Perhaps it would be courageous for the US and the UK to take the initiative and acknowledge the repercussions of their floundering policies, both on their own countries as well as on the Iraqi people and Arab world. However, it is not enough to merely acknowledge these mistakes. While an apology fro
Johannesburg, Reuters—The leader of South Africa’s AMCU union said on Friday a wage deal with the top three platinum producers was imminent, signalling a possible end to a crippling five-month strike that has disrupted global output of the metal. Workers from the Association of Mineworkers and
Erbil, Asharq Al-Awsat—Kurdish Peshmerga forces remained in complete control of Kirkuk on Friday, with local media reporting that Kurdish forces are moving beyond the city to contain Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters. In comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs spokes
Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat—As the Al-Qaeda inspired Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) continues to make sweeping advances in the north and west of Iraq, the main question is how the Iraqi government will respond to the threat. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat by telephone, Iraqi foreign minister Hoshyar
Ankara, Reuters—Shi’te Muslim Iran is so alarmed by Sunni insurgent gains in Iraq that it may be willing to cooperate with Washington in helping Baghdad fight back, a senior Iranian official told Reuters. The idea is being discussed internally among the Islamic Republic’s leadership, the
Baghdad, AP—Militants who seized large swaths of Iraq’s Sunni heartland with lightning advances this week have pushed into an ethnically mixed province and captured two towns northeast of Baghdad, officials said Friday as neighboring Shi’ite powerhouse Iran signaled its willingness to co
Sao Paulo, Reuters—Brazil exploded with street parties as its football team won the World Cup’s opening game on Thursday but scattered violent protests were a reminder that many locals remain angry over the billions spent to host the tournament. Millions of fans dressed in Brazil’s canar
Sao Paolo, Associated Press—Neymar showed why he is carrying Brazil’s hopes at the World Cup, scoring twice on Thursday to help the underwhelming hosts escape a disappointing start to the tournament. With Brazil struggling and down a goal against a spirited Croatian team, Neymar came through t
On Monday, June 16, Iran will kick off its FIFA World Cup campaign in Brazil with a match against Nigeria. It’s likely to be the start of a disappointing campaign. If Iran is to qualify for the next round, it will have to finish at least second in a group containing Argentina and Bosnia. It’s [&hell
London, Reuters—Egypt is pressing ahead with plans to develop a new wheat storage facility and expand port operations at two terminals in the Suez area as the country looks to bolster strategic food reserves and attract investment, a top port official said. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, who as arm
Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat—Egypt’s political parties are capable of forming a strong and effective parliament following elections later this year, veteran Egyptian politician Amr Moussa said. His comments come after the passage of a controversial parliamentary election law by an outgoing interim preside
Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat—The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leadership has agreed to form a “working group” to foster coordination in order to address the escalating problems and risks related to incitement and sedition on social media, Bahraini Communications Minister Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Kh
Having written about politicians of many nationalities for decades, I thought I had become vaccinated against being surprised by how low they could wallow in cynicism. And yet last week I was surprised to learn I was not beyond being surprised. Here’s why: In the past few days, the official media in
I hesitated a bit before choosing this dramatic title for my article. My hesitation was due perhaps, first, to my hope that I may be mistaken; and, second, I did not want to seem like I was copying Francis Fukuyama’s thesis in his book, The End of History and the Last Man, which he had […]
Beirut, Asharq Al-Awsat—The Syrian National Coalition, the main Syrian opposition umbrella group, is preparing to elect new defense and interior ministers to the Western-backed interim opposition government. The cabinet reshuffle comes two days after a senior member of the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood
Moscow, Reuters—Russia plans to submit a draft resolution to the UN Security Council to put pressure on Ukraine to implement a “road map” to peace, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted as saying on Thursday. The road map was drawn up by the Organization for Security and Cooperation
Sana’a, Asharq Al-Awsat—Yemen’s embattled President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi has sought to stymie the latest wave of popular protests against his government with a Cabinet reshuffle that has seen the appointment of new ministers of oil, electricity and finance. The move comes after several days
Islamabad, AP—A suspected US missile strike targeted a militant compound early Thursday in a northwestern tribal district in Pakistan near the Afghan border, killing at least 10 people, Pakistani intelligence officials said. It was the second such strike since Wednesday night, when three militants d
Baghdad, Asharq Al-Awsat—Calls from Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki on Tuesday for a state of emergency to be declared have split lawmakers across the political spectrum, as Al-Qaeda–linked fighters continue to make rapid strategic gains across the country. The Iraqi prime minister urged t
Beirut, Asharq Al-Awsat—Like the rest of the world, Lebanon is gearing up for this year’s FIFA World Cup, and they’re raising the flags of each of the 32 participating nations to show their support. Judging from the number of flags displayed in restaurants and cafes, on cars and draped over balconie
