(By Farhang Jahanpour) Despite strong opposition by the White House and the States Department and despite the pleadings of some of the most prominent bipartisan US foreign policy luminaries who have warned that additional sanctions would jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts, many US senators are pushing forward with a new resolution that is supported by the […]
Archives for January 2014
Pakistani Boy who Tackled, Thwarted School Bomber Honored
(By AFP) Pakistan honours teenage bomb hero with bravery award (via AFP) A Pakistani teenager who sacrificed his life to stop a suicide bomber, saving the lives of hundreds of students, has been honoured with the country’s highest award for bravery. Aitzaz Hassan, 15, a student in Hangu district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province… ——– […]
Omar Khayyam (497): “You’re beast and demon, angel, human being”
You who distill within you the whole world, attend to this voice from the realm beyond: You’re beast, and demon, angel, human being; whatever you show forth, you are that thing. Translated by Juan Cole from Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, [pdf] Whinfield 497
Israel’s indomitable protector, Ariel Sharon emblemized military audacity, evolving politics
Ben-Gurion called him the ‘greatest field commander’; later, the country entrusted him with its security, knowing the consequences could be unpredictable
Ariel Sharon’s Legacy for Israel and the Middle East
(By Yoav Peled) Ariel Sharon, who died on Saturday, had been known as a brilliant tactician and lousy strategist. But when he took office as Israel’s Prime Minister, in February 2001, he had a clear strategic vision for the country, which he pursued doggedly and successfully. Sharon’s vision consisted of two elements, both having to […]
‘Hezbollah missiles can now hit anywhere in Israel’
Revolutionary Guards commander warns the Shi’ite organization’s new might will come to light should war break out
Iran: Israeli PM Netanyahu’s Allies in US Senate Seek Vote to Scuttle President Obama’s Talks
(By AFP) White House won’t predict Iran sanctions vote (via AFP) The White House declined Friday to renew its previous prediction that a Senate bill slapping new sanctions on Iran, which it fears could scupper nuclear talks, would not pass the Senate. President Barack Obama’s spokesman Jay Carney did deliver a new… —– Related […]
Tunisia’s Political Compromise & the Legacy of Mohammed Bouazizi
(By Silvia Colombo) The agreement on the new prime minister that will have the arduous task of lifting Tunisia out of the current impasse came almost exactly three years after the symbolic and at the same time concrete gesture of Mohammed Bouazizi, the street vendor who set himself on fire and by doing so ignited […]
Fallujah Tribes broker extremist withdrawal deal to forestall Gov’t invasion
(By Mustafa Habib) A secret deal was done between the tribes of Anbar and Sunni Muslim extremists this week – the result has seen extremists withdraw from Fallujah. But questions remain: Will PM Nouri al-Maliki still react with military force? How did Al Qaeda manage to take over a city like Fallujah in just two […]