The self-fulfilling prophecy of the Sunni v Shia myth
Like in Syria and Iraq, the conflict in Yemen is not sectarian. But political profiteers and jihadists are turning it into a self-fulfilling prophecy.
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Netanyahu and the Middle East: The risky business of “business as usual”
Netanyahu’s re-election promises “business as usual”. But this is an extremely risky venture on the Iranian-Israeli and Israeli-Palestinian fronts.
Read moreSpring of hope amid winter of despair
For Palestinians in Israel, the recent race for the Knesset was both the worst of elections and the best.
Read moreThe real battle against ISIS
If ISIS is a virus, then fighting it with the antibiotic of ill-conceived deadly force and repression could create ever-more deadly strains.
Read moreThe death throes of Arab thuggery
Arab civilisation has not collapsed but the thuggish political, economic and religious mafias dominating the region are dying violently.
Read moreGunship diplomacy, rockets and Gaza’s forgotten tragedy
The other tragedies make it is easy to forget Gaza. But with a humanitarian crisis and rising tensions, it’s time to end the Israeli-Egyptian blockade.
Read moreCan Egypt start a new chapter of Middle Eastern history?
The new constitution says Egypt is a “gift” that will “write a new history for humanity”. Should neighbours welcome or fear greater Egyptian influence?
Read moreEgypt’s revolution in the breaking
Although Egypt has been eclipsed on the Western media radar, it remains caught in a deadly bind between popular jingoism and religious demagoguery.
Read moreSyria needs joint Arab action to end violence
It is up to the Arab world to stop the bloodshed in Syria – unlikely as this may sound, and despite Arab League failure so far.
Read moreIsrael, the puppet master with no strings
Why is Israel, despite being a minor player, is seen by so many Egyptians and others in the region as the master puppeteer behind the crisis in Egypt?
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