Syrian President Bashir al-Assad declared normal relations with Israel as a distinct possibility in the future and not a pie-in-the-sky dream. He even confirmed his willingness to work with any Israeli government, regardless of its composition. However, he indicated that Israel must first resolve its dispute with the Palestinians and come to a coherent and […]
The independent Egyptian newspaper Al-Dustor is reporting that Egyptian supermarket Al-Kubri has been selling, accidentally of course, boxes of sweets with Stars of David and Menorahs printed on them for Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi (The Birth of the Prophet), which is today. The supermarket claims it has no idea where the boxes came from (by the way, […]
In an effort to improve the relationship between Fatah and Hamas through the pursuit of reconcilliation talks, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad resigned yesterday, effective at the end of the month. Hamas demanded his resignation due to his pro-U.S. stances opposed by the radical Islamic group. President Mahmud Abbas, however, requested that Fayyad continue fulfilling […]
in the March/April Foreign Affairs, by Bernard Lewis. The title is “Free at Last?” (You’ll have to pay/go to the library to read it … I’m sorry). Since it’s Bernard Lewis, a desire to avoid that awkward moment at a cocktail party with other politics nerds where this article is referenced and you look blank […]
With coalition talks continuing and Kadima likely to lead the opposition, right-wing hardliner Avigdor Lieberman seeks the foreign minister post to add his party, Yisrael Bieteinu, to the Likud-led government. In demanding the post, Lieberman requested ‘full autonomy’ to prevent portions of his portfolio to fall under the jurisdiction of another cabinet position. Aside from […]
The recently concluded trip of Secretary of state Hillary Clinton to the Middle East solidified U.S. positions on the peace process while leaving extensive questions regarding the Administration’s posture towards Israel and the Palestinians. During comments with a variety of Israeli officials, Clinton emphasized the “shared values” of the two nations and their common interests. […]
Dr. Ofra Bengio outlines the historical ties between Israel and Turkey along with recent clashes between the two governments. Even though the recent tifts may tense relations in the short term, the two countries share a common bond and mutual need that ensures strong ties well into the future, although repairing the recent disagreements may take […]
With Iran continuously threatening Israel, including statements claiming its missiles can reach the Dimona nuclear facility, Israel may be increasing preparations for a unilateral strike. Meanwhile the Obama administration continues diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, including discussions with Russia to prevent their technical and material assistance to Iran. Following his […]
via the New York Times. This article reminds me of a short film I saw at LUNAFEST this week on women’s wrestling in the United States called “Grappling Girls“. Both stories feature bits on the winning over of athlete’s fathers: At the Kartalspor-Gazi Universitesispor game, a motley mix of curious men and boys gathered in […]
Gaza reconstruction conference attendees heralded the need for opening border crossings and an end to any aggression on the Strip. Moreover, attendees called for immediate Palestinian reconcilliation between Fatah and Hamas, although the two groups did not reach any conlcusive agreements following a conference last week in Cairo attempting to bring them together. After leaving […]
Mokhtar Ghambou, professor of English at Yale, expounds on the virtues of Sufism in fostering moderate and modern versions of Islam in Morocco.
Popular from Press
