The Kiss of Judas
Al-Awlaki has gained increasing attention from the media and authorities for his links to various terrorist attacks in the UK, US and Canada. This American born cleric is now the English voice for Jihadi propaganda.
-
Keynes Trade Mark
Although relentlessly compared to the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Global Financial Crisis has not produced an equally catastrophic collapse of the trade regime. What one does see is a change in official discourse, a come back to the era of big government. This trend, however, is not without consequences to the global economy. -
Al-Qaeda’s Traveling Ideology
Al-Qaeda’s travelling ideology reflects the gradual transformation from a highly centralized organization in the 1990s in Afghanistan, into a fluid, globalized, all-encompassing ideological umbrella. -
The Vanguard of Liberalization
Professor Jagdish Bhagwati’s work has been at the forefront of trade liberalization research. Having been described as the most creative international trade theorist of his generation, his academic and policy achievements have made him a leader in the fight for free trade. -
The Nuclear Road
Recent events implicating a nuclear partnership between Iran and North Korea amount to one of the greatest fears of Western and Israeli security experts. Nuclear collaboration between North Korea and Iran dates back to the 1990s. The risks, however, that the potential of such an alignment could have on Middle East security should not be underestimated.
More sanctions to come as “psychological war” around Iran steps up
It was US President Barack Obama who said when he picked up his Nobel Peace Prize that “instruments of war do have a role to play in preserving the peace.” Perhaps he was foreshadowing February, when the bulk of war posturing over Iran’s defiant nuclear program would inevitably come.
Al Qaeda in Algeria
For some time, Algeria, and the Islamic Maghreb more generally, saw a surge in the occurrence of terror attacks. The presence of al Qaeda in Algeria, and its attempts at making the country another stronghold in the region, prompted the Algerian government to undertake counterterrorist measures to confront this threat.
The Nuclear Road
Recent events implicating a nuclear partnership between Iran and North Korea amount to one of the greatest fears of Western and Israeli security experts. Nuclear collaboration between North Korea and Iran dates back to the 1990s. The risks, however, that the potential of such an alignment could have on Middle East security should not be underestimated.
Thanks, But No Thanks!
The end result of the Iraqi oil auctions was unforeseeable a few years ago. While European, Asian and even African companies rushed to guarantee a share of the cake, American companies did not bother to bid for the bounty.
Political Essay
Sunnier Skies?
Due to its geopolitical importance, a still unstable political system, and inevitable ties with major players like Iran, Turkey and the US, it is assumed that the nature of Iraq’s external alliances will be largely dictated by foreign interests. Nevertheless, the future of Iraq’s relations with its powerful neighbours can be determined by an all-inclusive national project and be relatively immune to external pressures.
International Investor
A Gentlemen’s Disagreement
Though politicians preach multilateralism as the answer to global problems, it is not working very well. The reason is that seismic shifts in geopolitics and the world economy have made international agreements harder to achieve.
Geopolitics
Al-Qaeda’s Traveling Ideology
Al-Qaeda’s travelling ideology reflects the gradual transformation from a highly centralized organization in the 1990s in Afghanistan, into a fluid, globalized, all-encompassing ideological umbrella. This transnational ideology bridged the divide between class, space, and recruitment techniques. However, al-Qaeda’s bottom-up recruitment, largely through the internet, is a marginal phenomenon, and one that exposes the structural crisis of al-Qaeda Central.
The Vanguard of Liberalization
Professor Jagdish Bhagwati’s work has been at the forefront of trade liberalization research. Having been described as the most creative international trade theorist of his generation, his academic and policy achievements have made him a leader in the fight for free trade.
Terrorists or Liberators?
In this interview, Akram al-Kaabi, the leader of the Iraqi organization "Asaeb Ahlulhaq", talked with The Majalla about the group’s origins, its links with other groups, a few of its operations, and its activities against American and British troops in Iraq.
The Future of Black Gold
Fareed Mohamedi, Chief Economist for PFC Energy, shared his thoughts with The Majalla about several oil related issues; global energy markets, the future of oil, the rise of China and its growing economic nexus with the Persian Gulf, and the outlook for an increasingly indebted U.S. economy.
The Keys to Change
In his latest book Nasr argues that the key to political reform in the Middle East is through economic change. Namely, the growth of the middle class stands to alter the political priorities of the countries in the region, and lead to the warming of ties with the West.
A Sense of History
The Financial Crisis has become the muse of authors wishing to explain and profit from the bewilderment that accompanied the economic losses of the last couple of years. Harold James’ book, however, stands out for his mastery of economic principles, financial history, and especially his ability to articulate complex issues to those unfamiliar with the subject.
The Edge of Darkness
Yemen is increasingly becoming a liability to the stability of the Arabian peninsula. International actors should cooperate with regional powers to promote initiatives that will improve Yemen’s current situation. From development programs to counterterrorism measures, the Chatham House report explains which policies would best help Yemen at this crucial moment.
Judgement Day
Obama’s presidency held promises of change for those looking to see the security situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan improve. A year later, Brookings Institution Fellow Vanda Felbab Brown puts Obama’s strategy to the test concluding that although there were significant setbacks, the important groundwork has been laid for vast improvements.
