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Archives: January 2016
![Turkish-Russian Airspace Conflict as Ankara-backed Turkmen flee Syria](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/turkish-russian-airspace-conflic-187x137.jpg)
![Not just Madaya: A million people under Food Sieges in Mideast](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/not-just-madaya-a-million-people-187x137.jpg)
Not just Madaya: A million people under Food Sieges in Mideast
By Nadia Prupis, staff writer | ( Commondreams.org) | - - Despite international laws prohibiting the use of starvation against civilians, forces on all sides preventing aid from reaching blockaded towns in…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/george-lakey-187x137.jpg)
8 Ways Nonviolence can Combat Terrorism
By George Lakey | ( Waging Non-Violence) | - - One of my most popular courses at Swarthmore College focused on the challenge of how to defend against terrorism, nonviolently. Events now…![Zika: As temperatures rise from CO2 Emissions, epidemics spread](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/zika-as-temperatures-rise-from-c-187x137.jpg)
Zika: As temperatures rise from CO2 Emissions, epidemics spread
The Tree | - - "“Zika is a disease of poverty, similar to other neglected tropical diseases such as chikungunya and dengue. The burden falls disproportionately upon poor populations living near open…![That Swedish black-clad anti-refugee Mob beating Children? Neo-Nazis.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/that-swedish-black-clad-anti-ref-187x137.jpg)
That Swedish black-clad anti-refugee Mob beating Children? Neo-Nazis.
TeleSur | - - The neo Nazi Swedish Resistance Movement claims it was behind a wave of violence in Stockholm targeting homeless refugee children. Swedish police have made at least four arrests…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/Laurent_Fabius_January_2015-721x960-187x137.jpg)
Exasperated by Netanyahu, France Prepares to Recognize Palestinian State
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Even the staunchly pro-Israel French Socialist Party has had it with Israeli expansionism and aggression. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius announced Friday that…![Will Iowa’s Women Dems choose Hillary or Bernie?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/will-iowas-women-dems-choose-hil-187x137.jpg)
Will Iowa’s Women Dems choose Hillary or Bernie?
Judy Woodruff | (PBS Newshour Video Report) | - - "Three days out from the Iowa caucuses, Democrats are weighing whether to go with the presumed favorite, Hillary Clinton, or to defy…![Iowa Primary wins Predict Nothing: #Iowasowhite & doesn’t look like America](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/iowa-primary-wins-predict-nothin-187x137.jpg)
Iowa Primary wins Predict Nothing: #Iowasowhite & doesn’t look like America
By Donald Kaul | (Otherwords.org) | - - Who prevails in the Iowa caucuses won’t matter much, except in the fevered imaginations of the political reporters covering the spectacle. The Iowa caucuses…![World can Bomb Syria but Can’t negotiate end to War](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/world-can-bomb-syria-but-cant-ne-187x137.jpg)
World can Bomb Syria but Can’t negotiate end to War
By Simon Mabon | (The Conversation) | - - International talks meant to help resolve the Syrian Crisis are due to commence in Geneva, but a range of impossible problems still stand…![Iran: The New China?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/iran-the-new-china-187x137.jpg)
Iran: The New China?
By: Pepe Escobar | ( TeleSur) | - - If Iran successfully engages in a Chinese-style economic development program it would further enhance its geopolitical status and significance. It’s currently quite a…![Iran’s Rouhani: “US now sees Iran as only country able to fight terrorism in the region”](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/irans-rouhani-us-now-sees-iran-a-187x137.jpg)
Iran’s Rouhani: “US now sees Iran as only country able to fight terrorism in the region”
France24 English | Exclusive | (Video News Report) | - - 'The Iranian president Hassan Rouhani is in Europe for a historic trip. A visit both to renew economic ties and also…![Anne Frank’s Stepsister: Donald Trump Is Another Hitler](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/anne-franks-stepsister-donald-tr-187x137.jpg)
Anne Frank’s Stepsister: Donald Trump Is Another Hitler
TeleSur | - - Eva Schloss, an Auschwitz concentration camp survivor, said the U.S. presidential candidate was acting like Hitler, while the world acts as “bystanders” to the refugee crisis. Donald Trump…![Rhetorical Terror: GOP Candidates Pledge War Crimes, Carpet-Bombing, Asian Land Wars](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/rhetorical-terror-gop-candidates-187x137.jpg)
Rhetorical Terror: GOP Candidates Pledge War Crimes, Carpet-Bombing, Asian Land Wars
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - At the Trumpless GOP debate Thursday evening, the candidates once again promised to bankrupt us with military and intelligence spending and to commit…![While Flint Was Being Poisoned, Gov.’s office sent State Workers Water Coolers](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/while-flint-was-being-poisoned-g-187x137.jpg)
While Flint Was Being Poisoned, Gov.’s office sent State Workers Water Coolers
By Common Dreams staff | ( Commondreams.org) | - - Following release of new document and emails, Gov. Snyder told he must 'explain to the people of Flint why his administration trucked…![Will Yemen be the Graveyard of the new Saudi Empire?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/will-yemen-be-the-graveyard-of-t-187x137.jpg)
Will Yemen be the Graveyard of the new Saudi Empire?
By Helen Lackner | ( OpenDemocracy) | - - Those deciding for war in March 2015 gave little thought to Yemeni realities, military, logistic, topographic, social or political, human cost, or an…![Iran Unleashed: Rouhani’s Triumphant European Tour](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/iran-unleashed-rouhanis-triumpha-187x137.jpg)
Iran Unleashed: Rouhani’s Triumphant European Tour
Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Virtually as soon as the Iran nuclear deal was finally approved by the UN Security Council, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani headed for Europe. He…![Will Trump destroy the Republican Party, or Push it to Far Right?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/will-trump-destroy-the-republica-187x137.jpg)
Will Trump destroy the Republican Party, or Push it to Far Right?
