Today, Iraqi and Syrian Kurds enjoy unprecedented autonomy from Baghdad and Damascus, and the prospects of an independent Kurdish state are real. Despite the Kurds’ gains, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), led by President Massoud Barzani, finds its semi-autonomous state in northern Iraq at several geopolitical fault lines. Barzani must tread carefully in this volatile region to safeguard the Iraqi Kurds’ interests while pursuing independence from central Iraq.
Putting Bibi in a Corner
With the January 22 general elections only days away in Israel, the majority of polls and media sources concede that Benjamin Netanyahu is on track to be elected for his third term as prime minister. However, few would truly consider this a triumph for the Likud prime minister, who has been overshadowed by the charismatic Naftali Bennett, a rising star on Israel’s far right.
Is Israel Proof That an Armed Society Can Work?
Why don’t episodes like Newtown occur in another armed society, Israel?
Hamas Helped, Israel Handicapped by Threats to Their Respective Publics
Fundamental differences exists between Hamas in Gaza in 2012 compared to 2008.
Hitham’s Tale
In the latest eight-day conflict, six Israelis were killed by Palestinian rocket fire. In Gaza, however, Israeli bombs killed 179 Palestinians—a substantial portion of whom were civilians, including several dozen women and children. One of them was Hitham’s oldest child, who was visiting relatives in Gaza.
Iron Dome’s Effectiveness Is Not an Argument for Missile Defense
The odds that missile defense can protect a state from inter-continental ballistic missiles armed with nuclear weapons are slim to nonexistent.
Abetting the Carnage in Gaza
The November 22 cease fire between Israeli and Hamas forces is a huge relief for the civilian population on both sides—the primary victims of the conflict. But the Obama administration’s unconscionable decision the previous week to block a ceasefire effort by the UN Security Council not only resulted in additional civilian deaths but also serves as an indication that, despite the president owing his re-election to the hard work of his progressive base, his foreign policy will continue to lean to the right.
Once Again, Israel Comes Out on the Short End Politically of a Military Offensive
Hasn’t the time come to admit that military solutions have run their course?
American Jews Still Reject Zionism at Their Own Risk
American Jews who reject Zionism are outcasts in the established Jewish communities.
Gaza: The Light Doesn’t Get Much Greener
The United States likely has Israel’s back no matter what it decides.