Dubai’s Skyline Is a Monument to Oppression, Not Prosperity
Visual artist Arko Datto combines satellite images and text to paint a picture of migrant workers’ lives in the Arabian Peninsula — and his findings aren’t pretty.
Iran Deal: Is Obama Channeling Nixon?
The nuclear deal with Iran, like Nixon’s opening to China in 1972, has the potential to be a geopolitical game changer — if it can get through Congress first.
Better a War than an Agreement?
Phyllis Bennis says forces aligned in opposition to the Iran Framework Agreement in the U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia would rather see war than a deal that brings Iran out of sanctions and back into play as a regional power.
Take Syria Seriously–And Stay Out
Why start another body count in a Middle East conflict with no direct relationship to U.S. security?
Echoes of Occupy in Western Sahara
Morocco won’t be able to put off the issue of Western Sahara’s right to sovereignty indefinitely.
Promoting Peace, But Fueling War in Syria
Saudi Arabia is a dubious choice to team with to promote democracy in Syria.
Washington Post Keeps Administration’s Secret About Drone Base in Saudi Arabia
Major media outlets once again sit on a big story at an administration’s request.
The Wahhabi War on Indonesia’s Shiites
Indonesia’s Shi’a minority is under heavy attack by Saudi-funded Wahhabists.
Washington’s Problem in the Middle East: Policy, Not Personality
Should President Obama hold Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah’s hand like George W. Bush did?
Syria and the Dogs of War
Once loosed, the dogs of war range where they will.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar: Dueling Monarchies
Qatar has supported revolution abroad while Saudi Arabia anchors down the authoritarian regional order.
Can Egypt Chart Its Own Course?
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has proved willing to act independently of Washington, but he’s not about to leave the fold.
Bleeding Syria
There is little to no discussion about the role U.S. allies have played in fueling a sectarian war in the Middle East.
Mid-East Tweeters Probe the Tenderest of Saudi Sore Spots
“No Saudi women will go to hell, because it’s impossible to go there twice,” he tweeted.
Does the Saudi Arms Deal Jeopardize Israel?
The United States may soon find that it can’t “have it both ways” by arming Saudi Arabia and maintaining Israel’s qualitative military advantage.