By Liam Kennedy | (The Conversation) | - - When Richard Hofstadter described “a paranoid style in American politics” in 1964, he was referring to “the sense of heated exaggeration, suspiciousness, and…![Daesh/ ISIL making Play for Moderate Muslims, as GOP Candidates deny they Exist](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/daesh-isil-making-play-for-moder-187x137.jpg)
Daesh/ ISIL making Play for Moderate Muslims, as GOP Candidates deny they Exist
By John Feffer | ( Foreign Policy in Focus) | - - While ISIS makes war on the world's vast majority of "moderate Muslims," hardliners in the West pretend they don't exist.…![Gaza speaks: This is what the decade-long Israeli siege has done to us](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/gaza-speaks-this-is-what-the-dec-187x137.jpg)
Gaza speaks: This is what the decade-long Israeli siege has done to us
By Ramzy Baroud | (Ma'an News Agency) | - - Whenever Mariam Aljamal’s children hear the sound of thunder at night, they wet their beds. Their reaction is almost instinctive, and is…![Bundy White Terrorists detained, one Killed in suicidal Shoot-out](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/bundy-white-terrorists-detained-187x137.jpg)
Bundy White Terrorists detained, one Killed in suicidal Shoot-out
Contessa Brewer | (CBSN Video News Report) | - - "Ammon Bundy, the leader of an armed militia that occupied a national wildlife refuge in Oregon for more than three weeks, has…![Why Israel’s Netanyahu has standing to accuse UN Sec. Ban of inciting Terrorism](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/why-israels-netanyahu-has-standi-187x137.jpg)
Why Israel’s Netanyahu has no standing to accuse UN Sec. Ban of inciting Terrorism
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke out this week in an address to the UN Security Council against Israel's policy of stealing Palestinian land…![Israel’s land grab undermines Palestinian statehood – and violates international law](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/israels-land-grab-undermines-pal-187x137.jpg)
Israel’s land grab undermines Palestinian statehood – and violates international law
By Amy Maguire | (The Conversation) | - - Israel is preparing to make its largest land seizure in the West Bank since August 2014. Israeli settlers are already farming the 154…![6 National Security Questions the Establishment Candidates don’t want to Answer](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/6-national-security-questions-th-187x137.jpg)
6 National Security Questions the Establishment Candidates don’t want to Answer
By Andrew J. Bacevich | ( Tomdispatch.com To judge by the early returns, the presidential race of 2016 is shaping up as the most disheartening in recent memory. Other than as a…![Toward a New Islamic Golden Age through Science](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/toward-a-new-islamic-golden-age-187x137.jpg)
Toward a New Islamic Golden Age through Science
By Nidhal Guessoum | (Project Syndicate) | - - SHARJAH – The Muslim world’s past contributions to science and education were extraordinary. The Islamic “golden age” – during which scholarship and learning…![No, Donald Trump, we can’t just “take their oil”](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/no-donald-trump-we-cant-just-tak.jpg)
No, Donald Trump, we can’t just “take their oil”
By Emily Schwartz Greco | (Otherwords.org) | - - Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign ad pledged to “take their oil.” That’s what President (gasp) Trump would do after having “quickly cut the…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/syria-187x137.png)
Top 5 Ways Putin has won big in Syria and why Europe is embracing him
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Russia is so far winning big in Syria, and making Moscow's projection of force in the Middle East a reality that the other…![Why has Turkish Foreign Policy Gone Rogue & What does it mean for the US?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/why-has-turkish-foreign-policy-g-187x137.jpg)
Why has Turkish Foreign Policy Gone Rogue & What does it mean for the US?
By Nader Habibi | (The Conversation) | - - Turkey has become one of America’s most vital partners in the Middle East in promoting stability and growth in the region and a…![Are Palestinian-Israelis going from 2nd Class Citizens to 3rd Class?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/are-palestinian-israelis-going-f-187x137.jpg)
Are Palestinian-Israelis going from 2nd Class Citizens to 3rd Class?
By Nadim Nashif and Raya Naamneh | Al-Shabaka | (Ma'an News Agency) | - - Israel still portrays itself as a Jewish and democratic state. Yet in practice, as its Palestinian citizens…![Why Flint’s Tainted Water is a Human Rights Disaster](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/why-flints-tainted-water-is-a-hu-187x137.jpg)
Why Flint’s Tainted Water is a Human Rights Disaster
By Amanda Klasing, Senior Researcher, Women's Rights Division | (Human Rights Watch) | - - Nearly two years ago, the city of Flint, Michigan switched to a less expensive water source that…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/map-187x137.png)
Not just “Immigrants”: 3 Arab-Americans Central to American History
By Hsain Ilahiane | (Informed Comment) | - - Arabs and Muslims Made and Are Still Making America Great: One came on foot, one with camels, and one brought Apple products to…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/new_arabs-1-180x137.jpg)
Tahrir 5 Years Later: The Hurdles to Democratization & Arab Youth Revolts
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - A frequently met-with Western political and often journalistic narrative of the 2011 youth revolts in the Arab world is that idealistic young people…![Daesh/ ISIL in the Digital Realm v2.0](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/daesh-isil-in-the-digital-realm-187x137.jpg)
Daesh/ ISIL in the Digital Realm v2.0
By Michael Degerald | ( History X ISIS ) Not long ago I wrote a piece that explored various facets of how Daesh, the organization, relates to the internet most broadly. The…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/kurd4-750x563-187x137.png)
The Kurdish Women fighters taking on Daesh/ ISIL: An Eyewitness Account
By Brian Glyn Williams | (Informed Comment) | - - It was the sort of invitation that causes both excitement and trepidation, an invite to visit the autonomous mountain enclave in northern…![Netanyahu voices support for Israeli squatter takeover of Palestinian Buildings in Hebron outside Israel](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/netanyahu-voices-support-for-isr-187x137.jpg)
Netanyahu voices support for Israeli squatter takeover of Palestinian Buildings in Hebron outside Israel
Ma'an News Agency | - - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his government’s support of illegal settlements in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem “at any time”…![‘We had to destroy the Country to save it, Sir!’ The US Imperial Treadmill in Iraq etc.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/we-had-to-destroy-the-country-to-187x137.jpg)
‘We had to destroy the Country to save it, Sir!’ The US Imperial Treadmill in Iraq etc.
By Tom Engelhardt | ( Tomdispatch.com) One of the charms of the future is its powerful element of unpredictability, its ability to ambush us in lovely ways or bite us unexpectedly in…![Dragon & Phoenix: Khamenei Lauds New Sino-Iranian ‘Strategic Partnership’](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/dragon-phoenix-khamenei-lauds-ne-187x137.jpg)
Dragon & Phoenix: Khamenei Lauds New Sino-Iranian ‘Strategic Partnership’
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Iran's clerical leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, spoke Saturday on the occasion of the state visit to Iran of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He…![Fearing the Bern, Billionaire Bloomberg Threatens to Buy Election on Behalf of Establishment](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/fearing-the-bern-billionaire-blo-187x137.jpg)
Fearing the Bern, Billionaire Bloomberg Threatens to Buy Election for Establishment
By Jon Queally, staff writer | ( Commondreams.org ) | - - Former New York City mayor indicates willingness to spend "at least $1 billion"... especially if Sanders bumps Clinton. Is the…![The Surprising Reasons Oil Prices Keep Falling](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/the-surprising-reasons-oil-price-187x137.jpg)
The Surprising Reasons Oil Prices Keep Falling
By Marcelle Arak and Sheila Tschinkel | (The Conversation) | - - Global stock markets have been in a tailspin this week. And the sinking price of oil received at least some…![71 UK doctors call on World Medical Association to Expel Israel over Torture](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/71-uk-doctors-call-on-world-medi-187x137.jpg)
71 UK doctors call on World Medical Association to Expel Israel over Torture
Ma'an News Agency | - - 'BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A group of British doctors is pushing for the World Medical Association (WMA) to expel the Israeli Medical Association (IMA), the IMA’s chairman…![How Bad Is The Violence In Iraq?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/how-bad-is-the-violence-in-iraq-187x137.jpg)
How Bad Is The Violence In Iraq?
