'Chemical Ali' In al-Anfal?
Iqbal Latif - 7/7/2007
An Iraqi special tribunal yesterday sentenced Saddam Hussein's cousin, known as "Chemical Ali" to death for the destruction of thousands of Kurdish villages and the murder of tens of thousands of their inhabitants during the 1988 "Anfal campaign". What was al-Anfal about?? Fatah: Our `Ally`
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/7/2007
During World War One, Germany concluded that its chief ally, Austria-Hungary, was more of a burden than an asset. As one German official put it, being in that alliance was like being "shackled to a corpse." And more than a century earlier, it was said of the doomed French dynasty, the Bourbons, that they learned nothing and forgot nothing. The Benefits of Islam - From a Christian's Perspective
Weam Namou - 7/7/2007
Eight years ago, I was on a transit at Heathrow Airport when I entered a bookshop and saw a rack of Middle Eastern novels written by Western authors. The covers all portrayed veiled women running away from an abusive husband, father or brother. Women I'd never knew personally, not at home in America or in my birth country of Iraq. Although I realize they exist everywhere. Saddam, Americas Good Son
Weam Namou - 7/6/2007
When I was a child, I often heard that America raised Saddam, that he was her son. He was conceived the moment, if not before, he attempted to topple Iraqi President Abdul Kareem Qassim. It was 1959 and President Qassim had barely been in power for a year, but he was already Iraqs most popular leader and Americas least favorite one. He had carried out anti-American and anti-corporatist policies like nationalizing foreign oil companies in Iraq, withdrawing Iraq from the US-initiated right-wing Baghdad Pact, and decriminalizing the Iraqi Communist Party. He also resurrected a long-standing Iraqi claim to Kuwait. Saddam, Americas Good Son
Weam Namou - 7/6/2007
When I was a child, I often heard that America raised Saddam, that he was her son. He was conceived the moment, if not before, he attempted to topple Iraqi President Abdul Kareem Qassim. It was 1959 and President Qassim had barely been in power for a year, but he was already Iraqs most popular leader and Americas least favorite one. He had carried out anti-American and anti-corporatist policies like nationalizing foreign oil companies in Iraq, withdrawing Iraq from the US-initiated right-wing Baghdad Pact, and decriminalizing the Iraqi Communist Party. He also resurrected a long-standing Iraqi claim to Kuwait. Five Point Roadmap to War with Iran, An Instructional Manual
Prof. Kazem Kazerounian - 7/5/2007
Engage Tehran. I have a piece of advice for those wishing to start a ferocious and bloody war with Iran that would claim the lives of millions of Iranian people and thousands of American soldiers, would cost hundreds of billions of dollars, and would enflame turmoil in the region for decades: engage Tehran. Here is a step by step instructional guideline for engagement to proceed. Europe and Iraq: Test Case For The Common Foreign And Security Policy
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 7/5/2007
Since its beginnings in 1990, the Iraq crisis has exposed the dilemmas and paradoxes at the heart of European attempts to build a common foreign and security policy. It has also illustrated the varying aspects of U.S.-Europe relations. This article looks into the stances adopted by the main European countries and the debates within EU institutions regarding events in Iraq and the extent and nature of their engagement with that country in the post-Saddam era. It's Hard to be an Arab
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/5/2007
Once, many years ago, I stood outside the door of a Middle East Studies Association meeting addressed by the late Edward Said as he thundered against those he deemed "the enemies of the Arabs." He even provided a list of names. Strange it was to think this was supposedly an academic meeting, not a rally of some extremist totalitarian political party. Core members of Iran's council of Economic Governance
Iqbal Latif - 7/4/2007
Adam Smith is quoted to have said that 'Civil government is in reality instituted for the defence of the rich against the poor.' This maxim is particularly apt when the President of an oil rich $600 billion economy talks shop with his neighbourhood butcher. "We have hardworking shopkeepers in our neighbourhood from whom I get important economic information because they are living among the people." Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said he keeps his finger on Iran's economic pulse by talking to his butcher. Ahmadinejad, the son of a conscientious blacksmith, has also referred to his local shopkeepers wh... Loving God His Own Way
Ghazal Omid - 7/4/2007
How we should love God the way He wants us to love and worship Him, as taught by the Prophets. Is it possible the way of Gandhi could rid the world of violence? For millions of Muslims, Friday is a holiday as well as the holy day of the week. We worship from Thursday night through Friday afternoon and believe the spirits of those who love us come back to visit and guide us. I believe it is time for me to believe this because I am writing this article inspired by the true story of the great Gandhi. Gaza Today, Lebanon Tomorrow?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 7/4/2007
The world is shocked by Hamass violent takeover of the Gaza Strip and the damage done to any hope for peace or regional stability is generally recognized. But a second, even more serious, extremist takeover is in the works for which Western inaction would bear far more responsibility. UK Academics Boycott Whom?!
