Month: May 2008

Have you ever wondered how human beings can be so cruel? And how cruelty crosses all the boundaries – national, racial, and ethnic? I have. Rereading an autobiography published in 1941 by a communist agent reminded me of the dark side of human nature. The book, Out of the Night, was written – under the … Continue reading “The Long Night”

Updated at 12:13 a.m. EDT, May 12, 2008Casualties in Sadr City have tapered off as the truce between the Iraqi government and Shi’ite militiamen appears to be holding. Still, at least 37 Iraqis were killed and 38 more were wounded in violence across Iraq. Meanwhile, Turkey launched air and artillery attacks into northern Iraq. No … Continue reading “Sunday: 37 Iraqis Killed, 38 Wounded”

Updated at 9:32 p.m. EDT, May 10, 2008The Iraqi government and Mahdi army sources have apparently reached an agreement to suspend fighting in Baghdad’s Sadr City suburb; however, the U.S. military continued air strikes. At least 50 Iraqis were killed and 147 were injured in the latest attacks. Also, one American soldier died of non-combat … Continue reading “Saturday: 2 US Soldiers, 50 Iraqis Killed; 147 Iraqis Wounded”

The Russian leadership pulled off its political version of musical chairs this week. President Vladimir Putin, who has served two terms and under the Russian constitution can’t run again, stepped down in favor of his protégé, the little-known Dmitri Medvedev, then assumed the position of prime minister, in ceremonies that summoned up memories of czarist … Continue reading “Moscow Musical Chairs”

In a joint press conference held this week with the head of the European Commission, Mohamed ElBaradei, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that the talks with Iran that began on April 21 to "clarify" certain "alleged studies of weaponization" have resulted in "good progress." What "alleged studies" is ElBaradei talking about? Well, … Continue reading “Iran, International Peace and Security”

BAQUBA – The water supply is drying out in what was once the agriculturally rich Diyala province north of Baghdad. Baquba, the capital city of Diyala, is now running out of water both for drinking and for irrigation. The water supply has been hit by power failures. The central pumping station has been running short … Continue reading “Iraqis Running Out of Water in Rising Heat”

The P5+1 – the permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany – will present Tehran with a secret incentive package in the next few days to convince Iran to suspend its enrichment program and enter negotiations. There is little doubt that Tehran will reject the offer since it crosses its red line – … Continue reading “Can P5+1 Offer Break Iran Nuclear Stalemate?”

Sen. John McCain has said he will be Hamas’ worst nightmare. It’s a juvenile thing to say. The line sounded more convincing when Sly Stallone said it in one of his Rambo movies. What does the senator propose to do to Hamas? Refuse to recognize the Hamas members who are the legitimately elected representatives of … Continue reading “Senator Rambo”

For the five Afghans who returned home on the same flight as al-Jazeera journalist Sami al-Haj and the other three prisoners described in my previous article, the future is disturbingly uncertain. As I reported last December, when 13 of their compatriots were released from Guantánamo, they, like the other 19 Afghans released in August, September … Continue reading “Who Are the Afghans Just Released from Guantánamo?”

Updated at 7:15 p.m. EDT, May 8, 2008Iraqi authorities ordered residents of Sadr City to temporarily abandon the Shi’ite suburb of Baghdad as fighting between Iraqi forces and the Mahdi army continue. At least 52 Iraqis were killed and 157 more were wounded across the country. A number of people were also killed or wounded … Continue reading “Friday: 52 Iraqis Killed, 157 Wounded”