Someone in the United States government is afraid of Israelis. That has to be the best explanation why Israelis' ongoing attempts to enter the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are encountering stubborn resistance, despite the fact that 38 countries, some … [Read more...] about U.S. Fears Israeli Tourists
Middle East Conflicts
Russia: The Geopolitics of Natural Gas
Russia’s economic weakness lies in its dependency on natural gas, which represents nearly 60 percent of its exports. This dependency, which led Senator John McCain to describe Russia as “a gas station masquerading as a country,” should make economic … [Read more...] about Russia: The Geopolitics of Natural Gas
Hezbollah’s Involvement in the Civil War in Syria
Left: Hezbollah operatives celebrate their victory after the takeover of the city of Yabrud (YouTube, March 16, 2014). Hezbollah regards the takeover of Yabrud as a security and morale-boosting achievement, costing the organization relatively few … [Read more...] about Hezbollah’s Involvement in the Civil War in Syria
Ideology/Incompetence?*
Belatedly in this instance, in our search to solve the mystery of the Obama Administration’s policy formulation process, the highly touted The New Yorker extended interviews by David Remnick are found wanting. A little more Obama, a little less … [Read more...] about Ideology/Incompetence?*
Identity and Loyalty in Islam and the Middle East*
Westerners strive to solve problems. When people appear obstinate, we often indignantly say, "Are you part of the solution, or part of the problem?" This is alien to Middle Eastern and Islamic culture. Middle Easterners cope with problems for which … [Read more...] about Identity and Loyalty in Islam and the Middle East*
Israel-Palestine — Enough Already!*
It must have been a shock to its “right-nick” listeners. But even government-subsidized National Public Radio (NPR) had a commentator last week declaring that the so-called Israel-Palestine “Peace Process” isn’t going anywhere. And, more importantly, … [Read more...] about Israel-Palestine — Enough Already!*
Profile of Shi’ite Foreign Fighters in Syria
The Shi'ite foreign fighters fighting in Syria can be divided into two main groups: one consists of Hezbollah operatives, of whom there are several thousand, sent by the organization to participate in offensive and defensive operations in Syria. The … [Read more...] about Profile of Shi’ite Foreign Fighters in Syria
Yemen: The Never-Ending Battleground
Yesterday's attack that killed at least 20 Yemeni soldiers is the latest Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula's (AQAP) atrocity in the region. It came at a time the country is debating the February 10 Regions Defining Committee's decision to turn Yemen … [Read more...] about Yemen: The Never-Ending Battleground
Obama and Kerry Deny Recognition of Israel as the Jewish State
On March 20, 2013, in Jerusalem, President Obama recognized Israel as the Jewish State. Moreover, he insisted the ”Palestinians must recognize that Israel will be a Jewish state, and that Israelis have the right to insist upon their security.” He … [Read more...] about Obama and Kerry Deny Recognition of Israel as the Jewish State
Shi’a Jihadis in Syria
Left: Group picture of Shi'ite foreign fighters in the Abu al-Fadhel al-Abbas Brigade, a military unit composed mainly of militia operatives from Iraq. In white is Qasim al-Ta'i, a prominent Shi'ite Iraqi cleric who recruits Shi'ite operatives for … [Read more...] about Shi’a Jihadis in Syria