Mohammed A. Salih

Mohammed A. Salih writes for Inter Press Service.

Turkey Going Its Own Way

The recent diplomatic crisis between Turkey and Israel has raised questions about the future of relations between the two closest allies of the United States in the region and the direction of the markedly independent foreign policy agenda that Turkey has pursued in recent years. The heightened tensions between the two nations are expected to … Continue reading “Turkey Going Its Own Way”

Chance of a Breakthrough With the Kurds?

A recent meeting between Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Kurdish President Massoud Barzani appears to be a crucial step in lowering tensions in the country, but it has also prompted questions as to whether the two leaders can put an end to their differences. The meeting came as the fever of presidential and parliamentary … Continue reading “Chance of a Breakthrough With the Kurds?”

Maliki Dons Mantle of Seasoned Statesman

His visit to the U.S. this week was meant to be a show of statesmanship, much different than when he was in Washington last time. In July 2006, when he met with former President George W. Bush, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was a dwindling, embattled politician of whom nobody expected much. His very survival … Continue reading “Maliki Dons Mantle of Seasoned Statesman”

Kurds Caught Up in Biden’s Diplomatic Offensive

The indefinite postponement of a referendum on Iraqi Kurdistan’s controversial draft constitution just days after a visit by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has given rise to speculation that Washington may have played a role in the delay. Despite initial expectations that the charter would be put to a vote on Jul. 25 amid Kurdish … Continue reading “Kurds Caught Up in Biden’s Diplomatic Offensive”

Fate of Withdrawal Pact to Be Decided at the Polls

As Iraqis witness a spike in violence after a months-long relative lull, the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has decided to put its security agreement with the U.S. to a public referendum, although the move appears to be only heightening a sense of uncertainty over the fate of the country. Last year, Iraqi and … Continue reading “Fate of Withdrawal Pact to Be Decided at the Polls”

Democrats Drop Antiwar Pretensions

Saturday at the Westin Diplomat hotel outside Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the Democratic Party finalized its platform for the upcoming Democratic National Convention to be held in Boston later this month. Progressives and peace lovers – mostly Kucinich and Dean supporters – didn’t get much at all. Not only does the platform not call for the … Continue reading “Democrats Drop Antiwar Pretensions”