Can the Arab World Live With the US-Iran Nuclear Deal? Can the Arab World Live With the US-Iran Nuclear Deal?
Yes, despite claims to the contrary by pols and pundits.
Apr 9, 2015 / Juan Cole
Is Iran Conquering the Middle East? Is Iran Conquering the Middle East?
That paranoid claim, trumpeted by Netanyahu and many Arab leaders, ignores the grassroots nature of regional movements.
Mar 30, 2015 / Juan Cole
What’s Really Behind the Saudi Attack on Yemen What’s Really Behind the Saudi Attack on Yemen
The monarchy’s motivations are not primarily sectarian.
Mar 27, 2015 / Juan Cole
The True Purpose of Netanyahu’s Trip to Washington The True Purpose of Netanyahu’s Trip to Washington
Hint: it’s not to pressure the US into striking a better deal with Iran.
Mar 3, 2015 / Juan Cole
How ‘Islamic’ Is the Islamic State? How ‘Islamic’ Is the Islamic State?
Those who claim that this destructive cult’s ideology reflects some essential aspect of Islam are obscuring its origins—in George W. Bush’s illegal war that destroyed Iraq and fome...
Feb 24, 2015 / Juan Cole
Was the Saudi Government Complicit in the 9/11 Attacks? Was the Saudi Government Complicit in the 9/11 Attacks?
No—Zacarias Moussaoui’s spectacular claims are nonsense. But both the Saudi and US governments did create the monster that became Al Qaeda.
Feb 6, 2015 / Juan Cole
After Abdullah: Can Saudi Arabia Reform Before It Is Too Late? After Abdullah: Can Saudi Arabia Reform Before It Is Too Late?
The new Saudi king faces a legacy of unrelieved authoritarianism, corruption, and regional, class and sectarian discontents, the result of the tepid and incomplete reforms of his p...
Jan 27, 2015 / Juan Cole
What’s the Real Reason Al Qaeda Attacked ‘Charlie Hebdo’? What’s the Real Reason Al Qaeda Attacked ‘Charlie Hebdo’?
The attack in Paris was all about polarizing the French and European public.
Jan 8, 2015 / Juan Cole
How Unstable Is the Saudi Petro-Kingdom? How Unstable Is the Saudi Petro-Kingdom?
From plummeting petroleum prices to political unrest, it has been decades since the fortunes of the kingdom were so much in doubt.
Jan 7, 2015 / Juan Cole
After Cuba, Obama Can Make History by Recognizing Palestine After Cuba, Obama Can Make History by Recognizing Palestine
Now that President Obama has broken the taboo on recognizing Cuba, he should send a US ambassador to Palestine as a prerequisite for a comprehensive peace treaty.
Dec 23, 2014 / Juan Cole