Syria Officially Recognizes Lebanon Government
Syria officially ended 60 years of non-recognition this past week when it recognized Lebanon as a sovereign state and announced plans to exchange embassies with its neighbor. The diplomatic move comes at the end of decades of often acrimonious, and violent, relations.
US-Iraq Security Pact Signed
The recently negotiated US-Iraq Status-of-Forces security pact signals the beginning of the end of the U.S. occupation of Iraq.
Abbas’ Power Play in Palestine
With Israeli support, Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, has moved his armed loyalists into key West Bank cities in preparation of a possible conflict with his rival Hamas in January.
U.S. Attacks Targets within Syria
The October 26th U.S. military strike inside Syria ostensibly targeting an alleged high-level al-Qaeda in Iraq operative is an indication of the Bush administration's attempt to counter Syria’s growing influence via a show of force.
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.
Nicaragua Bolsters FARC
In contrast to previous bellicose posturing, Nicaragua’s leftist president offered on Wednesday to mediate talks on behalf of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in an effort to end Colombia’s 44-year civil conflict.
European Missile Defense
In a move harkening back to the Cold War, Russia has threatened to respond militarily and technologically to U.S plans for a missile defense system in Central Europe, plans that could re-trigger an arms race.
US Bank Bailouts
The recent collapse of investment bank Bear Stearns, the lack of market liquidity and the sub prime mortgage crisis are all representative of more fundamental flaws in the financial system and American economy.
CIA in South America
Fueled by the Cold War and transnational corporate interests, the U.S. has covertly tinkered with the governments of Latin American countries since World War 2, producing an extremely violent and unstable political climate.
Rebels Repelled in Chad
The arrival of France-led EU troops will prop up Chadian President Idriss Deby allowing him to attack the remnants of the Sudanese-supported UFDD in the East of the country.