Richard L. Cravatts, Ph.D. - 7/4/2007
The British academics, doctors, and journalists who recently called for morally-imbecilic boycotts against Israel must have been disappointed with the recent events that wracked Gaza with internecine strife and plunged it into the grisly chaos that might have been one of Dantes levels of hell. In their fervent obsession with what author Bat Ye'or has termed Palestinianism, obsessive reverence for any struggle of the Palestinians and a total disregard for the self-affirmation, statehood, or security of Israel, the boycotters sought to single Israel out from all nations on the planet for its ... Gaza - Year Zero
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 7/3/2007
The Hamas coup that took place in Gaza last week is an event of historic importance. For the first time in the region, Islamist fighters took on the internationally recognised forces of a western-subsidised Arab nationalist client - and beat them hands down. Fatah was revealed to be the empty, corrupted shell that most Palestinians and many observers of Palestinian politics have known it to be for a long time. The implications of the bloody putsch in tiny, crowded Gaza have not yet presented themselves in full. But it is already possible to make a number of observations, and draw some tentative conclusions. Iran To Hang Political Prisoner On July 4
Ghazal Omid - 7/3/2007
Khaled Hardani, a political prisoner since 2000, was last able to call from prison on June 12, 2007. His death sentence was reaffirmed May 31, 2007. He is to be hanged July 4, 2007, according to UN officer Mr. Gram. Khaled has been separated from the prison population since June 17; quarantined in an undisclosed location in Raji Shahr prison. According to UN officer Grams and other political prisoners this is usually an indication that a prisoner will be hanged and also is mandated as mental torture by the UN. He was last seen in medical clinic on June 20 when he told witnesses he was four d... Regional Powerplays and Shifting Sectarian Dynamics in Iraq
Timothy Brown - 7/2/2007
The March 2003 United States invasion of Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, reversed 300 years of Turkish Ottoman, Sunni based monarchial and military rule in the country. The toppling of Saddam Hussein, the Baath Socialist Party of Iraq, and moreover, the total evisceration of the governmental structure, set in motion the decentralizing centrifugal forces of sectarianism. The ending of the Saddam regime moved away from the axis of order and central rule the following: the Sunni dominated leadership, the Shia majority, and the Kurds. The long oppressed and marginalized Shia majority, and Kurds,... Interview: Barry Rubin on Syria
Ryan Mauro - 7/2/2007
Barry Rubin is Director of the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center, Interdisciplinary Center university. His latest book, The Truth about Syria was published by Palgrave-Macmillan in May 2007. He has also contributed to the Global Politician. He has recently been interviewed by Global Politician's Associate Editor Ryan Mauro. No Permanent Settlement for Palestinians in Lebanon
Dr. Joseph Hitti - 7/1/2007
Both the Arab world and the West are to blame for the plight of the Palestinian refugees. The history of western anti-Semitism ultimately led to the creation of Israel and the displacement of the Palestinian people. All Arab countries have abused their Palestinian refugee populations for political motives. Lebanon is a small country of 3.5 million people with a sensitive demographic composition. The Lebanese people are unanimous in categorically rejecting the permanent settlement of the 500,000 Palestinian refugees on their soil because they will cause a demographic imbalance in the very delicate mosaic of the Lebanese population. Seyyed Hossein Kazemeyni Boroujerdi, a voice of Moderate Shiah Islam
Ghazal Omid - 6/30/2007
Renegade Ayatollah, some call him. Most of the Iranian human rights activists, including me, know him through his late illustrious father and through his bold actions in Iran in 2005. His is the first voice of Moderate Islam echoing aloud from Iran. Tragically, the government of Iran, seemingly, will soon succeed in shutting him down if we dont move fast. Iran: Regime Change, Not Reform
Nicholas M. Guariglia - 6/29/2007
Negar Azimi, who once proclaimed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad "the people's choice", showcases equal lunacy and bluster in a recent New York Times article, entitled "Hard Realities of Soft Power." Azimi sheds light on the daily work of David Denehy, the senior advisor to the State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, who oversees U.S. funds for democracy promotion in Iran. The "democracy fund," as it is called, totals $75 million - more than the $1.5 to $11 million that was previously granted. Blair Boards The Bush Bandwagon
David Singer - 6/29/2007
Tony Blair couldn't even wait for the announcement of his appointment as special envoy for the Quartet - America, Russia, the European Union, and the United Nations - to repeat this famous mantra in the House of Commons: "The only way of bringing stability and peace to the Middle East is a two-state solution, which means a state of Israel that is secure and confident in its security and a Palestinian state that is not merely viable in terms of its territory, but in terms of its institutions and government." Islamic Hotel Branding & Muslim Hospitality
Naseem Javed - 6/29/2007
There is a sudden realization among key developers in Dubai and Middle Eastern countries that hotels and hospitality in Arabia can easily absorb a huge number of properties and tour destinations purely based on Islamic culture. These new brands will deliver all the traditional values and customs to accommodate familiar authentic experiences for Muslims traveling alone or with their families. These new brands will address how Muslim needs are met and how they want to be treated. Our `Friend' Fatah
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/29/2007
During World War One, Germany concluded that its chief ally, Austria-Hungary, was more of a burden than an asset. As one German official put it, that alliance was like being “shackled to a corpse.” And more than a century earlier, it was said of the doomed French dynasty, the Bourbons, that they learned nothing and forgot nothing. Knighthood For Rushdie: The Need For Social Change
Saberi Roy - 6/28/2007
Salman Rushdie’s contribution to literature has been recognized once again with the British honor of Knighthood. The recognition is not just of literary contribution but also of a bold spirit and freedom of speech. In the literary world, Salman Rushdie is quite a phenomenon because it was the publication of the Satanic Verses that exposed Islamic fundamentalism way back in 1989 but let’s not forget, Satanic verses apart, he is the author of 13 very good books and he shouldn’t be branded only as the author of Satanic Verses and one who wrote against the Prophet. Don't Bank On The 'West Bank First' Option
Ted Belman - 6/28/2007
Just as President Bush is in the process of embracing the West Bank First Option there are many detractors. Did the US order Fatah to take a dive?
