Islamic Countries

Posted on Sat, May 7, 2011 at 11:41 am CEST

Will the Arab Uprisings Result in the Emergence of a Sunni Bloc Dominated by Turkey?

Against the background of the fall of the autocratic regimes in Tunisia and Egypt, the massive demonstrations in Yemen, Syria and Bahrain… Continue reading

Posted on Fri, May 6, 2011 at 22:47 pm CEST

Syria: Why Are Western Governments Protecting Their Worst Enemy…While Trashing Their Friends

Here’s an unavoidable question: Why is it that when a relatively moderate Middle East state is threatened by demonstrations… Continue reading

Posted on Fri, May 6, 2011 at 16:46 pm CEST

The AKP’s Election Manifesto: The Silences That Ring Alarm Bells

In late April 2011, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) announced their manifestos… Continue reading

Posted on Fri, May 6, 2011 at 00:47 am CEST

Bin Laden’s Posthumous Fans

As so often happens, a peripheral issue has taken over the Western debate regarding the killing of Usama bin Laden… Continue reading

Posted on Thu, May 5, 2011 at 01:52 am CEST

Progress? Now Even Egypt’s Religious Establishment Hates America

This is the kind of serious development that everyone better pay close attention to if they want to understand what’s going on in the Middle East… Continue reading

Posted on Wed, May 4, 2011 at 19:49 pm CEST

Turkey Should Block Gaza Aid Convoy to Avert New Crisis

Who is to blame for the Mavi Marmara incident, May 31, 2010? The Turkish government immediately… Continue reading

Posted on Tue, May 3, 2011 at 00:30 am CEST

Is there a link between Bin Laden’s killing and the Arab Revolt?

The photos released of the fortified villa in Abbottabad, Pakistan, where Osama bin Laden died on Sunday night, show a… Continue reading

Posted on Mon, May 2, 2011 at 23:34 pm CEST

Does Money really drive Turkey’s stance toward Arab Revolts?

A narrative has emerged to explain the varied responses of the Turkish government, led by the Justice and Development Party, or… Continue reading

Posted on Mon, May 2, 2011 at 23:07 pm CEST

Osama bin Laden’s Last Haven was a Pakistani Military Town

US military and intelligence sources disclose that Abbottabad, where al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was shot dead Sunday night… Continue reading

Posted on Mon, May 2, 2011 at 20:14 pm CEST

Osama Bin Laden Is Dead And His Cause Goes Marching On

Usama bin Laden is dead. But revolutionary Islamism is very much alive and stronger than ever. Thinking that bin Laden is the main problem… Continue reading

Posted on Mon, May 2, 2011 at 17:04 pm CEST

WikiLeaks: UN Nuclear Chief Promises to Take a Low-Profile Role on Iran

Yukiya Amano thanks the US for its support in getting him elected, and promises that under his leadership, the… Continue reading

Posted on Mon, May 2, 2011 at 10:57 am CEST

Osama bin Laden Killed by U.S. Forces in Pakistan

Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, has been killed. Bin Laden was located at… Continue reading

Posted on Sun, May 1, 2011 at 23:45 pm CEST

Iran: Reservations over Reinstatement of Iran-Egypt Relations in the Midst of Reports on Rapprochement

Iran’s foreign minister Ali-Akbar Salehi once again announced this week that Iran is interested in improving its relations with Egypt… Continue reading

Posted on Sun, May 1, 2011 at 23:14 pm CEST

Muslim Brotherhood Makes Bid for Power

Remember when we were told that the Muslim Brotherhood was moderate and weak? Why it was so benign that the Brotherhood… Continue reading

Posted on Sun, May 1, 2011 at 21:49 pm CEST

Iran: Official Media Increasingly Criticized for Ignoring Syria Riots

Despite the escalation of Syria’s political crisis, most media affiliated with Iran’s conservative camp, mainly official media, have continued to… Continue reading

Posted on Sun, May 1, 2011 at 20:47 pm CEST

Egypt: Pillar of Fire and Political Plagues Are Bad Signs

Gas flames shooting 65 feet high signal the birth of a new Middle East. That pillar of fire, unlike the Biblical one, indicates that Egyptians… Continue reading

Posted on Sun, May 1, 2011 at 15:26 pm CEST

WikiLeaks: New IAEA Chief Agrees With U.S. On “Every Key Strategic Decision”

The incoming head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) assures the U.S. that he agrees with the U.S. on… Continue reading

Posted on Sat, April 30, 2011 at 23:57 pm CEST

Obama Administration: Eager to Save Syria’s Anti-American Dictator

Before I remark on the idiotic analysis of the day, I have to write a disclaimer. Up to now I usually don’t remark on… Continue reading

Posted on Sat, April 30, 2011 at 23:42 pm CEST

Syria Not A Partner For Peace? So What’s New?

The Obama administration no longer considers Syria a potential peace partner for Israel because of its repression against… Continue reading

Posted on Sat, April 30, 2011 at 21:06 pm CEST

WikiLeaks: Cables Portray Hamid Karzai as Weak and Corrupt

Diplomats describe Afghan president as weak, indecisive, paranoid and beholden to criminals to maintain power… Continue reading

Posted on Fri, April 29, 2011 at 23:17 pm CEST

U.S. Government, Media Completely Wrong on Egypt, Now Advise on Peace Process

One of my readers points out that last February I mockingly quoted the New York Times’ assurances that everything would be all right… Continue reading

Posted on Wed, April 27, 2011 at 23:29 pm CEST

Ansar-e Hezbollah: Recruiting Volunteers for Suicide Missions in Bahrain

From recruitment of suicide bombers to increased online presence: Iran’s radical right-wing government supporters step up activities… Continue reading