Bibi Netanyahu has proven himself masterful at drowning every U.S. effort at brokering Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in minutiae. Then, when he can't manipulate matters any further and has derived maximum benefit for Israel's negotiating position, as he did during John Kerry's shuttle diplomacy, he simply says No and walks away. With the incoming Trump … [Read more...]
Iran Terror Attack: Who Gains?
In the past, I had a well-informed Israeli source who confirmed Israeli participation in assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists and explosions at missile bases. Unfortunately, this source passed away some time ago. So what I write here will be based on informed speculation and circumstantial evidence. Who gains from the rather spectacular … [Read more...]
All’s Not Well in Sunnistan
Over the past few days, a bizarre set of threats and intrigue has beset the Sunni world. Last month, the Qatari national news agency released a statement from the Emir which predicted the demise of the Trump Presidency and expressed support for Iran, a Sunni rival. Just after the article appeared it was renounced by the Qatari government, which claimed … [Read more...]
Trump as Kaaba
H/t to Shibley Telhami for this wonderful summary of the idol worship that pervaded Saudi Arabia during Trump's recent foray into the heart of darkness there. Here he's worshipped as the Kaaba, a substitute for Islam's holiest site located in Mecca. This is the ground where millions of Muslims congregate during hajj to attest to their faith. Except in … [Read more...]