How Saddam Hussein’s Execution Contributed to the Rise of Sectarianism in the Middle East How Saddam Hussein’s Execution Contributed to the Rise of Sectarianism in the Middle East
He was a brutal tyrant, but he remains an important symbol of strength for disillusioned Sunnis throughout the region.
Jan 15, 2016 / Mohamad Bazzi
The Pentagon’s New Base Plan Will Achieve the Exact Opposite of Its Goal The Pentagon’s New Base Plan Will Achieve the Exact Opposite of Its Goal
We’re building bases to prevent terrorism, but local terror groups are recruiting in reaction to our bases.
Jan 14, 2016 / David Vine
Is It Time for the US to Pull Out of Iraq and Syria? Is It Time for the US to Pull Out of Iraq and Syria?
Five years after the Arab Spring began, four experts debate a pressing question that remains unsettled on the left.
Jan 14, 2016 / Jeff Faux, Muhammad Idrees Ahmad, Phyllis Bennis, and Sherle R. Schwenninger
The New US-Russian Cold War Originated in the 1990s The New US-Russian Cold War Originated in the 1990s
Today it threatens to destroy Ukraine, undermine the European Union, and result in nuclear war.
Jan 13, 2016 / Stephen F. Cohen
Ted Cruz’s Poll Numbers Rose After He Proposed Carpet Bombing Ted Cruz’s Poll Numbers Rose After He Proposed Carpet Bombing
How do we explain Americans’ lack of empathy for those on the other end of our bombing campaigns?
Jan 11, 2016 / Rick Shenkman
Israel’s Settler Diplomacy Has Apparently Failed in Brazil Israel’s Settler Diplomacy Has Apparently Failed in Brazil
Brazil’s rejection of settler-advocate Dani Dayan as ambassador sends a strong message to Netanyahu and the Israeli right.
Jan 11, 2016 / Greg Grandin
‘Gifts of Thought to Europe From an Intimate Stranger’ ‘Gifts of Thought to Europe From an Intimate Stranger’
A brilliant exhibit in London uses archival fragments to tell a story of violence and creation.
Jan 7, 2016 / Books & the Arts / Yasmine Seale
World Disorder in the New Year World Disorder in the New Year
Civil, terrorist, and trade wars are now destabilizing the international order, abetted by the US-Russian Cold War.
Jan 6, 2016 / Stephen F. Cohen
Why the Saudi-Iranian Cold War Is Heating Up Why the Saudi-Iranian Cold War Is Heating Up
It’s not a religious struggle—though both sides deploy sectarianism as a recruiting tool.
Jan 6, 2016 / Juan Cole
Why ISIS Is the Minor Leagues of Terror Why ISIS Is the Minor Leagues of Terror
Putting threats into perspective for 2016.
Jan 5, 2016 / Tom Engelhardt