America’s role in the Arab Spring
By David L. Phillips President George W. Bush maintained that history would judge his invasion of Iraq and efforts to bring democracy to the Middle East. Recent events have not been…
Calm returns to Sharqiya village after extremists attempt to torch church
CAIRO: Calm returned Wednesday to the Meet Bashar village in Sharqiya following police and army intervention, after a group of villagers attempted to burn down a church where they believed…
US-Muslim Brotherhood relations key to Egypt’s economy?
By Mohamed El-Sayed CAIRO: Egypt continues to struggle with violence in the wake of political uncertainty and transition. Yet despite the domestic turmoil, there has been a positive development — the…
From Argentina to Athens?
By Mohamed A. El-Erian NEWPORT BEACH: Let me set the scene: an increasingly discredited economic policy approach gives rise to growing domestic social and political opposition, street protests and violence, disagreements…
The public and its problems
By Raghuram Rajan CHICAGO: On a recent visit to Europe, I found economists, journalists, and business people thoroughly frustrated with their politicians. Why, they ask, can’t politicians see the abyss that…
Syria to hold Feb. 26 referendum on new constitution
BEIRUT: Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, fighting an 11-month uprising against his rule, has ordered a referendum on a new constitution on Feb. 26, state television reported on Wednesday. The president,…
Iran tensions rise on suspect bomb plots, nuclear progress
TEHRAN: Tensions over Iran rose several notches on Wednesday following a series of suspected bomb plots against Israeli diplomats in different countries, and ahead of an expected announcement on Tehran's…
War-ravaged Libyan port city awaits rebuilding
MISRATA: Hussein Mussa climbs up a ladder and paints the shutter of the large Caterpillar showroom white, stroking the metal door with a firm hand to remove the existing green…
Bahrain Shias mark revolt anniversary
MANAMA: Bahraini Shias have marked the one-year anniversary of their uprising against the country's Sunni rulers as security forces fanned out across the island nation in unprecedented numbers and police…
Tunisia group sues visiting radical Egyptian preacher
TUNIS: Tunisian rights activists said Wednesday they were taking legal action against a visiting Egyptian Muslim preacher for inciting hatred and advocating polygamy and female circumcision. Wagdy Ghoneim, a radical…