Francis Matthew

Iran-US Relations Thaw, Politics Continues

Iran-US Relations Thaw, Politics Continues

Iran and the US have growing technical agreement over the nuclear dispute, which will only become useful if the political leaders on both sides want to make a deal.

FRANCIS MATTHEW: A technical agreement over the nuclear dispute will only be useful if leaders on both sides want to make a deal.

 David Roberts

The Linguistic Composition Of Iran

The Linguistic Composition Of Iran

The only thing better than a nice map is a particularly informative nice map, like this one on Arab dialects or the one above….

 Juan Cole

The Problem With ‘Argo’: An Orientalist Viewpoint

The Problem With ‘Argo’: An Orientalist Viewpoint

JUAN COLE: The Iranian ‘baddies’ come from a very old school of stock Middle Eastern characters. Wouldn’t it have been a good idea to show why they were angry?

 David Roberts

Qatari Silence Feeds ‘Wilder’ Foreign Policy Theories

Qatari Silence Feeds ‘Wilder’ Foreign Policy Theories

DAVID ROBERTS: Qatar’s involvement in Mali is subject to some colourful speculation. It’s a familiar feeling for the peninsula state.

 Juan Cole

Obama’s Speech: Is Era of ‘Perpetual War’ Closing?

Obama’s Speech: Is Era of ‘Perpetual War’ Closing?

JUAN COLE: President Obama’s inauguration speech is sure to trigger panic among the ‘we must have war’ crowd. But does he really mean it?

 Richard Silverstein

Ex-Shin Bet Directors ‘Stick It’ To Netanyahu in Movie

Ex-Shin Bet Directors ‘Stick It’ To Netanyahu in Movie

RICHARD SILVERSTEIN: When in office they’re ramrod straight security hawks but once they leave they suddenly become ‘seers’. But the criticism is unusual in its vehemence

 Mondoweiss

He’s Obama’s Man But Will AIPAC Take On Hagel?

He’s Obama’s Man But Will AIPAC Take On Hagel?

PHILIP WEISS: The widely floated possibility of Chuck Hagel’s nomination as Defence Secretary looks a reality. Who will fight against it?

 Juan Cole

Israel’s ‘Journey to the Right’ Is Set To Continue

Israel’s ‘Journey to the Right’ Is Set To Continue

KIRK BEATTIE, INFORMED COMMENT: The ultimate Middle East nightmare – a small group of religious extremists in charge of nuclear weapons could happen soon – in Israel.

 Juan Cole

2012: Top 10 Developments in the Middle East

2012: Top 10 Developments in the Middle East

JUAN COLE: It’s been another extraordinary year across the Middle East. Here is my take on the most significant changes this year

 Steve Royston

The People and Events That Mattered in 2012: My Choice

The People and Events That Mattered in 2012: My Choice

STEVE ROYSTON: It’s by no means scientific or representative but here are the people and special moments that resonated with me this year

 Juan Cole

Morsi’s Victory: But At What Cost to Egypt’s Future?

Morsi’s Victory: But At What Cost to Egypt’s Future?

JUAN COLE: A deeply polarized country must face the reality that Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood cadre have scored an overwhelming victory.

 Steve Royston

2012: A Very Tough Year in the Middle East

STEVE ROYSTON: If you look around the Middle East today you’d have to say the region is at its most unstable in the last thirty years.

 Mondoweiss

If Hagel Is Obama’s Choice ‘Let Battle Commence’

If Hagel Is Obama’s Choice ‘Let Battle Commence’

MONDOWEISS: Whispers from Washington suggest that President Obama is set to nominate Chuck Hagel as Defense Minster. There will be sparks

 Mondoweiss

This Silence on Zionism is ‘Deafening and Damaging’

This Silence on Zionism is ‘Deafening and Damaging’

PHILIP WEISS, MONDOWEISS: If you want to understand what’s happening in Palestine/Israel it’s essential to understand Zionism. Where is it mentioned though?

 Common Ground News Service

Children’s Books ‘A Powerful Way’ to Explain Islam

Children’s Books ‘A Powerful Way’ to Explain Islam

HENA KHAN, CGNEWS: As an author of children’s books that seek to explain some of the key precepts of Islam I’ve found they make a profound impact

 Juan Cole

The Ten ‘To Dos’ That Will Guarantee Gaza Ceasefire

The Ten ‘To Dos’ That Will Guarantee Gaza Ceasefire

JUAN COLE: Achieving a ceasefire is significant but if it’s to remain in place all parties must use the gap in hostilities to secure real progress.

 Jonathan Cook

The Interview That Spoke Volumes About Gaza Attack

The Interview That Spoke Volumes About Gaza Attack

JONATHAN COOK: CNN was determined to follow the script of ‘equivelance’ when broadcasting an interview with a Gazan and an Israeli. Events took over, though.

 Francis Matthew

Obama set to Disappoint Friends Around the World

Obama set to Disappoint Friends Around the World

FRANCIS MATTHEW:Obama failed to deliver this vision in his first term, and sadly, it is unlikely that he will use his second term to re-find his sense of purpose in the world.

 David Roberts

Clear Motive: What’s Qatar Really Up To In France?

Clear Motive: What’s Qatar Really Up To In France?

DAVID ROBERTS: Qatar’s plan to invest a large sum of money into one of Paris’s poorest areas has led to attacks from left and right. So what’s happening?

 James M. Dorsey

Arab World Puts Palestine on Backburner: Not for Long

Arab World Puts Palestine on Backburner: Not for Long

JAMES M. DORSEY: Many Arab countries are now preoccupied with their own internal issues which has seen Palestine slip down the agenda.

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