The Real Reason Behind Trump’s Angry Diplomacy in North Korea

To understand the United States’ stratagem in the Pacific, and against North Korea in particular, one has to understand the fundamental changes that are under way in that region. China’s clout as an Asian superpower and as a global economic powerhouse has been growing at a rapid speed. The US’ belated "pivot to Asia" to … Continue reading “The Real Reason Behind Trump’s Angry Diplomacy in North Korea”

What Is Behind the Hamas-Fatah Reconciliation?

Egypt’s enthusiasm to arbitrate between feuding Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah, is not the outcome of a sudden awakening of conscience. Cairo has, in fact, played a destructive role in manipulating Palestinian division to its favor, while keeping the Rafah border crossing under lock and key. However, the Egyptian leadership is clearly operating in coordination … Continue reading “What Is Behind the Hamas-Fatah Reconciliation?”

The Balfour Declaration Destroyed Palestine, Not the Palestinian People

Some promises are made and kept; others disavowed. But the ‘promise’ made by Arthur James Balfour in what became known as the ‘Balfour Declaration’ to the leaders of the Zionist Jewish community in Britain one hundred years ago, was only honored in part: it established a state for the Jews and attempted to destroy the … Continue reading “The Balfour Declaration Destroyed Palestine, Not the Palestinian People”

The Fight Ahead: 13 Questions About the Origins, Objectives, and War on BDS

BDS stands for "Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions". The BDS Movement was the outcome of several events that shaped the Palestinian national struggle and international solidarity with the Palestinian people following the Second Uprising (Intifada) in 2000. Building on a decades-long tradition of civil disobedience and popular resistance, and invigorated by growing international solidarity with the … Continue reading “The Fight Ahead: 13 Questions About the Origins, Objectives, and War on BDS”

In Their Own Words: When Trump and Obama Sounded the Same

The nature of the rhetoric in Donald Trump’s first speech at the United Nations General Assembly was largely predictable. Even his bizarre threat to "totally destroy North Korea" was consistent with his overall style and previous warnings. But how different was his speech, if compared with the first and last UN speeches of President Barack … Continue reading “In Their Own Words: When Trump and Obama Sounded the Same”

Courting the Global South: Will Israel Become a UN Security Council Member?

There is a great irony in the fact that Israel is seeking a seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Since its establishment atop the ruins of Palestinian cities and villages in 1948, Israel has had the most precarious relationship with the world’s largest international body. It has desperately sought to be legitimized by … Continue reading “Courting the Global South: Will Israel Become a UN Security Council Member?”

Three Years After the War: Gaza Youth Speak Out

“At bedtime, I am afraid to turn the lights off. I am not a coward, it is just that I worry that this bulb hanging from the ceiling is the last light that remains (shining) in my life.” Soon after he penned these words, Moath Alhaj, a young artist from a Gaza refugee camp, passed … Continue reading “Three Years After the War: Gaza Youth Speak Out”

The Terror Next Time: The Daesh Story Is Not Ending

Iraq’s second largest city, Mosul, has been reduced to rubble. It has been finally conquered, snatched back from the notorious group, Daesh, after months of merciless bombardment by the US-led war coalition, and a massive ground war. But ‘victory’ can hardly be the term assigned to this moment. Mosul, once Iraq’s cultural jewel and model … Continue reading “The Terror Next Time: The Daesh Story Is Not Ending”

Nuclear Apocalypse: Trump and Kim Should Not Hold the World Hostage

Not too far away from Seattle, Washington there are eight ballistic-missile submarines carrying the world’s large shipments of nuclear weapons. The 560-foot-long black submarines are docked at the Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, hauling what is described by Rick Anderson in a recent Los Angeles Times article as “the largest concentration of deployed nuclear weapons in the … Continue reading “Nuclear Apocalypse: Trump and Kim Should Not Hold the World Hostage”

Al-Araqeeb Village: Palestinian Bedouins Refuse To Surrender 116 Times

On August 1, the Palestinian Bedouin village of Al-Araqeeb was destroyed for the 116th time. As soon as Israeli bulldozers finished their ugly deed and soldiers began evacuating the premises, the village resident immediately began rebuilding their homes. 22 families, or about 101 residents, are estimated to live here. By now, they are all familiar … Continue reading “Al-Araqeeb Village: Palestinian Bedouins Refuse To Surrender 116 Times”