Month: June 2011

Russia, China Shield Syria from Possible UN Sanctions 

A resolution inspired by Western nations critical of civilian killings in politically-beleaguered Syria is facing threats from two veto-wielding permanent members of the Security Council: Russia and China. If and when the resolution is adopted by the 15-member Council, perhaps next week, it will be diluted to avoid the customary call for economic or military … Continue reading “Russia, China Shield Syria from Possible UN Sanctions “

Breaching the Wall through Art

The wall that divides Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories is ugly and oppressive. It is far from a work of art. But now it is the subject of art. The Jerusalem Fund Gallery’s new exhibition “Breaching the Wall” displays works of 11 different artists that reflect their feelings and artistic reactions to this eight-meter-high concrete … Continue reading “Breaching the Wall through Art”

Debate Rages over US Withdrawal from Afghanistan

With only three weeks left before U.S. military forces are scheduled to begin withdrawing from Afghanistan, the debate over the size and pace of that withdrawal has become increasingly intense. On one hand, the Pentagon, backed by prominent neoconservatives and other hawks, insists that the 18-month-old "surge" of 30,000 U.S. troops has turned the strategic … Continue reading “Debate Rages over US Withdrawal from Afghanistan”

Threat of Attack on Iran Recedes, but Tensions Remain High

The likelihood of a U.S. or Israeli military attack on Iran’s nuclear installations seems miniscule during the remaining months of the Barack Obama administration’s first term. The U.S. is focused on domestic economic problems, winding down wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, and stabilizing emerging democracies in Egypt and Tunisia. Israel is preoccupied with Arab … Continue reading “Threat of Attack on Iran Recedes, but Tensions Remain High”

If Libya Is a Success, What Would Be a Failure?

You must surely fear for the reputation of your species when you hear the deaths of some 10,000 people referred to as "successful." Until this week, I used to regard an away win at Celtic Park as "successful." I would casually refer to a drive from Bedfordshire to Aberdeenshire as being "successful" – barring crashes … Continue reading “If Libya Is a Success, What Would Be a Failure?”

Bigger than Blackwater: Arming the UAE

The International Defense Exhibition, otherwise known as IDEX, has been held bi-annually in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 1993. It is the largest defense expo in the Middle East and North Africa and one of the biggest in the world. But far from being a one-off, it highlights the UAE’s growing stature as a … Continue reading “Bigger than Blackwater: Arming the UAE”

Egypt Takes Sweet Time Opening Promised Rafah Crossing

RAFAH – Many hoping to find free movement between Egypt and Gaza have found the border gates at the Rafah crossing closed. Egyptian officials closed the gates on Saturday, according to Palestinian officials. Ayyoub Abu Shaar, the official who usually communicates with the Egyptian side is no longer able to reach his counterpart. A number … Continue reading “Egypt Takes Sweet Time Opening Promised Rafah Crossing”