Ted Belman - 6/28/2007
Did the US order Fatah to take a dive? I think so. Amir Taheri writing in NY POST, Can Hamas actually Rule? advises: "Fatah had some 60,000 armed men in Gaza, a strip of land covering some 65 square miles. It also had heavy cannons and rocket-propelled grenades, which Hamas lacked. Yet even Fatah?s four chief bases of al-Hawa, al-Muntadam, Sarayah and al-Safineh, claimed to be impregnable, fell in just a few hours, as their defenders fled." Why Isnt Iran Like the Poland of Solidarity?
Prof. Daniel M. Zucker - 6/26/2007
Norman Podhoretz, Editor-at-Large of Commentary Magazine, published an essay in the June 2007 issue of Commentary Magazine and republished it in the Wall Street Journal on May 30, 2007 (The Case for Bombing Iran), in which he declared his fervent prayer that President George W. Bush would choose to bomb Iran in order to remove the threat of nuclear war instigated by Iran against Israel and the West. Citing the history of the recent rise of worldwide militant Islamization as well as the prelude to World War II and the Holocaust, Podhoretz gave a cogent argument for militarily deterring Irans... Middle East Lesson Too Late for the Learning?
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/26/2007
If you want to understand Arab politics, dont bother with what Western experts say, get a feel for what people like to refer to today as the local narrative. This doesnt mean you accept what is said as true, but that you understand how what is said makes things work (or rather, fail to work). Fund Palestinian moderates, not Mahmoud Abbas
Joseph Shier - 6/25/2007
Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Peter MacKay, is correct to call for a moderate Arab Palestinian leadership. But Mahmoud Abbas is no moderate. Promoting Abbas as a moderate will once again prevent the emergence of any genuinely moderate Palestinian Arab leadership. Syria and Iran are behind the firing of rockets on Israel
Elias Bejjani - 6/25/2007
All media reports circulated by news agencies on Sunday, June 18/07 covering the launching of Katyusha rockets from a Southern Lebanese-Israeli border village towards Israel's northern town of Kiryat Shemona, as well as releases and statements issued in this regard by the Lebanese Army Command, the UNIFIL forces, numerous Lebanese parties and politicians, all without exception stated that the identity of those militant elements who fired the rockets remained unknown. Flawed Presumptions of the Proponents of Engagement with Mullahs
Prof. Kazem Kazerounian - 6/24/2007
The argument for negotiating with Tehrans mullahs rests upon several flawed presumptions: Palestine: Partition and Propaganda
David Singer - 6/24/2007
President Bush and Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stubbornly and foolishly continue to push for the creation of an independent Palestinian State between Israel and Jordan, as Hamas and Fatah turn the proposed site for such a state - Gaza and the West Bank - into battlegrounds of blood, misery and privation for the Arab populations caught in their deadly crossfire. The Truth About Fatah al-Islam's Uprising in Lebanon
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/24/2007
Fatah al-Islam, a Palestinian Islamist group, has been waging an uprising in Lebanon which has attracted huge media coverage. Most journalists identify this group with al-Qa'ida or are just plain confused as to its identity. In fact, what is happening is a major deception operation by Syria, a rather typical case of how radical forces in the region fool the West, score against their adversaries, and avoid any retaliation for their deeds. The Decline and Fall of Palestinian National Movement
Prof. Barry Rubin - 6/21/2007
This article analyzes the breakdown of the Palestinian nationalist movement as resulting from the policies of Yasir Arafat and Fatah, the Palestinians' leaders for 35 years; the weaknesses of his successor, Mahmud Abbas (Abu Mazin); the movement's overall strategy and ideology, and how Hamas will seek to consolidate and perpetuate its own rule. Syro-Iranian massacre of Lebanese Politicians
Walid Phares, Ph.D. - 6/21/2007
With the assassination of Lebanese MP Jebran Tueni in December 2006, months after the murder of political leaders George Hawi and Samir Qassir during the summer, the Syro-Iranian terror war room had opened a bloody hunt against the democratically elected Lebanese Parliament. After the withdrawal of regular Syrian forces from Lebanon in April 2005, Bashar Assad and his allies in Tehran designed a counter offensive (which we described then and later) aiming at crumbling the Cedars Revolution. One of the main components of this strategy was (and remain) to use all intelligence and security assets... Seyyed Hossein Kazemeyni Boroujerdi, A Voice Of Moderate Shiah Islam
