To say the U.S. moved quickly to squash any expectation that the President’s visit to the Middle East might help resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict would be an understatement.
Exactly Why Is President Obama Going to Israel?
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Middle East & North Africa
Israel’s Pointless Attack on Syria
Israel’s recent air strike on one of Syria’s premier military research centers came as no surprise to those monitoring the spiraling turn of events in the Levant over the last few months. In the days and weeks running up to the audacious attack, there were several signs that something was afoot—a scurry of Israeli envoys shuttling between Tel Aviv and Washington, reports of closed-door security meetings, the distribution of gas masks to residents of northern Israel, and the deployment of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system in the same region, to name just a few.
The Depths of Malaise in Palestine
According to recent polls of Palestinians, frustration with the Israel-Palestinian conflict is at a high point; the two-state solution is steadily losing credibility in the eyes of the people; and ordinary citizens in the Holy Land are starting to wonder whether a settlement can be achieved without another round of bloodshed.
Low Fertility and Labor Shortages Might Save the World
The inexorable decline of global fertility rates will just as inexorably lead to more migration of the world’s people.
Morsi’s Last Chance
Egypt is rapidly approaching its most acute political and economic crisis since the 2011 revolution that swept dictator Hosni Mubarak from power. Poverty is at an all-time high of 25 percent, with youth unemployment at a record 40 percent. Foreign currency reserves are on a rapid decline. And most importantly, President Mohamed Morsi is losing the most important commodity he possesses—the people’s confidence and trust.
The West Must Help Syria’s Neighbors Absorb the Impact of Its Refugee Crisis
The refugee problem has created dire circumstances in many countries hosting Syrian refugees, which will only continue as long as Syria remains engulfed in conflict.
Administration Appoints Itself Judge and Jury on Death by Drone
What the administration means by “imminent threat” is open to debate.
Washington Post Keeps Administration’s Secret About Drone Base in Saudi Arabia
The U.S. drone base based in Saudi Arabia was used to kill Anwar al-Awlaki and his son.
A Valentine’s Day Gift That Keeps on Giving
The United States is one of only seven countries not to ratify a landmark international agreement that affirms principles of fundamental human rights and equality for women.
How Our Obsession With Iran Increases Chances of Nuclear War With Russia
As it stands now, a toxic byproduct of our obsession with Iran’s nuclear program is the increased chance of nuclear war with Russia and China.