A Political Black Hole

Just to die of envy. How the British manage to do these things! What a democracy! What dignity! Elections within a month. A new coalition within five days. A change of government within 70 minutes. A visit to the queen. The departing prime minister takes his wife and...

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Obama’s Flailing Wars

On stage, it would be farce. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, it's bound to play out as tragedy. Less than two months ago, Barack Obama flew into Afghanistan for six hours – essentially to read the riot act to Afghan President Hamid Karzai, whom his ambassador had only...

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Sunday: 7 Iraqis Killed, 1 Wounded

At least eight Iraqis were killed and one more was wounded in unusually light violence. Seven of the dead were prisoners killed under mysterious circumstances earlier in the week. Also, the Iraqi government condemned yesterday’s statement from Saudi prince and intelligence chief Turki al-Faisal, who accused Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of trying to steal the election.
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US Funds Israel’s Apartheid Roads Plan

The construction of sections of a controversial segregated road network in the West Bank planned by Israel for Palestinians – leaving the main roads for exclusive use by settlers – is being financed by a US government aid agency, a map prepared by...

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Saturday: 8 Iraqis Killed, 14 Wounded

At least eight Iraqis were killed and 12 more were wounded in the latest attacks, which included an artillery strike from Iranian territory. No U.S. casualties were reported despite two direct attacks on troops. Also, it appears that P.M. Maliki is locked in to be the premier for another term.
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Israel’s Red Line: Real Democracy

The recent arrest of two respected public figures from Israel's Palestinian Arab minority in night-time raids on their homes by the Shin Bet secret police – brought to light this week when a gag order was partially lifted – has sent shock waves through the community. ...

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