AJ+ | (Video News Report) | - - "A UN report on the violence in Iraq from January 2014 to October 2015 makes for sober reading. 19,000 civilians were killed, 36,000 injured…![Turkey-Russia Tensions Spike as Russia moves into Northern Syria](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/turkey-russia-tensions-spike-as-187x137.jpg)
Turkey-Russia Tensions Spike as Russia moves into Northern Syria
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Russian air strikes in Syria are coming closer and closer to the Turkish border in Latakia in the northwest, and there are rumors…![Flint’s water crisis is a blatant example of environmental injustice](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/flints-water-crisis-is-a-blatant-187x137.jpg)
Flint’s water crisis is a blatant example of environmental injustice
Robert D. Bullard | (The Conversation) | - - Many observers see race and class as factors in Flint, Michigan’s drinking water crisis. Earlier this week Flint’s mayor, Karen Weaver, said, “It’s…![Airbnb profits from Israeli theft of Palestinian Land with Squatter Listings](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/airbnb-profits-from-israeli-thef-187x137.jpg)
Airbnb profits from Israeli theft of Palestinian Land with Squatter Listings
AJ+ | (Video News Report) | - - "Palestinians are angry at Airbnb. The website advertises dozens of homes located in illegal Israeli settlements." Israeli Settler Homes On Airbnb Opinion:"Airbnb takes a…![Iranian Pres. Rouhani slams Hard Liners: Ban on Liberal Candidates makes Parliamentary Vote Pointless](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/iranian-pres-rouhani-slams-hard-187x137.jpg)
Iranian Pres. Rouhani slams Hard Liners: Ban on Liberal Candidates makes Parliamentary Vote Pointless
By Golnaz Esfandiari | ( RFE/RL) | - - Iran's president has criticized the mass disqualification of candidates in next month's parliamentary elections, suggesting the decision could make the vote pointless. The…![Iraq: Facebook Group debunks hate-provoking Urban Legends on Social Media](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/iraq-facebook-group-debunks-hate-187x137.jpg)
Iraq: Facebook Group debunks hate-provoking Urban Legends on Social Media
Mustafa Habib | (Niqash.org) | - - An extremist ‘hero’ with a mortar in his shoulder. A secret plot bringing the Iraqi Kurdish and the Islamic State together. Iraqi social media can…![The Surprising Reason we Keep Falling for ISIL/ Daesh Propaganda](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/the-surprising-reason-we-keep-fa-187x137.jpg)
The Surprising Reason we Keep Falling for ISIL/ Daesh Propaganda
Haroro J. Ingram | (The Conversation) | - - The rise of [the so-called] Islamic State [group] (IS) has reaffirmed what al-Qaeda and the Taliban proved last decade: strategic communications, particularly counter-propaganda…![“Stunning” Sanders Surge in Iowa over Clinton on Healthcare, Wall Street Stands](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/stunning-sanders-surge-in-iowa-o-187x137.jpg)
“Stunning” Sanders Surge in Iowa over Clinton on Healthcare, Wall Street Stands
Jon Queally, staff writer | (Commondreams.org) | - - With nations first caucus less than two weeks away, poll shows Sanders making gains for strong proposals like Medicare for All and holding…![5 Years after Tahrir Square, Egyptian Government in Crackdown on Dissent ahead of Jan. 25 Anniversary](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/5-years-after-tahrir-square-egyp-187x137.jpg)
5 Years after Tahrir Square, Egyptian Government in Crackdown on Dissent ahead of Jan. 25 Anniversary
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report | (Globalvoices.org) | - - Activists online and on the ground in Egypt have faced heightened scrutiny and legal threats from government authorities since early January, as…![The Collapsed Iraqi Army: How to Succeed at Failing, Pentagon-Style](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/the-collapsed-iraqi-army-how-to-187x137.jpg)
The Collapsed Iraqi Army: How to Succeed at Failing, Pentagon-Style
By Nick Turse | ( Tomdispatch.com) | - - There’s good news coming out of Iraq... again. The efforts of a 65-nation coalition and punishing U.S. airstrikes have helped local ground forces…![Netanyahu demands more billions from US after Iran Deal, insults US Ambassador, Steals more Land](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/netanyahu-demands-more-billions-187x137.jpg)
Netanyahu demands more billions from US after Iran Deal, insults US Envoy, Steals more Land
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - At the Davos World Economic Forum, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu insisted that the deal between the UN Security Council and Iran limiting…![UNESCO: “Deepest Concerns” for Mideast Christianity after Daesh/ISIL Razes oldest Iraqi Monastery](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/unesco-deepest-concerns-for-mide-187x137.jpg)
UNESCO: “Deepest Concerns” for Mideast Christianity after Daesh/ISIL Razes oldest Iraqi Monastery
UNESCO | (Media Services) | - - “I express my deepest concerns after the destruction of the Monastery of St Elijah. It was the oldest Christian monastery in Iraq and an invaluable…![Who’s Against the Successful Iran Deal? War Profiteers and Chauvinist Rabble Rousers](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/whos-against-the-successful-iran-187x137.jpg)
Who’s Against the Successful Iran Deal? War Profiteers and Chauvinist Rabble Rousers
By John Feffer | (Foreign Policy in Focus) | - - The Middle East is hardly a cheery place these days. But there's one silver lining: The Iran deal is paying off…![Arabs Caught between Trump and ISIL: Casino Capitalism driving backward Identity Politics Worldwide](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/arabs-caught-between-trump-and-i-187x137.jpg)
Arabs Caught between Trump and ISIL: Casino Capitalism driving backward Identity Politics Worldwide
Maged Mandour | ( OpenDemocracy) | - - Backwards looking politics is a malaise affecting both the west and east. It breeds violence as global elites clamber to maintain their grip on…![It’s the CO2, Stupid!: 2015 ‘by far’ Hottest Year on Record & New Torrid Normal](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/its-the-co2-stupid-2015-by-far-h-187x137.jpg)
It’s the CO2, Stupid!: 2015 ‘by far’ Hottest Year on Record & New Torrid Normal
By Janette Lindesay and Mark Howden | (The Conversation) | - - It’s official: 2015 was the hottest year on record. The US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has confirmed overnight that…![No, Gov. Snyder, Flint’s water wasn’t poisoned by “Government”: It was by your Appointee](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/no-gov-snyder-flints-water-wasnt-187x137.jpg)
No, Gov. Snyder, Flint’s water wasn’t poisoned by “Government”: It was by your Appointee
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Perhaps it is inevitable but it is a shame that some people are gaming out how to profit politically from the lead poisoning…![British Parliament Debates ban on Donald Trump: “He is a Wazzock!”](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/british-parliament-debates-ban-o-187x137.jpg)
British Parliament Debates ban on Donald Trump: “He is a Wazzock!”
