by Thomas W. Lippman So, with its decision to let women drive, is Saudi Arabia finally modernizing its oppressive rules of social behavior and relaxing its tight restrictions on political and social life? Yes and no. Economic necessity and the… Continue Reading
by Thomas W. Lippman In this year of historic anniversaries—50 years since the Six-Day War, 100 since the U.S. entered World War I—another is fast approaching. As autumn comes, those who attempt to keep track of events in the Middle… Continue Reading
by Thomas W. Lippman The latest shuffling of the royal lineup in Saudi Arabia certainly advances the relentless campaign by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the king’s young son, to consolidate power in his own hands. But it… Continue Reading
by Thomas W. Lippman One way to understand the depths of the animosity that blew up the myth of brotherhood and cooperation among the monarchies of the Arab Gulf states on Monday is to look beyond the angry statements to… Continue Reading
by Thomas W. Lippman Military analysts and political commentators have deluged their readers over the past week with their views about the U.S. missile strike on Syria ordered by President Donald Trump. Some of the assessments were more useful than… Continue Reading