Jim Lobe

Jim Lobe writes for Inter Press Service.

Taliban Attacks Weaken US, NATO Position

Sunday’s well-orchestrated — if unsuccessful — attacks by Taliban forces on Kabul and three provincial capitals in eastern Afghanistan could further shake ebbing public confidence in the U.S. and its allies that their strategy for securing Afghanistan is working. Billed as the opening of the Taliban’s spring offensive, the attacks also raise new questions about … Continue reading “Taliban Attacks Weaken US, NATO Position”

Poll Shows Little US Support for Syria Intervention

Despite strenuous efforts by prominent neoconservatives and other hawks, a war-weary U.S. public is clearly very leery of any armed intervention in what many experts believe is rapidly becoming a civil war in Syria, according to recent polls. In a survey released last week, the Pew Research Center found that only 25% of respondents said … Continue reading “Poll Shows Little US Support for Syria Intervention”

Little US Popular Support for Israeli Attack on Iran

Amid persistent speculation over a possible Israeli military attack against Iranian nuclear facilities in the wake of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, a detailed new public opinion survey released Tuesday suggests that such a move would enjoy little support in the United States. According to the survey by the University of Maryland’s Program … Continue reading “Little US Popular Support for Israeli Attack on Iran”

Bomb-Iran Week Turns ‘Syrious’

This week was supposed to be all about Iran – at least, that’s how Israel and its powerful U.S. lobby, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), had planned it – and why the U.S. should prepare to bomb it very, very soon if its leadership doesn’t cave into Western demands to abandon its nuclear … Continue reading “Bomb-Iran Week Turns ‘Syrious’”

Will Bibi Have Barack Over a Barrel (of Oil)?

While Israeli leaders historically have enjoyed significant influence with their U.S. counterparts, Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu will likely arrive at the White House next week with a little extra boost in his efforts to get President Barack Obama to toughen his already hard line against Iran. Not only is that because the vaunted Israel … Continue reading “Will Bibi Have Barack Over a Barrel (of Oil)?”

Israeli Poll on Iran Undercuts Netanyahu on Eve of Major Meet

On the eve of a critical set of meetings between top U.S. and Israeli officials, a new survey finds little backing among the Israeli public for a military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities without Washington’s approval. According to the poll, released at a briefing at the Brookings Institution Wednesday, only about one in five Israelis … Continue reading “Israeli Poll on Iran Undercuts Netanyahu on Eve of Major Meet”

Growing Pessimism on Afghanistan After Quran Burning

While top officials in the Barack Obama administration insist that U.S. strategy in Afghanistan is working, the violent aftermath of last week’s apparently inadvertent burning of copies of the Quran at a military base is fueling growing pessimism about the U.S. and NATO mission there. Some three dozen Afghans were killed in anti-U.S. protests that … Continue reading “Growing Pessimism on Afghanistan After Quran Burning”

Despite War Drums, Experts Insist Iran Nuclear Deal Possible

Amid the persistent beating of war drums, an influential international conflict prevention group is insisting that a deal between Western countries and Iran on Tehran’s controversial nuclear program can still be reached. In a new report released Thursday, the Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) said such a deal would include Tehran’s acceptance of full-scope international safeguards to ensure the … Continue reading “Despite War Drums, Experts Insist Iran Nuclear Deal Possible”

Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Tensions, a Glimmer of Hope?

After weeks of rapidly escalating tensions, particularly between Israel and Iran, signs emerged this week both in Washington and in Tehran that serious negotiations over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program may soon get underway. The most concrete step was a long-awaited positive RSVP from Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalali, to an invitation extended last October … Continue reading “Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Tensions, a Glimmer of Hope?”

Obama Requests Higher Foreign Aid for 2013

Despite strong pressure to reduce the yawning federal deficit, the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama is asking Congress for a slight increase in funding for the State Department and foreign aid next year. The administration is requesting a total of some $56 billion in “international affairs” spending for fiscal year (FY) 2013, which begins … Continue reading “Obama Requests Higher Foreign Aid for 2013”