Month: May 2011

New Iran Sanctions Could Push Petrol Prices Even Higher

U.S. lawmakers have introduced a new package of unilateral sanctions targeting Iran that would challenge U.S. President Obama’s discretionary authority to enforce such sanctions and would impose comprehensive restrictions on foreign entities that ship, refine or provide any other related services to Iran’s energy sector. Both versions of the bills in the U.S. Senate and … Continue reading “New Iran Sanctions Could Push Petrol Prices Even Higher”

Israel and the Palestinians Through the Looking Glass

It’s been like dueling banjos in Washington this week.  President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu each got to say the same thing at length and at least twice.  Last Thursday, the president gave his "Arab Spring" speech in which — after a reportedly "furious phone call" between Netanyahu and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — he … Continue reading “Israel and the Palestinians Through the Looking Glass”

Thursday: 17 Iraqis Killed, 20 Wounded

At least 17 Iraqis were killed and 20 more were wounded in the latest violence. Assassinations against government and security officials continued. One of the targets was a high-ranking official caught up in a controversial elections ban last year and may have been ordered killed by one of his political enemies. Also, a 20-year old mass grave was discovered.

As Afghanistan Rises in Revolt, America Sinks Further into Grave of Empires

Thousands of Afghans have taken to the streets for the second day in northwestern Afghanistan to protest the killing of four people in a night raid by NATO forces this month. While many residents of the city of Taloqan (in addition to the local police force) claim that those killed were innocent, NATO has maintained that they … Continue reading “As Afghanistan Rises in Revolt, America Sinks Further into Grave of Empires”

Syrians Running Out of Refuge in Lebanon

BEIRUT – Syrians from the border town Tell Khalakh have been fleeing a wave of violence over recent weeks to cross into neighboring Lebanon. But those seeking refuge now face an uncertain fate. Syrian territory lies only a few hundred meters from the Wadi Khaled area in Lebanon, home to 17 villages scattered close to … Continue reading “Syrians Running Out of Refuge in Lebanon”

Wednesday: 7 Iraqis Killed, 19 Wounded

At least seven Iraqis were killed and 19 more were wounded in the latest violence. Also, a victim wounded in a bombing in Baghdad yesterday has since died. Meanwhile, Kuwait Airlines has been given the go-ahead, in a Jordanian Court, to seize Iraqi Airways assets as part of compensation for materials lost during the Iraq invasion of Kuwait.

U.S. Reticence on Thuggish Repression in Kurdistan

In a recent speech, President Barack Obama provided an overview of the Middle East in which he attempted to put the United States on the side of democracy and peace. After prior American policy in the region, people in the region can be excused for shaking their heads at the usual U.S. government hypocrisy. After … Continue reading “U.S. Reticence on Thuggish Repression in Kurdistan”