Middle East

Egypt: Power Has Already Been Transferred

Regardless of President Mubarak's title, his son has already effectively taken over the reins of power in Egypt, steering the country toward social and economic modernity. By Osama Diab.

Viewpoints: Aftermath of Iran's Election

The blogosphere is one of Iranians' only outlets of expression. Worldpress.org reviews a collection of blogs from Iranians reacting to the election and the ensuing protests and violence.

Iran's Elections: A Show Designed to Delay Democracy

Iran's fraudulent elections, designed to deceive the world, have instigated a backlash not only against Ahmadinejad but against the regime as a whole. By Walid Phares.

Lebanese Vote for the Status Quo

In their June elections, the Lebanese overwhelmingly voted to reinforce the sectarianism, corruption, cronyism and dynastic rule that continue to divide the country.
By Paul Cochrane.

Oslo Redux: Fool's Gold in Israel/Palestine

The conflict between Israel and Palestine is deeper and more complex than many conventional proposals for peace agreements convey. By Remi Kanazi.

Viewpoints: Obama in the Middle East

Worldpress.org reviews comment and analysis from Egypt, France, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia on Barack Obama's visit to the Middle East.

Obama-Abbas: It Starts with the Settlements

The issue of freezing Israeli settlement expansion is at the top of list of prerequisites for peace for both the Palestinians and the United States. By Daoud Kuttab.

Turkey's Route to the E.U. May be Via the Middle East

Turkey's growing regional influence in the Middle East could prove to be its entrée into the European Union, making Europe a more influential and capable world power. By Sinan Ülgen.

Yemen on the Brink of War

With violence, corruption and jihad threatening to push North and South Yemen back into civil war, the primary dysfunction can be traced to the criminalization of the state.
By Jane Novak.

The Pope's Visit to the Holy Land: Forging New Relations

One of the most important goals for the papal trip is to symbolically mark the end of the acrimony between Christianity and Islam. By Anton Caragea.

US-Iranian Engagement: When and How?

There are vast areas of convergence between the United States and Iran when it comes to Iraq and Afghanistan, and many more areas where constructive engagement could produce tangible results for both sides.
By Ahmad Sadri.

Iraq Withdrawal Plan: Will Iran and Syria Go Along?

The success of the Obama administration's August 31, 2010 withdrawal plan will hinge on the United States' ability to deter Iran, and its ally Syria, from surging against Iraq's democracy while America is organizing its departure. By Walid Phares.

Syria: Refugees, Diplomatic Overtures and Open Arms

"Sixteen years ago, Syria was a low-tech police state. Back then, the country was hermetically, and systematically sealed off from the outside world, with a tourist industry that was, at best, embryonic."
By Joseph Kirschke.

Iran's New Internet Attacks on Dissenters

The Islamic Republic is said to be spreading fear among the country's blogsphere through manipulation of popular Internet venues such as Facebook. By Omid Habibinia.