AJ+ | (Video Report) - - "Members of the UK Parliament debated whether or not to let Donald Trump into their country after a petition to ban him got more than 570,000…![US Response to Saudi Wars & Human Rights Violations? $49 Bn. in new Arms Sales](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/us-response-to-saudi-wars-human-187x137.jpg)
US Response to Saudi Wars & Human Rights Violations? $49 Bn. in new Arms Sales
By Thalif Deen | (Inter Press Service) | - - UNITED NATIONS (IPS) - The West continues its strong political and military support to one of its longstanding allies in the Middle…![The Real Zombie Apocalypse: Climate Change](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/the-real-zombie-apocalypse-clima-187x137.jpg)
The Real Zombie Apocalypse: Climate Change
Bill McKibben | (Tomdispatch.com) | - - When I was a kid, I was creepily fascinated by the wrongheaded idea, current in my grade school, that your hair and your fingernails kept…![Palin for Trump: ‘Political Correctness’ (anti-racism) is a Suicide Bomb Vest](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/palin-for-trump-political-correc-187x137.jpg)
Palin for Trump: ‘Political Correctness’ (anti-racism) is a Suicide Bomb Vest
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - The term "political correctness" has a long and varying history, but what do Donald Trump and Sarah Palin mean when they attack it?…![Human Rights Watch: Businesses must cut off Israeli squatter settlements](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/human-rights-watch-businesses-mu-187x137.jpg)
Human Rights Watch: Businesses must cut off Israeli squatter settlements
Human Rights Watch | - - (Jerusalem) – Businesses should stop operating in, financing, servicing, or trading with Israeli settlements in order to comply with their human rights responsibilities, Human Rights Watch…![GOP Billionaires Complain Super-Pacs aren’t Buying Election Effectively](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/gop-billionaires-complain-super-187x137.jpg)
GOP Billionaires Complain Super-Pacs aren’t Buying Election Effectively
Cenk Uygur | (The Young Turks Video Report) | - - "Republican billionaires are used to being able to buy elections, and are now crying about how Super-PAC’s aren’t all-powerful. Donald Trump’s…![The Failure of Aljazeera America proves that the future of TV is the Web](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/the-failure-of-aljazeera-america-187x137.jpg)
The Failure of Aljazeera America proves that the future of TV is the Web
By Scott Bridges | (The Conversation) | - - Yesterday came the surprising announcement that Al Jazeera America (AJAM), the not even three-year-old US news franchise of the Arab media giant, was…![Israeli PM Netanyahu Still trying to derail Iran Nuclear Deal](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/israeli-pm-netanyahu-still-tryin-187x137.jpg)
Israeli PM Netanyahu Still trying to derail Iran Nuclear Deal
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - BBC Monitoring reports that over the weekend, even as the great Powers were certifying that Iran was in compliance with the UNSC deal…![A radical solution to Daesh/ ISIL: Stop Intervening in the Middle East](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/a-radical-solution-to-daesh-isil-187x137.jpg)
A radical solution to Daesh/ ISIL: Stop Intervening in the Middle East
Peter Van Buren | (Tomdispatch.com) | - - How can we stop the [so-called] Islamic State [group]? Imagine yourself shaken awake, rushed off to a strategy meeting with your presidential candidate of…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/362743C-187x137.jpg)
Israeli Squatters scrawl hate graffiti on Jerusalem Church
Ma'an News Agency | - - JERUSALEM (Ma’an) -- Suspected Israeli extremist wrote threatening hate speech on the doors of an ancient church in the Old City of Jerusalem >overnight Saturday, Wadie…![Jubilation in Iran on “Implementation Day” ending Sanctions](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/jubilation-in-iran-on-implementa-187x137.jpg)
Jubilation in Iran on “Implementation Day” ending Sanctions
By Mahsa Alimardani | ( Globalvoices.org) | - - Share this: The Sunday January 17 cover for Iranian reformist newspaper Ghanoon states: “Hello to a Iran without sanctions: We are…![On MLK Day, let’s Remember Ike’s warning about the Military-Industrial Complex](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/on-mlk-day-lets-remember-ikes-wa-187x137.jpg)
On MLK Day, let’s Remember Ike’s warning about the Military-Industrial Complex
By Shahid Buttar | Electronic Frontier Foundation [Sunday] marked the 55th anniversary of a world-historical speech by the last war hero to occupy the White House: President Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower. His…![Evangelical Militarism & Islamophobia? Does the Wheaton College Hawkins case signal a Problem?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/evangelical-militarism-islamopho-187x137.jpg)
Evangelical Militarism & Islamophobia? Does the Wheaton College Hawkins case signal a Problem?
By Damon F. Lynch | (Informed Comment) | - - Evangelical university Wheaton College has generated global attention by suspending and initiating the firing of Professor Larycia Hawkins. She had asserted that…![Daesh/ ISIL carries off 400 Women & Children from Deir al-Zor to a fate worse than Death](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/daesh-isil-carries-off-400-women-187x137.jpg)
Daesh/ ISIL carries off 400 Women & Children from Deir al-Zor to a fate worse than Death
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Daesh (ISIS, ISIL) on Sunday attacked an isolated outpost of the Syrian Arab Army in a few neighborhoods in the north of the…![Can Twitter be Sued for ‘Facilitating’ ISIL Terrorism?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/can-twitter-be-sued-for-facilita-187x137.jpg)
Can Twitter be Sued for ‘Facilitating’ ISIL Terrorism?
