Mixed outlook for the UN on its 80th birthday
The UN celebrated its 80th birthday on Thursday. But Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used the occasion to warn that its founding charter is under assault like never before.
The organization...
Missile exchanges may have ended — but questions remain
As befits 21st century diplomacy, US President Donald Trump announced a complete and total ceasefire between Iran and Israel on social media, congratulating “everyone” for this, especially himself. After regrettable violations within...
Middle East must prioritize diplomacy over conflict
The Middle East stands at a crossroads as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, marked by the recent Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran’s retaliatory ballistic missile barrages. This exchange...
US is at war with Iran — and with itself
Forget about the war with Iran for a moment. The conflict inside the US, with universities, foreign students, immigrants, and the polarization between interventionists and isolationists, may have far more impact on...
Iran and the craft of politics
For decades, Iran’s patience has not been merely a political tactic, it has been a way of life in how the country navigates crises, negotiations and power projection. But the recent war...
Netanyahu’s delusional pursuit of a ‘new Middle East’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu persistently declares his ambition to “change the face of the Middle East.” Yet his repeated assertions seem to clash with the unfolding reality on the ground.
Conflict provides no honor or glory, just remorse
Tens of thousands of civilians are being killed because they were born in the wrong place and simply have the “wrong” passport.
Few people would choose to live in...
When Algeria came to Iran’s aid
For decades, Algiers has maintained diplomatic ties with Tehran marked by mediation and discreet loyalty at key moments in history.
On Monday April 8, sixty days before the...
What is Netanyahu’s endgame?
A direct, large-scale military confrontation between Iran and Israel was always perceived as too dangerous because it risked consequences too devastating for either side to seriously contemplate, let alone initiate.
Targeting Iran’s supreme leader is madness
The idea resurfaced last week that Israel may try to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as if he were just another easy military target in the fierce war between Israel...