Libyan Degaddafication Law’s Scope Raises Concern
Any Libyan who held public office while Gaddafi was in power can now be ousted.
Middle East and North Africa
Majority Arabs, Turks Opposes Arming Syria’s Rebels
A poll shows most neighboring peoples are skeptical of arming the rebels in Syria.
Syria Threatens War After Israel Conducts Airstrikes
Assad needs all his manpower and resources to fight his internal enemies, however.
Tunisian Parties End Stalemate, Agree to “Mixed” Regime
Secular parties want a powerful presidency to balance against the Islamists’ plurality.
Rising Sunni Discontent Test for Iraq’s Shia Premier
After more than two hundred deaths, the government in Baghdad has to act.
Despite Interventions, Libyan, Malian Islamist Threat Rising
Governments in the Maghreb seem unable to contain the regionwide insurgency.
Neighbors, West Accuse Syria of Chemical Weapons Use
Syrian army forces might have repeatedly crossed the United States’ “red line.”
Reelected Hamas Leader Has Opportunity for Reconciliation
Khaled Mashal could use his restored authority to mend fences with Fataḥ in the West Bank.
American Middle East Arms Sales Send “Signal” to Iran
Defense secretary Chuck Hagel calls Iran “a real threat”.
Initiative to Restart Peace Talks Stalls over Israeli Objections
The Obama Administration again bangs its head against the wall of Middle East peace.
Assad, Russia Warn West Against Backing Islamist Rebels
Syria’s president and his Russian ally point to Muslim extremists among the opposition.
Egypt Stalls on International Aid, Financial Crisis Looms
Egypt’s government is reluctant to cut fuel subsidies even as it is running out of money.
Kerry Could Revive 2002 Israeli-Palestinian Peace Plan
America’s new secretary of state takes another look at a decade-old peace plan.
Despite Lacking Substance, Obama’s Israel Visit Impressed
The president’s Middle East trip was far from groundbreaking but still a successful one.
Ten Years After Invasion, Iraq Presses On
After a decade of war, the Arab state’s politics and security situation remain precarious.