Middle East Specialist
Published in the Huffington Post on Aug. 16, 2012.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which comprises 57 nations and represents Muslims worldwide, has agreed to suspend Syria’s membership for the extreme brutality of Bashar Assad’s regime. Iran, Syria’s sole Middle Eastern ally, rejects the decision. Continue reading “The Syrian Morality Test”
Amjad Dajani writes in a guest column for Levantine Routes
It is without a doubt that we are witnessing history repeat itself. A career military man has rebelled against an army he previously served and founded an army of ragtag revolutionaries to fight against despotism. No, this not a re-telling of George Washington’s revolutionary career against the British but a telling of Riyad al-Assad’s revolt against the Ba’athist Army in Syria. Continue reading “Dajani: The George Washington of Syria”
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy – who was sworn into office only six weeks ago – has successfully forced Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, Defence Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Chief of Staff, Sami Anan, into retirement. Continue reading “Morsy Consolidates Power”
Reuters reports that both the Israeli prime minister and defense minister want to eliminate Iranian nuclear sites before U.S. elections in November. These threats seek to achieve two aims: to scare Iran into abandoning its nuclear program (a prospect which seems unlikely) and to explore the possibility of attacking Iran while Americans are preoccupied with choosing their next president. Continue reading “Weekend Thinking: Israel-Iran”
Idrees Mohammed writes in a guest column for Levantine Routes
Turkey’s relationship with the Kurds is a sensitive and major longstanding political issue. Paradoxically, Ankara is aware that it needs to better address Turkish-Kurdish ties and implement reforms, yet its inability to achieve genuine progress is a liability for Turkey’s national interests and foreign relations. This is exemplified by Turkey’s precarious relationship with Syria. Continue reading “Mohammed: Turkey’s Best Kurdish Option”
Levantine Routes has reached a global audience in a short time period. I wanted to thank all the readers and contributors who enjoy this site. Apart from the United States, fans this past month have come predominately from Iraq, Israel, the United Kingdom, Myanmar, Australia and Lebanon.
Thank you for your continued interest!
The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas and Hezbollah (indirectly) blamed Israel for Sunday’s deadly terrorist attack in Sinai which left sixteen Egyptian soldiers dead. They have not produced a shred of evidence to support their egregious claims. Continue reading “MB, Hamas and Hezbollah Sinai Conspiracy”
Nick Ottens, a Dutch journalist and analyst at the geopolitical consulting firm Wikistrat, has a new piece in the Atlantic Sentinel in which he examines prospects for Assad’s survival and if he will seek refuge in an Alawite enclave in northwest Syria.
Apart from his own analysis, Ottens includes insights from other Middle East specialists including yours truly.
Michael Sharnoff, PhD 