Arab World

Update: Israeli forces had already hijacked the lead vessel in the four-ship convoy by early morning on Monday ET. BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli naval forces are preparing to intercept the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla III which is expected to arrive in Gaza on Monday, Israeli media reported Sunday. The Hebrew-language news source nrg.co.il reported that Israel’s […]

Climate Change

Think California’s Drought Is Bad? Try Palestine’s.

contributors

By Laith Shakir | (Foreign Policy in Focus) | – – While Israelis water their lawns and swim in Olympic-sized pools, Palestinians a few kilometers away are literally dying of thirst. California is in the midst of one of the worst droughts in the state’s history, prompting Governor Jerry Brown to declare a water “state […]

Culture

New TV Show About Cairo’s Jewish Community draws Fans, Critics

contributors

Aj+ | (Video Report) | – – ““The Jewish Quarter” – a new series about Cairo’s once-thriving Jewish community – is angering both Egyptians and the Israeli Embassy in Egypt.” AJ+: “New Show About Cairo’s Jewish Community Angers Many”

Featured

Lone Wolves and Soft Targets: Or how our Press, Politicians are being Played by ISIL

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | – – I saw a lot of headlines on Friday trying to link violent attacks by radical Muslims in France, Tunisia and Kuwait, but I just don’t think there is a connection. Even the concerted attempt to find a pattern here is probably misguided. Worse, it plays into […]

BDS Occupied Territories

Why Boycotting Israel will Backfire, just as Netanyahu’s Blockade of Gaza Has

contributors

By Guy Laron | (Informed Comment) | – – Many people who support a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict believe that the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement has a good argument. With the recent elections in Israel renewing Binyamin Netanyahu’s mandate to pursue hardline policies vis-à-vis the Palestinians and the lack of will […]

Islamic State of Iraq and Syria

As Kobane comes under ISIL attack, Kurds Encircle, cut off “caliphate”

contributors

By Amy Austin Holmes | (Informed Comment) | – – (Kobane, Syria) The liberation of Kobane in late January led to jubilant celebrations almost everywhere. It was both a turning point in the war against Islamic State militants and the beginning of an emancipatory grassroots democratic experiment known as the Rojava Revolution. Now, IS militants […]

censorship

Journalists Pay the Price in Egypt’s Crackdown on Dissent

contributors

By Kitty Stapp | – – NEW YORK (IPS) – The Egyptian government is holding a record number of journalists in jail, a press freedom group said Thursday, despite promises to improve media freedoms in the country. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry meets then Egyptian Minister of Defence General Abdul Fatah Khalil al-Sisi in […]

Iraq

Will Iraq Be Libya? Can the Shiite Militiamen Avoid Turning on Each Other?

contributors

Mustafa Habib | Baghdad | (Niqash.org) – – Iraq’s Shiite militias have been celebrated and criticised. Now, as differences in everything from weapons to leadership to loyalties become evident, tensions between the militias are rising. Last Saturday was the anniversary of senior Iraqi spiritual leader, Ali al-Sistani’s call to arms. The cleric, who is seen […]

Apartheid

Palestinian Member of Israeli Parliament will join Gaza Aid Flotilla, Risks loss of Immunity

contributors

Ma’an News Agency | – – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Arab MK [Member of Knesset or Parliament] Basel Ghattas said this week that threats by fellow Israeli lawmakers to remove his parliamentary immunity will not affect his decision to take part in the Freedom Flotilla III. The Israeli Knesset Committee reportedly voted in favor Tuesday of […]