Exactly how far has Tunisia come from colonialism?
The Political Economy of the Maghreb Spring and Its Aftermath
read more
Middle East & North Africa
Administration Buys Lies About Iran Using Latin America as Base for Terrorism
Leon Panetta has expressed a concern that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has expanded into Latin America.
Why Iran Will Compromise
As we inch closer to the crucial nuclear talks between Iran and the world powers, the so-called P5+1, the big question is whether this time will be different. Is Tehran willing to make the necessary compromises – from greater nuclear transparency to more stringent restrictions on its enrichment activities – to reverse the economic siege that’s pushing the country to the brink? And is it going to use the talks as a delaying tactic, or will it finally strike a mutually acceptable deal with the West?
Debating Syria
Diplomats are currently scrambling to find a solution to the problem that is Syria. The country is already in a civil war. The dictator Bashar al-Assad doesn’t look like he’s packing his bags any time soon, though plenty of pundits are quick to label him a “dead dictator walking.” Russia and China are reluctant to support measures that would precipitate regime change. Talk about a diplomatic nightmare.
Syria Seeks to Turn Annan Peace Proposal Into Surrender Document
Syria expects the armed opposition to take a leap of faith and turn in its weapons.
The West Negotiates with Iran
The first round of nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 countries – the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany – concluded in Istanbul with a rare expression of optimism and satisfaction by both sides. The two sides agreed to resume their negotiations next month in Baghdad.
The Militarization of the Syrian Uprising
The uprising in Syria has been an inspiring demonstration of the desire for freedom, justice, and human dignity, as well as a heartbreaking reminder that such aspirations are often not achieved.
Are Nuclear Weapons Really a “Big Sin” to Iran’s Supreme Leader?
Whether or not Ayatollah Khameini considers nuclear weapons haram shouldn’t be a determining factor in negotiations with Tehran.
Bahrain : United States :: Syria : Russia
A world power equips a dictatorship that kills, tortures, and imprisons unarmed protesters. No, it’s not only Russia’s relationship to Syria. It’s also the United States when it comes to Bahrain. Two days after a U.S. coalition of national groups asked the Obama administration to publicly call for Bahrain to release a human rights defender on hunger strike, the White House issued a press statement expressing “concern for the well-being of jailed activist Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja.”
Remembering Israel’s West Bank Offensive
Ten years ago this month, following a particularly deadly series of Palestinian terrorist attacks, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched an assault on several Palestinian cities and refugee camps in the West Bank. The Bush administration largely supported the Israeli offensive, even as hundreds of civilians were killed and thousands of young men were detained without charge amid widespread reports of torture.