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
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Needed: “Leadership Out of the Swamp”
"The long march through the institutions" halts -- temporarily? - by Sol W. Sanders* In 1967 Rudi Dutschke, a flamboyant leader of post-World War II European student radicals looking back on two centuries of failed revolutions, had an epiphany: … [Read more...] about Needed: “Leadership Out of the Swamp”
Al Rajhi Bank Links to al Qaeda in Syria
A bankcard and a credit card issued by the Saudi Al Rajhi bank, as well as other possessions of an al-Qaeda operative who was killed in Syria last week, were shown on the Syrian official TV station and posted on YouTube* on December 12, 2013. This … [Read more...] about Al Rajhi Bank Links to al Qaeda in Syria
Iran – The Whitewash
Washington's efforts to whitewash Iran's terrorist credentials are picking up speed. One way to do it is to expose our traditional Middle East allies for crimes we didn't bother with until now. Last week, a bi-partisan resolution was introduced in … [Read more...] about Iran – The Whitewash
In the Cyber Domain, the Best Defense is Defense
"Very few decision-makers understand this field in depth.... While it is clear to most in the senior political echelon and the military top ranks what the S-300 or Kalashnikov is, they have no clue about Zeus or Conficker." (Highly infectious … [Read more...] about In the Cyber Domain, the Best Defense is Defense
Japan’s Unseen Revolution
In a world of moldering journalism, nothing quite equals the inadequacies of Japan reporting. Despite this short shrift, Japan remains the United States' most important relationship in Asia -- especially as China is increasingly seen as an adversary … [Read more...] about Japan’s Unseen Revolution
Where Are Today’s Maccabees?
On this, the final day of Chanukah, as Jews worldwide complete their celebration of the Maccabee victory that liberated their Temple over two millennia ago, all Americans should remember our common love of liberty, the heritage that has set the West … [Read more...] about Where Are Today’s Maccabees?
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
A Press Shield Law’s Strange Bedfellows
Luckily, previous 'Free Flow of Information' bills went nowhere. But a new one is picking up steam. Why? Anyone looking for proof that bad policy begets more bad policy need look no further than the all-too-aptly-named Free Flow of Information Act … [Read more...] about A Press Shield Law’s Strange Bedfellows
Ghosts of East Asia
There is an eerie feeling of déjà vu about the drama in the East China Sea just now. Again an authoritarian government with a rapidly expanding politicized military is making more and more aggressive noises, in large part in pursuit of its voracious … [Read more...] about Ghosts of East Asia