By Bruce Baer Arnold | (The Conversation) | - - If ISIS and its supporters use Twitter to facilitate terrorist action or merely spread propaganda, is the social network liable? A lawsuit…![Sanders: Michigan Governor Must Resign over Flint Lead-Poisoning Crisis](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/sanders-michigan-governor-must-r-187x137.jpg)
Sanders: Michigan Governor Must Resign over Flint Lead-Poisoning Crisis
By Common Dreams staff | ( Commondreams.org) | - - Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders on Saturday called on Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder to resign for his administration’s failure to…![Iraq: Ethnic Fighting endangers Civilians; now it’s Kurds and Shiites](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/iraq-ethnic-fighting-endangers-c-187x137.jpg)
Iraq: Ethnic Fighting endangers Civilians; now it’s Kurds and Shiites
Human Rights Watch | - - (Beirut) – Kurdish and Shia Turkmen armed groups have repeatedly harmed and endangered civilians in clashes in Iraq’s Tuz Khurmatu district, in Salah al-Din province, since…![Out of Gas in Iranian Waters](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/out-of-gas-in-iranian-waters-187x137.jpg)
Out of Gas in Iranian Waters
By Michael G. Roskin | (Informed Comment) | - - Why did two U.S. Navy boats drift into Iranian waters? And why was it so easy for Iran to capture them? The…![Israeli plan for minorities slammed as bid to ‘divide and conquer’](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/israeli-plan-for-minorities-slam-187x137.jpg)
Israeli plan for minorities slammed as bid to ‘divide and conquer’
By: Chloe Benoist | (Ma'an News Agency) | - - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A plan approved by Israel's cabinet last week to provide half a billion dollars worth of assistance to Israel's…![Triumph of Diplomacy: Iran, on cusp of Sanctions relief, releases 5 Iranian-American Detainees](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/triumph-of-diplomacy-iran-on-cus-187x137.jpg)
Triumph of Diplomacy: Iran, on cusp of Sanctions relief, releases 5 Iranian-American Detainees
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Iranian news agencies announced Saturday that the government had released four dual nationals (Iranian-Americans with both passports). A fifth release was later reported.…![Palestinian Kids Dodge Settler Attacks Daily](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/palestinian-kids-dodge-settler-a-187x137.jpg)
Palestinian Kids Dodge Settler Attacks Daily
AJ+ | - - "These Palestinian kids need an army escort to get to school." AJ+: "Palestinian Kids Dodge Settler Attacks"![Five years on, Tunisia’s Jasmine Revolution continues from the ground up](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/five-years-on-tunisias-jasmine-r-187x137.jpg)
Five years on, Tunisia’s Jasmine Revolution continues from the ground up
By Adnan Saif | (The Conversation) | - - Tunisians are marking five years since the culmination of their “Jasmine Revolution”. Since its longtime authoritarian leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was…![Americans more likely to get hit by Lightning than Terrorism, but 51% Fear It](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/americans-more-likely-to-get-hit-187x137.jpg)
Americans more likely to get hit by Lightning than Terrorism, but 51% Fear It
By Peter Certo | (Foreign Policy In Focus) | - - One in 3.5 million: That’s your annual risk of dying from a terrorist attack in the United States, at least according…![Swedish FM: Israel Extrajudicial killings; Netanyahu: OK to Kill Assailants](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/swedish-fm-israel-extrajudicial-187x137.jpg)
Swedish FM: Israel Extrajudicial killings; Netanyahu: OK to Kill Assailants
Ma'an News Agency | - - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday waded into a growing row over a call by Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom for an…![Noam Chomsky slams Turkish Pres. Erdogan for Arresting Academics, supporting Extremism](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/noam-chomsky-slams-turkish-pres-187x137.jpg)
Noam Chomsky slams Turkish Pres. Erdogan for Arresting Academics, supporting Extremism
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Matthew Weaver of the Guardian reports retired MIT linguist Noam Chomsky's reply to a personal attack by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan criticized…![War Talk, Jingoism and White Supremacy at GOP Debate](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/war-talk-jingoism-and-white-supr-187x137.jpg)
War Talk, Jingoism and White Supremacy at GOP Debate
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - The GOP presidential debate last night veered even further right on international issues, given the absence of Ron Paul, who represents the Libertarian…![For Iraqi Minorities, ‘Immigration No Longer A Choice, It’s Inevitable’](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/for-iraqi-minorities-immigration-187x137.jpg)
For Iraqi Minorities, ‘Immigration No Longer A Choice, It’s Inevitable’
By Saad Salloum | Baghdad| (Niqash.org) | - - In an interview, Raad Jabar al-Khamis, a representative of the Christian Sabean-Mandaean minority, talks about why all minorities in Iraq will leave the…![Israel Sued in US over Flotilla Attacks](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/israel-sued-in-us-over-flotilla-187x137.jpg)
Israel Sued in US over Flotilla Attacks
By IMEMC | - - Four people, including three Americans, have filed a civil suit against the state of Israel, seeking compensatory damages for injuries suffered during an attack aboard a U.S.…How a Medieval Muslim thinker invented Sociology
Stephen Dale/ Joseph Preville/ Julie Harbin | (ISLAMICommentary) | - - Column » ‘By the Book’ with Joseph Preville by JOSEPH RICHARD PREVILLE and JULIE POUCHER HARBIN for ISLAMiCommentary on JANUARY 7,…![How I Explained to My Impressionable Student That Islam Is Not Monolithic](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/how-i-explained-to-my-impression-187x137.jpg)
How I Explained to My Impressionable Student That Islam Is Not Monolithic
Asma Afsaruddin | (Huffington Post) | - - On Sept. 29, 2015, President Obama addressed the United Nations summit on violent extremism. He stated that part of the international effort to stamp…![Top 6 Wind Energy stories Today: Cost down 60% since 2009](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/top-6-wind-energy-stories-today-187x137.jpg)
Top 6 Wind Energy stories Today: Cost down 60% since 2009
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - 1. This press release from Windpower Engineering notes that in 2015: "The German electricity system has reached a new milestone, generating 85.4 billion…![The Fifth Anniversary of Arab Uprisings: A Turning point in Modern History?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/the-fifth-anniversary-of-arab-up-187x137.jpg)
The Fifth Anniversary of Arab Uprisings: A Turning point in Modern History?
By Farhang Jahanpour | (Informed Comment) | - - The tumultuous developments that have rocked the Arab world and have come to be known as the Arab Spring resulted in the toppling…![German lawmakers rush to respond to Cologne attacks as Vigilante Attacks Break Out](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/german-lawmakers-rush-to-respond-187x137.jpg)
German lawmakers rush to respond to Cologne attacks as Vigilante Attacks Break Out
by Dario Sarmadi (trans. by Samuel Morgan) | ( EurActiv.de) | - - After the attacks carried out on women in Cologne on New Year's Eve, the German government wants to act…![Once Auctioned, What to Do with Syrian Refugees?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/once-auctioned-what-to-do-with-s-187x137.jpg)
Once Auctioned, What to Do with Syrian Refugees?
By Baher Kamal | (Inter Press Service) | - - MADRID, Jan 12 2016 (IPS) - Few months ago, an unprecedented “humanitarian auction” was opened in Brussels at the European Commission, shortly…![US–Saudi relations and the search for leverage](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/us-saudi-relations-and-the-searc-187x137.jpg)
US–Saudi relations and the search for leverage
By Russell E. Lucas | (The Conversation) | - - Russell E. Lucas, Michigan State University The alliance between Saudi Arabia and the United States provides one of the foundations of American…![Obama: Islamophobia harms US Interests; Daesh/ISIL a dangerous Fringe](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/obama-islamophobia-harms-us-inte-187x137.jpg)
Obama: Islamophobia harms US Interests; Daesh/ISIL a dangerous Fringe
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - President Obama's last State of the Union address this year was largely lacking in specifics and replete with high ideals and ambitious goals…![Istanbul explosion: overview of this year’s surge in terror attacks in Turkey](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/istanbul-explosion-overview-of-t-187x137.jpg)
Istanbul explosion: overview of this year’s surge in terror attacks in Turkey
France 24 | (Video News Report) | - - "Istanbul explosion: overview of this year's surge in violence and terror attacks in Turkey. As no claim of responsibility has been issued for…![None of the GOP Candidates knows anything about Syria & Why that’s Scary](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/none-of-the-gop-candidates-knows-187x137.jpg)
None of the GOP Candidates knows anything about Syria & Why that’s Scary
By John Kiriakou | (Otherwords.org) | - - "Ending this imbroglio requires robust diplomacy." One ongoing theme [of the GOP campaign has] bothered me — a lot. It seems to me that…![UNRWA: Only 20% of Gaza Reconstruction Funds Received](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/unrwa-only-20-of-gaza-reconstruc-187x137.jpg)
UNRWA: Only 20% of Gaza Reconstruction Funds Received
By IMEMC | - - The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said that it received only 20 percent of the money needed for…![8,000 Suddenly Dead Birds in Alaska; What does it Mean](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/8000-suddenly-dead-birds-in-alas-187x137.jpg)
8,000 Suddenly Dead Birds in Alaska; What does it Mean?
