US-Iraq Security Pact Doubtful
The proposed US-Iraqi security pact, required to be in place by January 1, 2009, appears increasingly doubtful.
Iraqi Government Commands Sunni Insurgent Groups
The Iraqi Sunni insurgent groups recently allied with, and paid by, the Americans officially came under command of the Shi’a controlled Baghdad government on Wednesday. The American peace deal with the Sunni insurgent groups is seen as the single most vital factor in the de-escalation of violence in Iraq.
Israel’s New Prime Minister: Tzipi Livni
On Monday, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, won the leadership race of the Kadima Party, the ruling party in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, following the resignation of the former leader ex-PM Ehud Olmert.
US-Afghan Taliban Peace Talks
The United States has begun signalling a new strategy in the seven-year long Afghanistan War: peace talks with the Afghan Taliban.
US Presidential Race Changes Middle East Calculus
As American presidential campaigning intensifies, we are seeing a convergence between the candidates and the Bush administration on the issues of Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.
Israeli Prime Minister’s Peace-Talk Strategy
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is being investigated for bribery and tax evasion. His popularity has plummeted, and he may be indicted within the month in which case he has pledged to resign.
US-Sudan Rapprochement over Oil, Security
Despite its accusations of “genocide” in Darfur and an outbreak of violence in oil-rich Abyei, the US is negotiating with Sudan to normalize diplomatic relations.
Syria and Israel’s Hollow Peace Talks
Syria announced last week the existence of back-channel peace negotiations with Israel.
Al-Sadr Struggles for Iraq Control and Legitimacy
An intra-Shiite power struggle is underway as cleric Muqtada al-Sadr attempts to maintain control over his militia (the Jaysh al-Mahdi, JAM) and transform it into a legitimate political movement.
“War on Terror” Extends Somalia’s Crisis
A recent Amnesty International report documenting war crimes by US-backed forces in Somalia and US air strikes that have killed more Somali civilians than alleged al-Qaeda operatives underscore Washington’s role in Somalia’s humanitarian crisis.