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For a world that changes at such a fast pace, news often goes unscruitinized. For insight into the whys and hows of breaking events refer to our News section
Operation Iraqi Freedom is over
The departure of Bieger's 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division marks the completion of US combat operations in Iraq. Although 50,000 troops remain, remarks by the White House administration insist that these are meant to help Iraqi security forces better patrol their own country.
A Successful Insurgency Strategy
Stability in South Asia is deteriorating with extremist forces strengthening their grip and coalition countries tiring of the increasingly bloody and costly war in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, civilians are made to pay the highest price.
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Approaching Pakistan’s Breaking Point
The difficulty of attracting and distributing aid to flooded Pakistan will have lasting effects on the country’s overall economy, food supply and political stability.
King Abdullah Plays Matchmaker in Quest for Arab Unity
Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad is expected in Beirut tomorrow. A first-time visit since the controversial assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Assad will be joining King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia for what has been dubbed a “mini-summit” of Arab unity.
A Peaceful Pakistan in Sight?
The new Pakistan aid projects worth $500m may improve the fragile relationship between the US and one of its most important allies in the Afghan war. However, whether or not it has the desired effect depends on forces that the Obama administration may neither want to, nor be able to, control.
US-Russian Spy Swap
The recent spy-swap between the US and Russia created a massive media frenzy, yet failed to spark any substantive political fireworks. The concerted effort of both sides towards a swift resolution appears to signal a genuine effort to seek peaceful and diplomatic solutions to potentially hostile situations.
A Londoner’s Reflection
Author and screenwriter, Nicholas Blincoe, gives his personal account of the fatal attacks that killed 52 Londoners and injured hundreds more on this day in 2005.
Conflicting policies end in failure
King Abdullah and President Obama met Tuesday to discuss the primary sources of instability in the Middle East, and the overarching goal of enforcing peace.
Jordan’s New Electoral Law Disappoints Reformers
King Abdullah promulgated a new electoral law in preparation for fall elections to replace the parliament dissolved in November 2009. To the dismay of local reformers, the revised law maintains the controversial one-man one-vote system in which a citizen may vote for only one candidate. While the law does change the way electoral districts are formed, gerrymandering remains a major concern.
Obama addresses Oil Spill
On Tuesday, President Obama addressed the American public's concerns regarding the administration's response to the BP oil spill. None however appear satisfied with the response he has laid out, calling it a vague call to action.
Working together for global security
In its first NSS document, the Obama administration plainly distances itself from Bush era policies and embraces the spirit of cooperation, diplomacy and consensus while continuing to assert its right to be militarily and morally dominant.
Attracting Capital to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself well in the global economy. It opened its stock market to foreign investors in 2008 and thanks to strong macroeconomic fundamentals and highly positive demographics, it is becoming an increasingly attractive place to invest in.
