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...
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...
100% Scared
Thursday: 5 Iraqis Killed, 5 Wounded
Target: Iran
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...