Israel Joins Chinese Bank, Defies U.S. 

by Jim Lobe Updating the post I wrote a couple of weeks ago on how the U.S. failed to persuade some of its closest allies not to join the new Chinese-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), it’s worth noting that… Continue Reading

The Iran Agreement Is Historic: Will Congress Destroy It?

by Ali Gharib Just wait for the Congressional freakout that comes if world powers and Iran sign a comprehensive nuclear accord this summer. Negotiations advanced on Thursday with a framework agreement between Iran and the P5+1—the United States, UK, France,… Continue Reading

Obama Prepares for Showdown with Congress Over Iran Deal

by Jasmin Ramsey Two days after the deadline for reaching a deal over Iran’s nuclear programme had passed, negotiators looked like they would be going home empty handed. But a surprisingly detailed framework was announced Apr. 2 in Lausanne, Switzerland,… Continue Reading

Netanyahu’s U.S. Popularity Has Declined Sharply: Poll

by Jim Lobe While U.S. public sentiment toward Israel has remained relatively stable, favorability ratings for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have declined sharply over the past six weeks, and particularly since his controversial speech before Congress March 3, according to… Continue Reading

An Early Look at Bibi’s Surprise Victory

by Mitchell Plitnick It’s been about six hours since the polls closed in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has scored a dramatic victory, far outpacing the pre-election and exit polls. The consequences for Israelis, Palestinians, and the rest of… Continue Reading