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
Why Is Yemen So Violent? Because It Is So Poor and Thirsty Why Is Yemen So Violent? Because It Is So Poor and Thirsty
Poverty doesn’t cause terrorism, but poor countries face special problems in dealing with it.
Dec 8, 2014 / Juan Cole
After Acquittal, Egypt’s New Left Vows Mock Trial of Mubarak After Acquittal, Egypt’s New Left Vows Mock Trial of Mubarak
The verdict galvanized left and liberal parties, which have been quiescent during the past year’s intense repression.
Dec 2, 2014 / Juan Cole
The Arab Millennials Will Be Back The Arab Millennials Will Be Back
We haven’t heard the last of the generation that made revolution in Egypt and across the Middle East.
Jun 30, 2014 / Juan Cole
Washington’s Iran Policy and Global Disaster Washington’s Iran Policy and Global Disaster
What history should teach us about blockading Iran.
Apr 12, 2012 / Juan Cole