In the Arab-Islamic Political Culture rumors are an integral part of social activity that quickly become absolute truth that cannot be challenged. It has to do with exaggerations, flights of fancy and especially, in a society that believes in … [Read more...] about “Arab Spring” Delusions
Middle East Conflicts
Egypt, Qaradawi & Qatar’s Balancing Act
Egypt's Al-Ahram reported on 13 December that Al-Azhar's Supreme Clerical Committee, the paramount advisory body of one of Islam's most influential religious and academic institutions, had just voted to accept the resignation of the noted Muslim … [Read more...] about Egypt, Qaradawi & Qatar’s Balancing Act
Inviting Iranian Meddling in Syria
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif announced that Iran has apriori accepted the anticipated U.N. invitation to participate in talks on "peaceful political transition" in Syria. His announcement would surely encourage the Obama … [Read more...] about Inviting Iranian Meddling in Syria
The Obama Administration Dissolves Further: Now Into Mysteries
With its attempt to tame the Tehran mullahs, the Obama Administration now adds mystery to its already established credentials for obfuscation and incompetence. * Obfuscation. Pres. Barrack Ohama’s special friend and adviser, Iranian-born Valerie … [Read more...] about The Obama Administration Dissolves Further: Now Into Mysteries
The Sunni-Shia Rapprochement: What Went Wrong?
On November 20, 2013, news from Pakistan was replete with articles deploring the recent explosions of Sunni-Shia "sectarian violence." Incidents were reported in Rawalpindi and Multan, two heavily populated provinces, and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the … [Read more...] about The Sunni-Shia Rapprochement: What Went Wrong?
Egypt’s Turn to Russia
In one of my encounters with the Soviet military attaché in Paris in the late 1980s, I was asked how many staff members were assigned to me at the Israeli Embassy. I answered that I was the only officer and was assisted by two secretaries. I asked my … [Read more...] about Egypt’s Turn to Russia
Al Qaeda Luring Jihadis to Syria
The U.K.'s domestic intelligence service, MI5, is worried about the Britons who join al Qaeda's jihad in Syria. In a recent in aparliamentary hearing, Andrew Parker who heads MI5 said that the danger is that al Qaeda will task the British citizens … [Read more...] about Al Qaeda Luring Jihadis to Syria
Syria Becoming More Dangerous Every Day
The ballyhooed US-Russian accord on chemical weapons in Syria is coming a cropper. * The deadline, November 15, was not met since there is no country willing to accept and destroy the toxic stockpile; even Albania rejected Washington's request to do … [Read more...] about Syria Becoming More Dangerous Every Day
Arms Control Under Obamacare Rules?
Secretary of State John Kerry's assertions on aspects of the Geneva negotiations with Iran seem to echo the President's false claims and promises that accommodated the 2010 passage and subsequent execution of Obamacare. Moreover, his unfulfilled … [Read more...] about Arms Control Under Obamacare Rules?
The Iran Fiasco
The speed at which the Obama administration is flipping its position on Iran's nuclear program is dizzying. Until Sunday, it said it would not give up sanctions without real concessions that will end Iran's bomb-making program. However, for almost … [Read more...] about The Iran Fiasco