Critics of Sykes-Picot Overlook Arab Agency
Western interference didn’t help, but the Arabs are also responsible for many mishaps themselves.
Middle East and North Africa
Report Accuses Assad of Detaining, Torturing Children
A United Nations study uncovers horrendous rights abuses in the Syrian dictator’s prisons.
Yemen Federation Plan Fails to Satisfy Southern Separatists
Leaders of the independence movement in the south fear a federation would dilute their authority.
Egyptian Army Chief Sisi to Announce Presidential Candidacy
Many liberal and secular Egyptians support the military leader, even if he could return Egypt to its prerevolutionary days.
Defying Sanctions, Iran, North Korea Help Syria Build Missiles
The Assad regime is both expanding its arsenal of missiles and making them less vulnerable to attack.
“Industrial Scale” Syrian War Crimes: Report
An estimated eleven thousand prisoners of the Syrian regime have been brutalized and killed.
Syria’s Kurds Erect Own Government Ahead of Peace Talks
On the eve of negotiations in Switzerland, Syria’s Kurds declare a regional government of their own.
Political Resolution to Iraq Violence Still Far Away
The violence in Iraq is unlikely to stop until all of the country’s sects feel represented.
Egyptians Expected to Approve New Constitution, Boost Army
A vote in favor of constitutional reforms could clear the way for Abdul Fatah Sisi to run for president.
Ariel Sharon, Israel’s “Bulldozer” Premier, Dies
Whatever Ariel Sharon set out to obtain, he couldn’t be stopped once he was after it.
Planner Benghazi Attack Formally Designated Terrorist
A terrorist once imprisoned at Guantánamo was likely involved in the Benghazi attack.
Iraq’s Maliki Faces Tough Choices in Fallujah
Defeating the Islamists carries the risk of high casualties, but the government may not have a choice.
Libyan Defense Threatens to Sink Oil Tanker at Rebel Port
Federalists in eastern Libya intend to ship oil independently unless their demands are met.
Selling Iraq “The Weapons It Needs” Would Be a Mistake
The United States should learn to live with the fact with Iraq cannot be made into an ally anymore.
Iraq’s Anbar Province Descends into Violence
Al Qaeda militants storm into Ramadi and Fallujah and assert control over parts of each city.