U.S. Escalation Against Iran Would Carry High Cost for Global Economy

via IPS News The world economy would bear substantial costs if the United States took steps to significantly escalate the conflict with Iran over its controversial nuclear programme, according to the findings of a Federation of American Scientists’ (FAS) special… Continue Reading →

Gershon Baskin on Permanent Truce Deal Assassinated Jabari was Working on

Speaking to Democracy Now! Gershon Baskin — the Israeli peace activist who assisted the process that led to Hamas’ release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit — offers his thoughts on the permanent truce deal he was working on with military leader… Continue Reading →

Iran and the United States: Ready, set, go?

Former Iran-desk State Department staffer Reza Marashi and journalist Sahar Namazikhah remind us that Iran’s influnetial Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) has publicly recognized the benefits of negotiating with the US to avert a military conflict through a report that’s available on their… Continue Reading →

A Netanyahu Twitter Gaffe?

Olga Khazan in the Washington Post yesterday: It appears as though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted at President  Obama thanking him for his “unequivocal clear sided” support of Israel’s right to defend itself, then promptly deleted the message.

New Syrian opposition gains some diplomatic support, US embrace still absent

By Paul Mutter The Syrian National Coalition, formed in Qatar last week through a US-led international initiative, has gained two important diplomatic victories in the past few days. NATO member Turkey has formally recognized the body as Syria’s legitimate government,… Continue Reading →