During the decades preceding Trump's election, both Israeli and U.S. leaders swore that their greatest wish was to ensure Iran did not obtain nuclear weapons. There was an argument between the two countries about the best way to do this, with U.S. presidents Bush and Obama refusing to use military force; while Israel argued incessantly that the only way to … [Read more...]
Al-Bagdhadi: We Killed the Man, But Not the Movement
Originally, I conceived this post as a critique of Trump's withdrawal from Syria, which is itself part of an overall U.S. 'pivot' away from the Middle East that has gathered momentum over the past decade or more. But yesterday's announcement of the murder of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi offered an even more direct and specific way into the subject. The success of … [Read more...]
Trump Abandons Syria and Kurds to Putin, Erdogan and Assad
NOTE: Middle East Eye just published my account of a disturbing interview with Israeli Internal Security Minister, Gilad Erdan, in which he declares that Israel will topple the current status quo at the Haram al Sharif. Erdan also intimates that Israel plans to rebuild the Temple, thus implying that the holy mosques would be in danger. Since Trump's … [Read more...]
Another Trump Foreign Policy Quid Pro Quo, This One Abandons Kurdish Allies
NOTE: I did a new interview for Real News Network about the near-murder of Palestinian prisoner, Samer al-Arbid, by Shabak torturer, "Nurit." Please give it a listen and promote it on your social media accounts. For Pres. Trump...embroiled in an impeachment crisis at home, he has searched desperately for a foreign policy triumph to divert the public's … [Read more...]