AJ+ | - - "The death of about 8,000 Alaskan birds might be due to unusually warm waters. “Seabirds are indicators of the health of the ecosystem. Now they’re dying, and that…![The Oil Pricequake: From Russia to Saudi Arabia & Iran, a suddenly Perilous World](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/the-oil-pricequake-from-russia-t-187x137.jpg)
The Oil Pricequake: From Russia to Saudi Arabia & Iran, a suddenly Perilous World
By Michael T. Klare | ( Tomdispatch.com) | - - As 2015 drew to a close, many in the global energy industry were praying that the price of oil would bounce back…![Prince of Araby: The reckless power behind the Saudi throne](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/prince-of-araby-the-reckless-pow-187x137.jpg)
Prince of Araby: The reckless power behind the Saudi throne
By Susan de Muth | ( OpenDemocracy) | - - King Salman's son Mohammad seems to be piloting Saudi Arabia into a series of ever more risky adventures. In the past year,…![New Polls: Is Bernie Sanders *more* electable than Sec. Clinton?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/new-polls-is-bernie-sanders-more-187x137.jpg)
New Polls: Is Bernie Sanders *more* electable than Sec. Clinton?
Cenk Uygur | (The Young Turks Video Report) | - - "Here comes Bernie! New polls show Hillary Clinton’s Iowa lead is all but gone… within the margin of error. She has…![Thwarted Territorially in Ramadi, Daesh reverts to Terrorism in Baghdad](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/thwarted-territorially-in-ramadi-187x137.jpg)
Thwarted Territorially in Ramadi, Daesh reverts to Terrorism in Baghdad
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - One of the problems Iraq and Syria will face as Daesh (ISIS, ISIL) is gradually rolled back from its territorial acquisitions is that…![Putin: Syria’s Al-Assad welcome to Refuge in Russia](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/putin-syrias-al-assad-welcome-to-187x137.jpg)
Putin: Syria’s Al-Assad welcome to Refuge in Russia
Vladimir Putin | (Der Bild) | - - Excerpt from part II of Russian President Vladimir Putin's interview in the German publication, Der Bild, on Jan. 12, 2016, according to the Kremlin…![The Best Way to Close Guantanamo? Give It Back to Cuba](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/the-best-way-to-close-guantanamo-187x137.jpg)
The Best Way to Close Guantanamo? Give It Back to Cuba
By Alli McCracken | (Foreign Policy in Focus) | - - In one fell swoop, President Obama could erase the stain of Guantanamo and make major headway on normalization with Cuba. President…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/5c1ee48e3d9e4b9f8cc90e2ffca2fada.square.png)
Politics, not just Bombs, will defeat ISIL/ Daesh
By Frank-Walter Steinmeier | (Project Syndicate) | - - BERLIN – The November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris – which struck at the heart of France and of Europe as a whole…![Offices of Israeli Human Rights & Peace Group B’Tselem Torched in Jerusalem](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/offices-of-israeli-human-rights-187x137.jpg)
Why Arson was suspected in Fire at Offices of Israeli Human Rights & Peace Group B’Tselem
Nir Hasson | Haaretz | (Video News Report) | - - Update: N.B. an investigation by the Jerusalem fire brigade appears to have concluded that an electrical wiring fault was responsible for…![Oregon Standoff: What If The Armed Men Were Muslim Or Black?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/oregon-standoff-what-if-the-arme-187x137.jpg)
Oregon Standoff: What If The Armed Men Were Muslim Or Black?
Jessica Sherry | AJ+ | (Video News Report) | - - "The Ammon Bundy–led armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon isn't just about land rights. Dena Takruri gets…![Beset by Loneliness and Memories, Syrian Refugees Struggle in even in Safe Spaces](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/beset-by-loneliness-and-memories-187x137.jpg)
Beset by Loneliness and Memories, Syrian Refugees Struggle even in Safe Spaces
By Silvia Boarini | (Inter Press Service) | - - ZARQa, Jordan (IPS) - Emelline Mahmoud Ilyas is an outgoing 35-year-old mother of three from Syria. Sitting in a community centre in…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/355328C-187x137.jpg)
Majority of Jerusalem Palestinians detained in 2015 were minors
Ma'an News Agency | - - JERUSALEM (Ma’an) -- Israeli forces detained more than 1,900 Palestinians from occupied East Jerusalem in 2015, the majority of whom were minors, a prisoners’ rights group…![How We Learned to Stop Worrying About People and Love the Bombing](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/how-we-learned-to-stop-worrying-187x137.jpg)
How We Learned to Stop Worrying About People and Love the Bombing
By Rick Shenkman | (Tomdispatch.com) | - - After Senator Ted Cruz suggested that the United States begin carpet bombing Islamic State (IS) forces in Syria, the reaction was swift. Hillary Clinton…![How the fate of Syria’s al-Assad divides the GOP Field: Cruz, Trump, Rubio](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/how-the-fate-of-syrias-al-assad-187x137.jpg)
How the fate of Syria’s al-Assad divides the GOP Field: Cruz, Trump, Rubio
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Foreign policy is not a strong suit for most of the Republican candidates for president. Many of them probably couldn't find Syria on…![Teen Girl Accused Of Bullying For Criticizing Israel](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/teen-girl-accused-of-bullying-fo-187x137.jpg)
Teen Girl Accused Of Bullying For Criticizing Israel
Ana Kasparian, Jimmy Dore, Jayar Jackson, and Becca Frucht | (The Young Turks Video) | - - "A teen in New Jersey has been reprimanded by her high school for bullying. She…![Media Blackout on Bernie Sanders Continues even though he leads Trump in Polls](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/media-blackout-on-bernie-sanders-187x137.jpg)
Media Blackout on Bernie Sanders Continues even though he leads Trump in Polls
By Jim Hightower | (Otherwords) | - - The Tyndall Report, a non-partisan media monitoring firm that has been tracking the nightly news broadcasts of ABC, CBS, and NBC, found that Trump…![The Saudi-Iranian crisis reveals a deep power struggle in Tehran](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/the-saudi-iranian-crisis-reveals-187x137.jpg)
The Saudi-Iranian crisis reveals a deep power struggle in Tehran
By Kamran Matin | (The Conversation) | - - Ever since Saudi Arabia’s execution of Shia dissident Nimr al-Nimr was met with violent protests at the Saudi embassy in Iran, the two…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/Pentagon_Press_Secretary_Navy_Rear_Adm._John_Kirby_briefs_reporters_at_the_Pentagon_March_27_2014_140327-D-NI589-064-750x489-187x137.jpg)
US: Israeli Defense Minister ‘undermining’ two-state solution
