In The News

Exit Without a Strategy

Sami Ramadani February 24, 2006
After the destruction of Samarra’s sacred al-Askari mosque, media outlets speculated about imminent civil war between Sunni and Shia in Iraq. Since the early days of the American occupation, much ink has been spilt on the supposedly ancient “communal” divisions of Iraq’s population. Sami Ramadani, a political exile during Saddam’s regime, begs to differ. He argues that fair analysis of Iraqis’...

Don’t Punish the Palestinians

Jimmy Carter February 23, 2006
Former US President Jimmy Carter analyzes the new Palestinian government under Hamas and finds that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas retains certain key powers. Abbas can appoint a prime minister who recognizes Israel and endorses the “road map.” As the leader of the PLO, Abbas can also continue to pursue peace talks with Israel as he has done throughout 2005. Despite their high numbers of...

Iran Plays Growing Role in Iraq, Complicating Bush’s Strategy

Jay Solomon February 16, 2006
When the Bush administration pressed for war in Iraq, the ideal scenario for reconstruction did not include significant influence from Iran. Iran’s influence is strongest on Iraq’s political arena, but extends to other realms of Iraqi life as well. While the ruling Shiite-dominated coalition has nominated a prime minister with strong links to Tehran, Iranian businessmen are principal investors...

Enlightened Independence

Arundhati Ghose February 15, 2006
On February 4, 27 out of 35 governing members of the IAEA expressed discontent over Iran’s emerging nuclear program. Rather than immediately referring Iran to the UN Security Council, however, the members passed a resolution that the author calls a “reporting procedure.” The work to contain Iran will be continued under the auspices of the IAEA, with no call for direct action from the Security...

Let's admit to a growing Islamist problem

Michael Young February 13, 2006
Governments often blame riots and violence – such as those that erupted throughout the Middle East after a Danish newspaper published cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed – on a few infiltrators from outside the country. Expressing helplessness, authorities suggest that small radical groups can quickly disrupt diverse communities who would otherwise live together in relative stability. In Lebanon,...

Boom Town

Adam Nicolson February 13, 2006
The future of the modern world is being raised, literally, from the sandy depths of the waters surrounding the city of Dubai. A developer’s paradise, this fastest-growing city in the world is open to all with a checkbook and an imagination. Dubai, centered between the rising powers of the East and the traditional powers of the West, is man-made, from its sky-high towers and luxury ski resorts in...

Saudi Prince Slams Iran’s Nuclear Program

February 10, 2006
The Saudi Arabian ambassador to the US, Prince Turki Faisal, denounced Iran’s nuclear program, but also criticized US policies on nuclear weaponry as inconsistent. Although he agreed that Iran’s uranium enrichment program is heightening tension throughout the Middle East, he noted that Iranian citizens support their government’s efforts in part because the US operates from a double standard...