Ending Syria’s Nightmare will Take Pressure from Below

Ending Syria’s Nightmare will Take Pressure from Below

Ominous developments in East Syria have drawn the United States and Russia into closer proximity increasing the likelihood of a violent confrontation.  The Trump administration has embarked on a dangerous plan to defeat the terrorist militia, ISIS, in Raqqa. But recent comments by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson suggest that Washington’s long-term strategy may conflict with Moscow’s goal…

What Role Does China Play in the Middle Eastern Affairs?

What Role Does China Play in the Middle Eastern Affairs?

The visit the Saudi King Salman ibn Abdul-Aziz paid to China, quickly followed by Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to Beijing, has once again drawn attention to China’s position amid the turbulent events taking place across the Middle East. This topic is particularly relevant for Russia, which has found itself in the midst of ongoing regional events….

Oil Interest Heats Up Maritime Dispute Between Israel and Lebanon

Oil Interest Heats Up Maritime Dispute Between Israel and Lebanon

A long-running dispute between Israel and Lebanon over a maritime border in the Mediterranean Sea has reached boiling point as both sides want to secure multibillion-dollar energy investments from the oil and gas rich area. Lebanese politicians have reacted with anger over a bill in the Israeli parliament that would seek to establish the country’s…

Bloodbath in West Mosul: Civilians Being Shot by Both ISIS and Iraqi Troops

Bloodbath in West Mosul: Civilians Being Shot by Both ISIS and Iraqi Troops

Civilians trying to flee the besieged Isis-held enclave in west Mosul are being shot dead by Isis and Iraqi army snipers as they try to cross the Tigris River, says an eyewitness trapped inside the city with his family. In an exclusive interview with The Independent, Jasim, a 33-year old Iraqi Sunni living in west…