Ma'an News Agency | - - ISRAEL (Ma’an) -- The United States came down Friday on a decision by Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon to incorporate a southern West Bank church compound…![Russian Airstrike on al-Qaeda Lair hits Prison, as US hypocritically slams Moscow](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/russian-airstrike-on-al-qaeda-la-187x137.jpg)
Russian Strike on al-Qaeda Lair kills 51 at Prison, as US hypocritically slams Moscow
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - The Russian air war against al-Qaeda in Syria (the Nusra Front or the Support Front) took a tragic turn on Saturday when a…![Paiute Native Tribe: Oregon Militia is Polluting our Ancestral Land](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/paiute-native-tribe-oregon-milit-187x137.jpg)
Paiute Native Tribe: Oregon Militia is Polluting our Ancestral Land
AJ+ | (Video News Report) | - - "The armed group occupying a federal wildlife refuge in Burns, Oregon, are being sent a message from the indigenous Paiute tribe whose actual ancestral…![People in Lead-Poisoned Flint Still without clean Water](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/people-in-lead-poisoned-flint-st-187x137.jpg)
People in Lead-Poisoned Flint Still without clean Water
By Andrea Germanos, staff writer | (Commondreams.org) | - - Important Reminder in the Flint Crisis: People Still Have No Safe WaterEmergency declared by governor, but there is no city- or state-run…![Yemen: Coalition Drops Cluster Bombs in Capital: Indiscriminate Weapon Used in Residential Areas](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/yemen-coalition-drops-cluster-bo-187x137.jpg)
Yemen: Coalition Drops Cluster Bombs in Capital: Indiscriminate Weapon Used in Residential Areas
Human Rights Watch | - - (Beirut) – Saudi Arabia-led coalition forces airdropped cluster bombs on residential neighborhoods in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, early on January 6, 2016. It is not yet clear…![The Ultimate Blowback from U.S. Foreign Policy? Donald Trump.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/the-ultimate-blowback-from-u-s-f-187x137.jpg)
The Ultimate Blowback from U.S. Foreign Policy? Donald Trump.
By Walden Bello | ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) | - - How the CIA, bad trade deals, and wanton military intervention caused the social crises that gave us the Donald.…![Jews and Arabs Kiss in Protest against Banning of Novel](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/jews-and-arabs-kiss-in-protest-a-187x137.jpg)
Jews and Arabs Kiss in Protest against Banning of Novel
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Dorit Rabinyan's novel Borderlife treats a love affair in New York between an Israeli woman and a Palestinian man, which ends when they…![Burns, Or. Residents to Armed Bundy Men: ‘Leave; Now.’](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/burns-or-residents-to-armed-bund-187x137.jpg)
Burns, Or. Residents to Armed Bundy Men: ‘Leave! Now!’
AJ+ | (Video News Report) - - "The town of Burns, Oregon, has mixed messages for Ammon Bundy and his crew of armed occupiers at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Dena Takruri…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/67796745-6F55-4466-BC99-B74CDDDF85FA_w640_s-187x137.jpg)
In Cartoons: How Iranians, Saudis See Each Other
By Joanna Paraszczuk and Golnaz Esfandiari | ( RFE/RL ) | - - Cartoonists on each side of an Iranian-Saudi diplomatic dispute are highlighting what they perceive as the other's double standards. …![Turning to the Dark Side: US Candidates Compete to Promise the Most Torture and Slaughter](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/turning-to-the-dark-side-us-cand-187x137.jpg)
Turning to the Dark Side: US Candidates Compete to Promise the Most Torture and Slaughter
By Rebecca Gordon | ( Tomdispatch.com ) | - - They’re back! From the look of the presidential campaign, war crimes are back on the American agenda. We really shouldn’t be surprised,…![Airline apologizes for letting Racist Israelis force Palestinian-Israeli passengers off Plane](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/airline-apologizes-for-letting-r-187x137.jpg)
Airline apologizes for letting Racist Israelis force Palestinian-Israeli passengers off Plane
Ma'an News Agency | - - BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- Greek Aegean airlines on Wednesday apologized to PLO Secretary-General Saeb Erekat for the forced removal of two Palestinians from a flight. CEO of…![Syrian Army lets food Aid into Besieged Madaya](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/syrian-army-lets-food-aid-into-b-187x137.jpg)
Syrian Army lets food Aid into Starving Madaya
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - France24 Arabic reports that the Syrian government agreed Thursday to allow humanitarian aid into Madaya and two other besieged towns near the Lebanese…![In Irony, Trump Trolls Ted Cruz with Birtherism; WH Amused](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/in-irony-trump-trolls-ted-cruz-w-187x137.jpg)
In Irony, Trump Trolls Ted Cruz with Birtherism; WH Amused
Nancy Cordes | CBS Evening News | (Video News Report) | - - "Donald Trump is back in the "birther" game. The GOP presidential candidate is taking on Ted Cruz by questioning…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/Rycina_Chrystusa_1-187x137.jpg)
An Islamic Reformation? There have been Many
Sami Zubaida | ( Open Democracy) | - - We keep hearing calls for an ‘Islamic Reformation’, but the Protestant Reformation was not a liberal enterprise: it was the original ‘fundamentalism’, whence…![Britain’s Debate over Banning Trump by the Numbers](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/britains-debate-over-banning-tru-187x137.jpg)
Britain’s Debate over Banning Trump by the Numbers
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - The British parliament will debate a motion to ban Donald Trump from the UK on January 18. Typically 100,000 signatures on a petition…![Why have we normalized Islamophobia?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/why-have-we-normalized-islamopho-187x137.jpg)
Why have we normalized Islamophobia?
By John Esposito | ( OUPBlog) | - - The horrific attacks in Paris and San Bernardino have captured headlines and triggered responses from journalists, politicians, and religious leaders. Some Western heads…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/SAC_front_cover__74193.1442585697.826.1280-641x960-187x137.jpg)
Separating anti-Semitism from Anti-Zionism
By Lillian Rosengarten | (Informed Comment) | - - The distinction between Zionism and Judaism remains in constant need of clarification and discussion. Fanatics closed to discussion believe in their moral superiority…![How Realistic is the Big 5 Peace Plan for Syria?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/how-realistic-is-the-big-5-peace-187x137.jpg)
How Realistic is the Big 5 Peace Plan for Syria?