Ghazal Omid - 6/21/2007
Renegade Ayatollah, some call him. Most of the Iranian human rights activists, including me, know him through his late illustrious father and through his bold actions in Iran in 2005. His is the first voice of Moderate Islam echoing aloud from Iran. Tragically, the government of Iran, seemingly, will soon succeed in shutting him down if we dont move fast. The Ayatollah and 17 other members of his family were sentenced to death in a private court session in Zafaranieh Tehran on June 10th, 2006. Although very ill and suffering from Parkinson disease, he defended himself in the Iranian court where he did not even have access to a lawyer. The Orgy Of Obliteration Within Crescent Of Islam
Iqbal Latif - 6/20/2007
A quick expanse of the hotspots in the Islamic world reveals a very repulsive and distressful drama unf olding very silently and unnoticeably. 6th of June marked the 40th anniversary of the beginning of the Six Day War according to the civil calendar. So how did the Palestinians acknowledge this significant date? They tore each other apart this time, unable to penetrate through the thick walls, the desire for blood now turns to their own. Of course, this ongoing conflict provides a ready made excuse for all the problems of Arab societies ranging from the national to the deeply personal. As Egy... Palestine, Paralysis and Plato
David Singer - 6/19/2007
The Arab League and the Quartet America, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations - have become totally paralysed as Hamas and Fatah lay into each other in Gaza with a ferocity that makes the never ending procession of pious resolutions passed at the United Nations condemning Israeli "brutality and breaches of international humanitarian law " what they always have been totally hypocritical and quite farcical. No Peace for Lebanon without International Deterrent Forces on Its Borders with Syria
Elias Bejjani - 6/19/2007
In my capacity as chairman for the Lebanese Canadian Coordinating Council (LCCC) and on behalf of its Board Directors and members we all express our profound condemnation of the terrorist, criminal and cowardly bombing that took the life of Lebanon's Parliament Member Walid Eido yesterday Wednesday, as well as the lives of his older son Khaled, two of his bodyguards and several innocent bystanders. The Long War Strategy for Israel
Jonathan Spyer, Ph.D. - 6/18/2007
The decision by the University and College Union (UCU) to consider a boycott of Israel is the latest manifestation of a broader process which has been steadily gathering speed in the last half-decade: the converging of opinion on the Middle East conflict among members of two camps, who might ordinarily be considered to have little in common. The two camps are the European radical left and supporters - both in Europe and here in the region, of Islamist states and organisations. The alliance is built around a joint commitment to Israel's disappearance from the map. Turkey Should Isolate PKK
Imran Khan - 6/17/2007
Turkey has threatened to enter in Iraq to root out Kurdistan Workers Party's (PKK) separatists who attack inside Turkey and the powerful Turkish military is focused on the immediate task of stopping deadly attacks. But the situation in Iraq is worst and it could even be more deteriorated if Turkey has decided to go ahead with its plans for possible incursion. Barren Negotiations With Iran Come As No Surprise
Hedayat Mostowfi - 6/16/2007
The much anticipated negotiations between the United States and Iran started underway on Monday, May 28, 2007. Once more the negotiations were announced as a breakthrough. But realistically, what can be anticipated from these negotiations? Communication with the Iranian mullahs has never been a problem. Both countries have communicated during the Iran-Contra crisis, during the tenure of the Clinton administration and before the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. The problem has been the behavior of the Iranian mullahs. So, the fact that Mondays negotiations bore no actual result should not come as a surprise. Jewish Israel Is the Key To Its Survival
Ted Belman - 6/16/2007
Jerry Gordon writes Burg goes ballistic: paints Israel as Zionist ghetto because he said to define the State of Israel as a Jewish state is the key to its end. Others say the opposite, namely, that being Jewish is the key to its survival. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Barry Rubin on Syria
Ryan Mauro - 6/15/2007
Professor Barry Rubin is the the editor of the Middle East Review of International Affairs (MERIA) Journal and the director of the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center, as well as the author of the new book, The Truth About Syria. Will The Silent Majority of UK Academics Stand Up Against Israel Boycott?
