After the Holy Land: What Obama Should do Now

by Robert E. Hunter President Barack Obama spent three days in the Near East, a whirlwind visit like a genie from the Arabian Nights, kicking up dust and making his presence felt. But what did he achieve? Two substantive matters… Continue Reading

Obama Boosts Syria Support as Congress Pushes Military Intervention

by Samer Araabi via IPS News  As the Syrian uprising enters its third year, the United States and its allies are preparing to materially increase their support of the armed opposition in Syria. Secretary of State John Kerry pledged an… Continue Reading

Iraq in the Rearview Mirror

by James A. Russell As the country makes a half-hearted attempt to sort through the wreckage of its experience in Iraq 10 years later, the country would do well to remind itself of a few central and searing uncomfortable truths.… Continue Reading

Clanging Symbols: Obama’s 50 Hours in Israel

by Marsha B. Cohen US President Barack Obama has arrived in Israel. Greeted by Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu (who wore a blue tie that almost exactly matched Obama’s), the US president was quickly ushered to… Continue Reading

Afghanistan Faces “Massive Economic Constriction” after U.S. Withdrawal

by Richard Sale via IPS News Next year’s drawdown of U.S. forces and decline in U.S. aid will leave in its wake an Afghan political system lacking legitimacy and stability, according to interviews with Afghanistan experts, news reports and congressional… Continue Reading