Greater Middle East

Bush accuses Syria on Lebanon

President Bush says today he has receieved reports of covert Syrian interference in Lebanon, and the White House charged that it had information that Damascus had drawn up an assassination hit list targeting Lebanese political leaders. “Obviously we’re going to… Read moreBush accuses Syria on Lebanon

Greater Middle East

Egypt next for “regime change”?

In recent weeks, we’ve been following Washington’s current regime change offensive, in which the White House is seeking to encourage–and, presumably, co-opt–opposition activists in countries which really are unhappily authoritarian, but (more to the point) insufficiently compliant with US interests…. Read moreEgypt next for “regime change”?

Greater Middle East

PKK insurgency flares in Turkey

During the Turkish National Day celebration in the eastern city of Siirt this week, helicopter gunships circled over the stadium and sharpshooters stood watch on rooftops–signs of the rising tension in southeast Turkey as Kurdish separatists rekindle an insurgency after… Read morePKK insurgency flares in Turkey

Greater Middle East

Lebanon back from brink?

Lebanon’s Omar Karami has resigned a second time, after Parliament refused to accept his February 28 resignation. This time Najib Mikati, a Sunni perceived as a moderate, has been chosen to succeed him. Mikati hailed the opposition–especially Druze leader Walid… Read moreLebanon back from brink?

Greater Middle East

Yazidis in the news

Synchronicity? Just days after WW4 REPORT cited a rare news report on persecution of the Yazidis (also rendered Yezidis or Ezidis), an obscure and ancient religious sect in eastern Turkey and northern Iraq, the Washington Post actually runs a story… Read moreYazidis in the news

Greater Middle East

Counter-insurgency in Yemen

Scores are dead in Yemen, where security forces are battling Islamist forces led by Badruddin Al-Houthi in and around the northwestern town of Saada. A group of opposition parties is calling for the nation’s pariliament to immediately launch an investigation… Read moreCounter-insurgency in Yemen

Greater Middle East

Terror re-emerges in Egypt

The April 7 nail-bomb attack on a bazaar jammed with foreign tourists in Cairo left three dead, including a French national and a U.S. citizen. A previously unknown group, the Islamic Brigades of Pride, has claimed responsibility. (Al-Jazeera, April 9)… Read moreTerror re-emerges in Egypt