Michelle Moshelian - 6/14/2007
It is often bemoaned that the silent majority of Muslims dont speak out against the fanatical Islamists. Sadly, I now find myself bemoaning the silent majority of British academia who dont speak out against the fanatical few amongst their midst. Their group has been hijacked by a minority and it is time to speak out. I wrote a letter to the editor of a British newspaper bemoaning the sheer hypocrisy of the latest British boycott of Israel. As a Brit living in Israel I am finding it increasingly embarrassing and hard to explain to Israelis why people in Britain are so hypocritical when it comes to Israel. Turkey as Mediator and Peacekeeper during Middle East Conflict: Analyzing Events of Summer 2006
Prof. Ruben Safrastyan, Ph.D. - 6/13/2007
The Government of the pro-Islamist Justice and Development Party (JDP) that came to power in 2002 restructured the hierarchy of the basic directions of the Turkish foreign policy, which had been built up during the last 50 years. In particular, importance of the Middle-Eastern direction has been reviewed and is now one of its priorities. The Foreign Ministry of the country was instructed to improve relations with the Arab states and Iran, at the same time conserving allied relations with Israel on quite a cool level. According to calculations of the major architect of the new strategy in the T... Where Are The Billions? Saga Of Misisng GCC $542 Billlions
Iqbal Latif - 6/12/2007
From 2002-06, the six countries of the Gulf Co-operation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) made about $1.5 trillion from oil exports, twice as much as they made during the preceding five years. Around $1 trillion of that cash was exhausted on imports. The resta snowballing current-account surplus of $542 billionwent abroad. Where? Land For Peace Is A Failed Strategy for Israel
Ted Belman - 6/12/2007
Nothing should be taken for granted. Neither Resolution 242 nor the proposed "land for peace" trade off. On June 5th 1967, Israel, under great threat of an imminent attack, had no choice but to defend itself. And defend itself, it did. Six days later Israel found itself in possession of what was left of the British Mandate after Jordan was removed from it. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Deputy Head of Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt Mohamed Habib
Joseph Mayton - 6/6/2007
As rumors of a split within the Muslim Brotherhood came to light in local Egyptian press, Global Politician's Joseph Mayton sat down with a leading deputy of the group, Dr. Mohamed Habib, to discuss the so-called turmoil in the group as well as other pertinent issues facing the group. West Bank and Gaza: Fairy Tales and the Media
David Singer - 6/6/2007
The failure by editors of supposedly impartial and respected newspapers to correct inaccuracies in media articles regarding the West Bank and Gaza prior to their publication, gives continuing credence to total Arab denial of any Jewish rights in those areas - and also seriously misleads and misinforms their trusting readers as to the nature of the conflict that is taking place. Pipes on the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process
Ted Belman - 6/6/2007
Testimony by Daniel Pipes, Director of the Middle East Forum & Distinguished visiting professor, Pepperdine University before U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia February 14, 2007, 2:30 p.m. The Syrian-Jihadi Highway To Peace
Walid Phares, Ph.D. - 6/5/2007
A curious "debate" is growing rapidly among a number of Western-based analysts about the "impossibility" of the existence of Syrian Jihadi-Salafist links. More particularly, some analysts went to the extent of describing the existence of links between the Syrian Mukhabarat and the group Fatah al Islam operating in North Lebanon as "hazy." Breaking News On Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri
Dr. Joseph Hitti - 6/2/2007
The tribal Shiite Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, issued a statement criticizing the British and American UN ambassadors for blaming him for the failure of the Lebanese Parliament to ratify the International Tribunal. In his statement, he talked about the honor he has of not violating the Lebanese constitution and leaving the counter-honor of doing so to the US and British ambassadors. He also said: You chose the internationalization [of the Lebanese problem] instead of the Lebanese State. Palestine: The New Myth And Reality
David Singer - 6/1/2007
Jordan's Prime Minister, Marouf al- Bakhit, has now added one new myth to the countless many concerning Palestine that have been invented by Arab propagandists. Speaking at a recent seminar marking the 61st anniversary of Jordan's independence, the Prime Minister asserted that everyone should realise that "this small country [Jordan] was not accidentally born nor was the outcome of deals,conferences or conspiracies." Jordan's history is well documented and totally contradicts the Prime Minister's amazing assertion. US-Iran talks: Curb Your Enthusiasm
Prof. Kazem Kazerounian - 5/31/2007
On Monday, US and Iranian ambassadors in Iraq met to discuss Iraq's security, an event that has roused a sense of euphoria among proponents of engagement with Tehran's mullahs. Celebration should proceed with caution. The American envoy called the closed-door meeting "business-like," meaning we told them what we want and they told us what they want. We can extrapolate what each sides' demands were from what we have seen in published reports in Iran and elsewhere, but more importantly from what is going on in Iraq. Assads Six Degrees of Collaboration
Nicholas M. Guariglia - 5/30/2007
While at Harvard University, the late social psychologist Stanley Milgram attempted to prove his small world phenomenon hypothesis to be true. From his ideas spawned the now widely known six degrees of separation concept of connectedness. There is some debate as to who ought to be granted full credit for the theory, as the Hungarian author Frigyes Karinthy likewise proposed this supposition earlier, but nevertheless the concept has more or less been empirically vindicated over time. Namely, any person or entity can be linked to any other person or entity through a chain of acquaintances or contacts using no more than five liaisons or intermediaries. West Bank Settlements Are Legal Under International Law
Ted Belman - 5/30/2007
The Independent just published an article which said Secret memo shows Israel knew Six Day War was illegal. The "Secret Memo" it referred to was the one written by Theodore Meron, the Israeli Foreign Ministry's legal adviser at the time and today one of the world's leading international jurists. Nasrallahs Threats to the Lebanese Army: What will Aoun do?
