For years, scholars have debated the complex causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but for the Israel Palestine Mission Network of Presbyterian Church (USA), the problem stems from a single cause: Zionism. Continue reading
Author Archives: jimmy
Iranians take to streets to celebrate 1979 revolution
Hundreds of thousands of Iranians took to the streets Tuesday to mark the 35th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, buoyed by progress in nuclear talks with world powers and a modest easing of sanctions. Continue reading
How Herod the tyrant saved the Olympics
The 2014 Winter Olympic Games, beginning Friday in Sochi, Russia, are the most expensive Olympics ever at over $51 billion. Yet Russian President Vladimir Putin’s dedication to the spirit of the Games pales before that of a different despot: Herod the Great — savior of the Olympics. Continue reading
Weekly Interviews – February 8, 2014
Shifting sands: Obama tips the balance of Mideast power in Iran’s favor for unclear reasons
In these strange and unstable times in the Middle East one surprising and superficially positive event is ironically also a new major cause for concern. Iran and the United States of America, longstanding enemies, would appear to be close to lasting rapprochement. Continue reading
Jordanians worry about fallout from Mideast peace
Israelis and Palestinians may be hugely skeptical about the US-led peace negotiations their leaders have been roped into, but the Jordanians seem worried that they actually might succeed. The kingdom is already home to the largest Palestinian population outside the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and Jordanian lawmakers and others fear an accord might lead to a new influx of refugees. Continue reading
Weekly Interviews – February 1, 2014
Will the Muslim Brotherhood join jihadists amid crackdown?
The continuing violence against the interim Egyptian government and the possible presidential bid by Egypt’s military chief, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi may impel many Muslim Brotherhood members to radicalize and resort to violence, and perhaps join other jihadist groups. Continue reading
Iraq and Iran plot oil revolution in challenge to Saudi Arabia
Iraq is poised to flood the oil market by tripling its capacity to pump crude by 2020 and is collaborating with Iran on strategy in a move that will challenge Saudi Arabia’s grip on the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Continue reading
Pentagon Concerned by China’s New High-Speed Missile
China’s recent test of a new ultra-high speed strike vehicle highlights growing concerns that Chinese military advances will overtake those of the United States in as few as five years, a senior Pentagon official told Congress Tuesday. Continue reading