The Commonwealth and Arab-Israel Reconciliation
In 2016 Commonwealth Day falls on March 14. That may not mean much to some people, but to the 53 member nations of the Commonwealth, representing some 2.2 billion people,…
The Truth International Law Proclaims About the Palestinian Territories (Part One)
Recently, the Israeli Supreme Court refused to reconsider a decision to demolish the unrecognized Bedouin village of Umm Al-Hiran, and ordered to evict all its residents, Adalah centre reported on…
Art Beyond Asylum
GERMANY – Art is a powerful means of expression. It played significant roles in times of peace and war. While the scene in Syria has become blurred with the emergence…
Cessation of Hostilities in Syria – Was John Kerry Outplayed?
One week ago, I wrote an article titled The U.S.-Russia brokered ceasefire in Syria – are we being naive? which I closed with this thought: “These [ceasefire monitoring] working groups…
Triumph of Song: Syrian Musicians Build New Orchestra In Germany
No matter what the Syrian Expat Philharmonic Orchestra plays, it’s a song of solidarity. Founded by musician-activists in Bremen, Germany, the orchestra composed of Syrian and local musicians came together…
Reformists Set to Make Gains in Iranian Election
Preliminary results show candidates from Iran’s powerful hard-line camp have lost ground in parliament, while moderates poised to win top spot on powerful clerical body. Partial election results in Iran…
Arab-Israel Peace – A New Approach Is Needed (Part Two)
What is the point of flogging a dead horse? The Israeli-Palestinian peace carriage has advanced not an inch in the 68 years since the founding of the state of Israel.…
Turkish Jets Patrol Border As Syria Cease-Fire Largely Holds
Turkey was on 27 February 2016 closely following a landmark UN-backed cease-fire in Syria that came into effect at midnight in the war-torn country. Turkish Air Force F-16s continuously patrol…
Arab-Israel Peace – France’s Bid to Lead the Process (Part One)
On 16 February 2016 France formally endorsed the plan, originally outlined in December 2014 by its former foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, for an internationally-backed summit to be held in Paris…
Turkey Releases Syrian Journalist Rami Jarrah
Rami Jarrah has been released! Syrian journalist Rami Jarrah was arrested by Turkish authorities on Tuesday last week. We don’t know why he was arrested – we only know he…