Dr. Joseph Hitti - 5/29/2007
Tehran issued its orders yesterday to its proxies in Baghdad and Beirut. Muqtada Al-Sadr in Baghdad declared war on the American occupation and called on his Sunni brethren of Al-Qaeda to join forces with him to fight the US occupation. In Beirut, at exactly the same time, Hezbollahs Hassan Nasrallah issued identical warnings to the Lebanese army not to enter the fortified camp where Sunni Al-Qaeda-affiliated Fatah Al-Islam terrorists are holed up. Nasrallah also wants an investigation into why the Lebanese army was receiving weapons shipment from the Americans. Violence Rages In Palestinian Refugee Camps
Naresh Raghubeer and David Harris - 5/26/2007
As the Lebanese government attempts to bring Palestinian terrorist and their foreign allies based in UN refugee camps under control, serious questions must be asked about the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) and its role in supporting and sustaining these armed gangs and their expensive infrastructures. For its part, the Canadian Government must investigate the way its own money and support for UNRWA have been misused to fuel extremism in the region. Why Israel Is America's Vital Ally
Baron Bodissey - 5/26/2007
For the Jewish people, therefore, the history of the twentieth century may be summed up thus: If there had been a Jewish state in the first half of the century, there would have been no Holocaust. And if there had not been a Jewish state after the Holocaust, there would have been no Jewish future.
from A Durable Peace, by Benjamin Netanyahu The mushroom cloud rising over Tel Aviv has to be the greatest dread of the Jewish State in the 21st century. For a half a century after the birth of Israel, the existence of a haven for Jews all over the world could be assured by the armed might of ... Dividing The Land of Israel
Pete Fisher - 5/26/2007
This week all warring Palestinian factions are gathered in Mecca to find a way to stop killing each other. Using an obscure Islamic law, King Abdullah basically set these people at a table to force their hand at peace. King Abdullah II of Jordan has stated several times that the peace process in the Middle East must begin with the Palestinians and the Jews. Yet the past months of slaughter had nothing to do with Israel, only a power play between Palestinian factions to see who carries the rifles and calls the shots. Israels Arab Citizens And The Jewish State
Tashbih Sayyed - 5/26/2007
As another sign of the growing power of Global Jihad, Israel's Arab minority has rejected the idea of Israel as a Jewish state. In a manifesto, "The Future Vision of the Palestinian Arabs in Israel", drafted by 40 academics and activists under the sponsorship of the Committee of Arab Mayors in Israel and endorsed by an unprecedented range of Arab community leaders, Arab leaders have declared that Israel is a bi-national state and Arabs are an indigenous group with collective rights, not just individual rights. Do We Want An Islamic Reformation?
