A Russian army pilot poses at a cockpit of SU-25M jet fighter at Hmeimim airbase in Syria on Oct 3 2015. (Alexander Kots, Komsomolskaya Pravda, Photo via AP) Russia is back in the Middle East in a wholesale fashion signing huge aircraft sales … [Read more...] about Russia’s Return to the Middle East*
China
Weekly Review, September 21-25, 2015
The U.S. Moral Decline - Rachel Ehrenfeld - What would Eleanor Roosevelt say about the election of Saudi Arabia’s Geneva ambassador Faisal Trad, as Chair of the United Nation Human Rights Council’s monitoring panel? She would wonder … [Read more...] about Weekly Review, September 21-25, 2015
A Tale of Two Viennas*
Left: The EU's Federica Mogherini (L), Iran's Mohammad Javad Zarif, Russia's Sergei Lavrov (R) in Vienna after the deal was signed. (Reuters/Leonhard Foeger) VIENNA 1815: The great powers of Europe; Russia, Prussia, Great Britain and Austria, meet … [Read more...] about A Tale of Two Viennas*
Xi’s Bluffing Hand*
Next week’s state visit of China’s No. 1 Xi Jinping looks to be all pomp and circumstance. There is little expectation that the long list of critical issues between Washington and Beijing will be addressed in any substantive way. And, in fact, the … [Read more...] about Xi’s Bluffing Hand*
Weekly Review, September 7-11, 2015
Europe’s refugee crisis a warning to Israel - Norman A. Bailey - There are certain situations that do not lend themselves to any reasonable solution which will fulfill all the objectives of the actors in the drama. The tidal wave of political and … [Read more...] about Weekly Review, September 7-11, 2015
Democrats Who Are Willing to Trust Iran
Left: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said "there will be no deal" if the sanctions are not lifted. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) “If somebody tells you he wants to cut your throat, the last thing you do is buy him a knife” – Senator Lindsey … [Read more...] about Democrats Who Are Willing to Trust Iran
ISIS’ Chemical Weapons
It is surprising that the Islamic State’s use of chemical warfare has taken this long. On August 11, ISIS shelled the northern Syrian town of Marea, with Mustard gas mortars. The specific effects of this deadly gas were almost immediately evident. … [Read more...] about ISIS’ Chemical Weapons
China’s Shaky Economy*
A Chinese broker covers his eyes at a brokerage house, Aug. 3, 2015. Credit: BBC The Shanghai stock market is dipping again. {Four] weeks ago, it fell by nearly a third in total value wiping out some $3 trillion. The cavalry arrived with Communist … [Read more...] about China’s Shaky Economy*
Weekly Review, July 20-24, 2015
Left: The supreme leader (centre) told supporters that US policies in the Middle East are diametrically opposed to Iran’s policies, credit: BBC Congress Must Hold Obama Accountable for His Deception Over Iran; By lying and withholding information … [Read more...] about Weekly Review, July 20-24, 2015
Iran: The Closer You Look, The Worse It Gets*
Left: Khamenei - the deal was only about nuclear issues, Iran "won't let foreigners interfere with our affairs." (Photo : Twitter Photo Section) - Close examination of the nuclear agreement with Iran reveals just how much it will damage the West … [Read more...] about Iran: The Closer You Look, The Worse It Gets*