By Baher Kamal | (IPS) | - - MADRID (IPS) - The “big five” – i.e., the most military powerful states on earth (US, UK, France, Russia and China) have just agreed…![The Surprising Reasons Washington’s ISIL Obsession obscures the Real Threats](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/the-surprising-reasons-washingto-187x137.jpg)
The Surprising Reasons Washington’s ISIL Obsession obscures the Real Threats
By Tom Engelhardt | ( Tomdispatch.com) It’s time to panic! As 2015 ended, this country was certifiably terror-stricken. It had the Islamic State (IS) on the brain. Hoax terror threats or terror imbroglios…![ISIL/ Daesh Threatens to attack Saudi Arabia after Executions](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/isil-daesh-threatens-to-attack-s-187x137.jpg)
ISIL/ Daesh Threatens to attack Saudi Arabia after Executions
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Daesh (ISIS, ISIL) has pledged to attack and destroy the two Saudi political prisons, al-Ha'ir (Riyadh) and al-Tarfiya (Qaseem region), where Muslim radicals…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/157534-187x137.jpg)
What is an H-Bomb?
Arirang News | (Video Short Documentary) | - - "So North Korea claims it′s a hydrogen not an atomic bomb that it′s tested. But what exactly is the difference, and if true…![A Letter from Norway on our Epidemic of Mass Shootings](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/a-letter-from-norway-on-our-epid-187x137.jpg)
A Letter from Norway on our Epidemic of Mass Shootings
By John L Hanson | (Informed Comment) | - - Why is it easier to buy a gun than to board a Plane? Why doesn’t America change their weapon law? What is…![In Iraq, some Sunni refugees’ bulwark against ISIL is . . . the Gated Community](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/in-iraq-some-sunni-refugees-bulw-187x137.jpg)
In Iraq, some Sunni refugees’ bulwark against ISIL is . . . the Gated Community
Kamal al-Ayash | Fallujah | (Niqash.org) | - - Families who fled the [so-called] Islamic State [group] have found new homes in a residential complex south of Fallujah. But even with several…![Saudi Arabia: Prominent Shia Cleric dead in largest mass execution since 1980](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/saudi-arabia-prominent-shia-cler-187x137.jpg)
Saudi Arabia: Prominent Shia Cleric dead in largest mass execution since 1980
Human Rights Watch | - - (Beirut) – Saudi authorities carried out the largest mass execution in the country since 1980, putting 47 men to death on January 2, 2016. According to…![Iraqi Shiites up in Arms against Saudi “Spying on behalf of ISIL/Daesh”](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/iraqi-shiites-up-in-arms-against-187x137.jpg)
Iraqi Shiites up in Arms, claim Saudi “Spying on behalf of ISIL/Daesh”
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Saudi Arabia's execution on Saturday of prominent Shiite cleric Nimr Baqir al-Nimr has so far not created a crisis between Riyadh and the…![Do Drug Gangs in Mexico kill more than ISIL? & other Big Security threats that will Surprise You?](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/do-drug-gangs-in-mexico-kill-mor-187x137.jpg)
Do Drug Gangs in Mexico kill more than ISIL? & other Big Security threats that will Surprise You
By Natasha Ezrow | (The Conversation) | - - This has been a remarkably violent year – and many of the worst threats to human security that have dogged people all over…![White Oregon Terrorists mocked: YeeHaw-dists, Y’all-Qaeda](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/white-oregon-terrorists-mocked-y-187x137.jpg)
White Oregon Terrorists mocked: YeeHaw-dists, Y’all-Qaeda
AJ+ | (Video Report) | - - "A group of armed men took over a building on federal land in remote western Oregon. They've been there for a few days without any…![Syrian Peace Groups: This is not a Civil War, it is a Set of Foreign Invasions](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/syrian-peace-groups-this-is-not-187x137.jpg)
Syrian Peace Groups: This is not a Civil War, it is a Set of Foreign Invasions
By Mairead Maguire | (Inter Press Service) |- - BELFAST (IPS) - In November 2015 I visited Syria together with an International Peace delegation. This was my third visit to Syria in…![Vatican: Historic Accord with Palestine Takes Effect](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/vatican-historic-accord-with-pal-187x137.jpg)
Vatican: Historic Accord with Palestine Takes Effect
By IMEMC | - - The Vatican’s first accord with the Palestinians — an agreement that Israel has attacked as counter-productive to the Middle East peace process — has come into force,…![The Question isn’t of Saving the World via Renewables but of how Much can be Saved](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/the-question-isnt-of-saving-the-187x137.jpg)
The Question isn’t of Saving the World via Renewables but of how Much can be Saved
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Humanity is not abandoning fossil fuels fast enough to avoid some massive changes to our world's climate, with all the implications that change…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/Sheikh_Nemer_Baqir_Al-Nemer_by_Talkhandak-187x137.jpg)
Saudi Arabia Executes Top Shia Cleric Nimr Al Nimr Under “Terrorism” Charges
By Amira Al Hussaini | ( GlobalVoices.org) Saudi Arabia announced today it had executed 47 people under “terrorism” charges, including top shia cleric Nimr Al Nimr who was seen as a leader…![Turkish Pres. Erdogan cites Hitler in case for Presidential System](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/turkish-pres-erdogan-cites-hitle-187x137.jpg)
Turkish Pres. Erdogan cites Hitler in case for Presidential System
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday cited Hitler in support of his contention that a presidential system can coexist with a "unitary state,"…![In the past 12 months, Iraqis finally lost all Hope](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/in-the-past-12-months-iraqis-fin-187x137.jpg)
In the past 12 months, Iraqis finally lost all Hope
By Mustafa Habib | Baghdad | (Niqash.org) | - - In 2015, every Iraqi – almost without exception – paid a price for events in their country. Some Iraqis lost their jobs,…![Palestinian population to exceed Jewish population by 2020 in Israel/Palestine](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/palestinian-population-to-exceed-187x137.jpg)
Palestinian population to exceed that of Jews by 2020 in Israel/Palestine
Ma'an News Agency | - - BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- Figures released by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics on Thursday suggested that Palestinians will outnumber Israeli Jews in historic Palestine by 2020.…![Radical Al-Shabab uses Trump in Recruiting Video & Muslim preachers denounce him along with ISIL](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/radical-al-shabab-uses-trump-in-187x137.jpg)
Radical Al-Shabab uses Trump in Recruiting Video & Muslim preachers denounce him along with ISIL
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - The foremost academic expert on Daesh (ISIS, ISIL) and Muslim radical thought, Will McCants at Brookings, tweeted out late Friday: Shabab uses Trump's…![Strangest New Year’s Eve Celebrations From Around The World](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/strangest-new-years-eve-celebrat-187x137.jpg)
Strangest New Year’s Eve Celebrations From Around The World
AJ+ | (Video report) | - - "While fireworks are a common sight in many countries for New Year's, some parts of the world celebrate in a more traditional manner." AJ+: "Strange…![Top 7 Middle East Foreign Policy Challenges in 2016](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/01/top-7-middle-east-foreign-policy-187x137.jpg)
Top 7 Middle East Foreign Policy Challenges in 2016
By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | - - My own feeling is that the US engagement with the Middle East is likely to remain so intense only for another two decades…![](http://web.archive.org./web/20170630221938im_/https://media.juancole.com/images/2016/04/wikiYishuvEliShomron-187x137.jpg)