Fjordman - 5/25/2007
In an article by Dutch writer Margriet de Moor looking at Islam in Europe. Perhaps the most grotesque quote from this essay is that she sees the Netherlands as a large-scale laboratory, and says so with obvious approval. A great example of why Multiculturalism is a massive experiment in social engineering, every bit as radical and dangerous as Communism. Ms. De Moor lives in some kind of alternate reality where "Europe's affluence and free speech" will create an Islamic Reformation. But Muslim immigration constitutes a massive drain on the former, and is slowly, but surely destroying the latter. Palestinian Refugees Must Be Spread And Re-Settled In All Arab States
Dr. Joseph Hitti - 5/25/2007
With the fighting in Lebanon raging between government forces and Palestinians, it is high time for the problem of Palestinian refugees is finally resolved. The only solution that makes sense is to re-settle them in the 21 Arab states. Theme-Based Real Estate Branding in the Middle East
Naseem Javed - 5/23/2007
With some one thousand theme-based-cities being developed at a phenomenal rate here in the Middle East, the branding and name identities of such projects become nightmares. As in size, except a very few, they range between a few acres to even a single large dwelling. Now this requires a new definition of the term 'city' so not to confuse the customers with other traditional metropolises. For example, the introduction of Dubai Media City has become great success story, which extends the souk concept to its infinite extremes. But with the emerging jigsaw of cities, it will make it difficult to d... What Bush wanted to do and what he did
Saberi Roy - 5/23/2007
Almost anyone will agree that the Iraq war went horribly wrong. What did we get from it, other than Saddams head? Bloodshed and more bloodshed, 30 killed, 80 killed, 100 killed. Is this what President George W. Bush wanted or anyone wanted? The excuse given is that no one anticipated that the country will be pushed to a sort of Civil War. Then what was anticipated really? Any foreign policy should be made considering the past, the present and the future situation in a country, the consequences likely as a result of such policies and associated actions, but none of these seemed to have been thought of by Bush and his clan. Never Intervene in a Muslim Country
Muhammad Hussain - 5/22/2007
When the UN-lead forces drove the Taliban out of Afghanistan, I was indignant of the US, like those overwhelming majority of the Muslims worldwide. However, it was not long afterwards that my perception changed totally. During their five-year rule, the Taliban robbed the dignity and future of the entire women folks of Afghanistan. All sorts of human rights violation and introduction of cruel and often barbaric Sharia laws caused immense sufferings to the people of Afghanistan. Desperate economic condition and hardship drove as many as 25% of the entire population to refugee camps in neighborin... Hezbollah and the Political Ecology of Postwar Lebanon
Gary C. Gambill - 5/22/2007
Hezbollah's recent confrontation with Israel is commonly portrayed in the Western media as a proxy war instigated by Iran, with Syria cast as either coconspirator or clingy sidekick, and a fragile government in Beirut looking on helplessly from the sidelines. To be sure, Tehran has a very intimate relationship with the militant Lebanese Shiite Islamist movement and generously provisions it with arms (through Syria) and financial aid. However, while Iranian influence is a powerful enabling factor, the underlying dynamics of the conflict are decidedly local and Lebanon's governing elite is hardly out of the loop. General Aoun, Hizballah and Naim Qassam
Dr. Joseph Hitti - 5/21/2007
In a Naharnet posting on May 18, Gen. Michel Aoun is quoted as saying that Maronite Bishops "are not responsible for political life, but rather for spiritual life. In their capacity as citizens they are eligible to deal with political issues." In other words, Gen. Michel Aoun is applying the principle of the separation of State from Religion, but only to the Christian community, since he has a very cozy alliance with a Shiite Muslim fundamentalist group whose entire leadership consists of Sheikhs and Mullahs who cant even imagine politics outside of religion. Lebanon Must Decisively Deal With Nahr El-Bared Camp
Elias Bejjani - 5/21/2007
In my capacity as the Lebanese Canadian Coordinating Council (LCCC) chairman, I strongly denounces the criminal attack against the Lebanese Army and Security Forces in North Lebanon yesterday and today by gunmen of the Fatah al-Islam group which is affiliated in decision-making and in weapons with the Syrian Intelligence Services. Will The Internet Slay Islam - A Response
Sirajul Haq Khan - 5/20/2007
This article is in response to Will the Internet Slay Islam? written by Wolfgang Bruno published by the Global Politician on May 17, 2007. It is true, and was highly predictable, that with the technological advances in modern communication e-fatwas have increased in frequency, as have other things that are now much more accessible such as pornography and child abuse. The current Chief cleric of Egypt (unnamed in your article), is Mufti Ali Jumaa (pronounced Gomaa in Egyptian dialect). FPM-Hezbollah: Divorce: Irreconcilable Differences
Dr. Joseph Hitti - 5/18/2007
With the deadline looming for the Lebanese Parliament to elect a new President of the Republic of Lebanon this summer, there is an undeniable quest by many Lebanese for a strong President who would be unlike the riff-raff Presidents the country has had during the three decades of the war. Many of the latter were pure Syrian puppets (Elias Hrawi and Emile Lahoud); or the Lebanese equivalent of Bashar Assad, i.e. corrupt feudal weaklings who are reluctantly given the mantle of the family, and I mean by that Amin Gemayel; or compromise technocrat Presidents like Elias Sarkis, who are clean and mean well, but have no constituency to back them. Unquantified successes ? How Iraq has been won!
Iqbal Latif - 5/17/2007
'Kerry's and Kennedy's and democrats' shortsightedness on Iraq is a classic example of instant gratification in politics. The real change of direction and leadership of Iraqi Shiites to Sistani is the greatest victory of the new era of constitutionalism and civility in Iraq. The shifting of Shiite Islam to Najaf, instead of Qum, is a huge change and a direct result of Iraq's freedom that has changed the balance of power in Iraq and Iran. The other day in the hinterland of Gulf, a very senior Arab leader pointed to me, "Ike, when Saddam was hanged, this was the first time in last five decades t... Will the Internet Slay Islam?
