Middle East

Russian-Georgian Conflict Impacts Middle East

Although the Russo-Georgian military clash appears over, its ramifications will be felt for a long time, especially as the political crisis between the two countries remains unresolved.
By Rayyan al-Shawaf.

If Only My Dream Is Realized

The bus driver warned us that we were approaching one of the permanent hard military roadblocks and asked us to remain calm and not to worry.… The bus stopped and the driver opened the doors… By Rawan Yousef Salah.

Has the Surge Prevented Peace in Iraq?

Republican presidential candidate John McCain has made his earlier endorsement of the "surge" strategy in Iraq a prominent feature of his campaign, but he might one day be embarrassed by it. By Dan Lieberman.

Settler Violence Against Palestinians on the Rise

Violence by settlers perpetrated against Palestinians has been on the rise in recent weeks in Hebron and the surrounding areas, residents and international observers said. From IRIN.

Mahmoud Darwish: A People and a Poet

In Arabic, Darwish means a pure, spiritual wandering man. For over four decades, Palestinian and Arab poets were inspired by him, referred to him, imitated him, debated over his poetry. By Ibtisam Barakat.

Yemen: The Conflict in Saada Governorate

Since 2004 hundreds of people have been killed and thousands displaced as a result of fighting between Shia rebels and government forces in the northern governorate of Saada. From IRIN.

Israel: Road Map or Bulldozer Map?

All sides seem to have left the idea of the Road Map, and are taking the physical tools of occupation and turning them into weapons. Al-Barghouthi calls this the "bulldozer plan."
By Nasser Lahham.

'Zionism: The Real Enemy of the Jews'—an Interview

Alan Hart's fascinating, at times shocking, tale of his experiences and conversations with top Middle East leaders provides historical context and offers an alternative to the conventional peace process. By Asma Hanif.