Middle East

By Joseph Chamie UNITED NATIONS (IPS) – The large majority of countries, and most of the people in the world, already recognise Palestine as an independent state. Among the member states of the United Nations, for example, 135 countries – representing about 82 percent of world population – officially recognise Palestine as an independent state […]

Apartheid

After Israel elected 78 MPs opposed to 2 States, what can Palestinians Do?

contributors

By Alaa Tartir | (Ma’an News Agency) – With Benjamin Netanyahu’s victory, the Israeli electorate made it very clear that they don’t seek a just peace or equality. They voted in 78 Knesset members opposed to the two-state solution, a clear majority, endorsing further colonial expansion in the occupied Palestinian territories and a culture of […]

Houthi

Yemeni Refugees flee to Saudi Arabia as Aden is invaded & Sanaa bombarded

contributors

Reuters | – “Houthi forces fought battles street by street with local militia in Aden as aid workers say the city faces a humanitarian catastrophe. Mana Rabiee reports.” Reuters: “Yemen’s Houthis battle over central Aden, first medical aid arrives”

Barack Obama

Lausanne: Is there really much Disagreement between US, Iran on those Talking Points?

contributors

By Golnaz Esfandiari | (RFE/RL) – There are two sides to every story. When it comes to the framework nuclear deal reached this month between world powers and Iran, there is the account provided by the United States, and there is the Iranian account. Sanctions Relief They differ slightly, including on the timing of the […]

Displaced and Refugees

Iraq: Tikrit Civilians caught between Shiite Militias, ISIL Terrorism

contributors

VICE News | — “Days before the US launched airstrikes on Tikrit in late March, VICE News traveled to the front lines of the northern Iraqi city, where Iraqi government forces and volunteer militiamen are continuing to battle the so-called Islamic State militant group. The presence of the volunteer militiamen Hashd al Shaabi, also known […]

Bashar al-Assad

Situation in Besieged Yarmouk Camp ‘One of the Most Severe Ever’

contributors

By Josh Butler | UNITED NATIONS (IPS) – The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees has described the situation inside the Syrian refugee camp of Yarmouk, under attack by Islamic State (IS) militants, as “one of the most severe ever” for the already spartan camp. Fighters allegedly from the IS, and al-Qaeda […]

Apartheid

Palestinian Lives in Gaza at Risk if Israeli Blockade Continues: Ministry of Health

contributors

GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — As millions around the world mark April 7th as World Health Day, the health situation in Gaza continues to worsen as the joint Israeli-Egyptian siege of Gaza continues in its eight year. Gaza Strip Ministry of Health spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra told Ma’an that there are hundreds of patients in the besieged […]

Houthi

4 Key Players In Yemen’s Chaos

contributors

AJ+ | – “Yemen’s being torn apart in a struggle for power. The stakes are high, with many different groups involved in the current chaos. We’ve narrowed down the key players you should know about.” AJ+: “4 Key Players In Yemen’s Chaos”

Featured

Netanyahu slips, Reveals reason for Opposition to Iran Deal

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) – US television news isn’t very good and it has clearly gotten worse over the past 20 years. In the aftermath of the Kerry-Zarif initial framework deal on nuclear energy in Iran, it seems obvious that an interview with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif would be newsworthy. But […]