Wolfgang Bruno - 5/17/2007
A remarkable testimony to the power of the modern mass media revolution was noted in the complaints of an Egyptian cleric in 2005: "Leading Egypt Cleric Wants Fewer Frivolous Edicts". The chief Muslim cleric in Egypt wants tighter controls on who may issue religious edicts, or fatwas. Egypt's Grand Mufti says more fatwas have been issued in the past 10 years than in the previous 1400 years. Modern technology has made it easier than ever to issue or receive a fatwa, one of the religious edicts that guide Muslims' interpretations of Islamic law. Someone with a specific question about what Isla... Appeasing the Ayatollahs and the Perils of Ignoring History
Dr. Majid Sadeghpour - 5/15/2007
It was June 8, 2000; the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) was the venue. Iran is still the most egregious state-sponsor of terrorism, despite the election of a reformist president. Elements of the Iranian Government use terrorism as a policy tool, assassinating Iranian dissidents at home and abroad and giving money, weapons and training to terrorists fighting against peace in the Middle East., said Ambassador L. Paul Bremer, III Chairman of the National Commission on Terrorism. The Golden Age Of Islam?
Mumin Salih - 5/14/2007
Muslims in general exhibit a special nostalgia of what they like to call the Golden Era of Islam. Generations of Muslims had spent their lives dreaming that one day they will bring back the glory of the early years of Islam. The result is that the ambition to establish an Islamic World has become an obsession to all Muslim who believe a true Islamic World will solve for good all their problems. The Special Case: Ahmadiyya Muslims
Wolfgang Bruno - 5/12/2007
There are movements within Islam, or groups of people who at least identify themselves as Muslims, that are indeed somewhat more tolerant and less violent that mainstream Muslims. One such movement is the Ahmadiyya community. The Palestine Conspiracy - Book Review
David Storobin, Esq. - 5/12/2007
Pros: Fast-paced spy-thriller to an unbelievable ending. Cons: Everyone thought this couldn't happen, then it did. Mr. Spirko discusses all the issues confronting the Middle East through the minds of both the Palestinians and Israelis. His understanding of the collective mindsets (those who are continually at war with each other) brings a new dimension of reality to the Palestinian question, which has now become the ever-persistent Israeli obstacle. How to achieve peace in the Middle East? If the Palestinian problem can be solved where both sides achieve peace, then world terrorism will go away. Stop Ahmadinejad Before It's Too Late
Tashbih Sayyed - 5/11/2007
Irans President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad not only wants to wipe the state of Israel off the world map but also sincerely believes that it can be done. And the first stage in his long term strategy is the project of creating doubt about the single most human tragedy that the world had to endure the Holocaust. Marriage in Islam
Allison Knight-Khan - 5/10/2007
In America, the marriage failure rate exceeds the success rate. In fact, 57 percent of marriages are ending in failure. The short life span of an American marriage is two years and two months.* This is a very temporary result for the state of bliss, which we call marriage. What has gone wrong with expectations that marriage is not the happily-ever-after dream that is advertised to us from childhood on? The Spring of Discontent In Iran
Ali Safavi - 5/9/2007
Spring in Iran was marked by the outbreak of protests nationwide by virtually every sector of Iranian society, beginning with demonstrations and strikes by tens of thousands of workers in March. By April and May, the level of discontent had escalated dramatically as tens of thousands of workers kept their pledge to turn out en masse. Solution for Iran: Subversion or Military Strike?
Joel C Pousson - 5/8/2007
The terror-sponsoring government of Iran is rushing to develop a nuclear weapon (http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,430649,00.html). There is no doubt that the Mullahs in Teheran will be ready and willing to use it, preferably on a Western target, to assert their supremacy in the Islamic world. The Key To Defeating The Mullahs In Iran
Hedayat Mostowfi - 5/3/2007
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Tehran mullah regimes president, on Monday, April 16, 2007, vowed that the world powers would not be able to stop Iran's nuclear drive and that the Islamic Republic would defend its atomic program "to the end". Iranian made bombs, used by terrorists trained in Iran, explode daily in Iraq and kill innocent people. Yet there are still a few overly optimistic individuals that think if the Iranian mullahs and American officials sit around one table at the Iraq security summit beginning on Thursday, May 3rd in Sharm el-Sheikh, Iran will cease its nuclear weapons program and abandon terrorism after 30 years! The chances of such are less than nil. The Power and the Glory of Islamic Women
Dymphna - 5/1/2007
What gives with Western feminism? Families of Muslim women rape, torture, behead, crucify, and hang them in public squares - all because they have committted the truly mortal sin of being female - yet the silence here on the behalf of these victims is deafening. Compared to the suffering of their Islamic sisters, the indignant chatter about 'oppression' emanating from women in the West is obscene. Inside Lebanon's Militia Safe Havens and Mini-States
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