When Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt broke diplomatic relations with Qatar and imposed various sanctions on that minuscule but incredibly wealthy emirate, they presented the Qatari government with thirteen "non-negotiable" demands.The … [Read more...] about US Intervention Lets Qatar Off the Hook*
Sanctions
Obama and Israel: The Final Year*
President Barack Obama will vacate the White House on January 20, 2017, but he is unlikely to do so in the traditional manner. In their eighth and final year of service, American presidents generally behave like “lame ducks.” They don’t initiate new … [Read more...] about Obama and Israel: The Final Year*
The Counter-Terrorist-Financing Farce
Left: The chart on the right shows the intricate money-laundering system the Lebanese Canadian Bank used to divert money to the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, according to United States officials. (The NYT, Dec 13, 2011). And on June 25, 2013, the … [Read more...] about The Counter-Terrorist-Financing Farce
Spotlight on Iran*
Left: On January 31, 2016, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei awarded the ‘Fath’ medal on Commander of the IRGC Navy Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi as well as four others for capturing 2 US Navy patrol boats and 10 US Marines on January 12, … [Read more...] about Spotlight on Iran*
Stupidity is Not a Crime – Funding Terrorism Is
The opaqueness that marks both the Obama administration and Ayatollah Khamenei's regime, makes it difficult to know how many unfrozen billions of dollars are going to the coffers of the Islamic Republic following the lifting of the sanctions. The … [Read more...] about Stupidity is Not a Crime – Funding Terrorism Is
Feeding Iran’s Terrorist Agenda
Left: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif waving [goodbye] to the Peace Dove. (cartoon by Keyvan Varessi, Iranian daily Iranian daily Ghanoon) - The lifting of the sanctions on Iran is significant not only because … [Read more...] about Feeding Iran’s Terrorist Agenda
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
Spotlight on Iran (July 12-26, 2015)*
Left: Iran's supreme religious leader Ayatollah Khamenei tweeted a warning to the U.S. on Saturday, July 25, 2015, with an image of President Obama with a gun to his head. The tweet said: “We welcome no war, not do we initiate any war, but If any war … [Read more...] about Spotlight on Iran (July 12-26, 2015)*
Obama, Khamenei and “The Will of the People”*
Barack Obama has rushed to the United Nations to get the six Security Council resolutions against Iran (2006-2010), four of which contain sanctions provisions, rescinded before Congress reviews the Iran deal. Why? He rushed to the UN because the … [Read more...] about Obama, Khamenei and “The Will of the People”*