Eric Black Ink
Dennis Ross’ coherent way of understanding the Mideast — and a strong counter argument
Ross, who has worked on Middle East issues for several presidents, makes his case, but gets push back during a University of Minnesota forum.
Middle East
Christian Science Monitor
Israel vs. Hamas: The conflict by the numbers
The exchange of Hamas rockets and Israeli missiles began on July 8. A look at a few telling metrics, which only begin to shed light on the conflict.
Christian Science Monitor
US Supreme Court to hear dispute over ‘Jerusalem, Israel’ as birthplace
An American couple wants their son’s passport to read, “Jerusalem, Israel,” not simply “Jerusalem.” The court will consider whether a 2002 US law giving them that option trumps a State Department policy.
Christian Science Monitor
The Middle East’s Silicon Valley moment
The Middle East is becoming a hotbed of online entrepreneurs. E-commerce sales grew 70 percent in 2011, outpacing all other regions.
Christian Science Monitor
Friends again? Saudi Arabia, UAE jump in to aid Egypt
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait have pledged a total $12 billion to Egypt as it struggles to get back on its feet.
Global Post
A hungry Gaza finds sustenance in urban farms
With much of Gaza’s farmland swallowed by Israel’s buffer zone, experts say urban aquaponic farms can curb food insecurity in the cramped territory.
Christian Science Monitor
In Middle East, public rejects arming Syrian rebels: poll
A Pew Center poll found that large majorities worry that an influx of arms — from Western or Arab sources — will increase violence and instability in the region.
Christian Science Monitor
Israel shoots down drone, Hezbollah denies it’s theirs
The Shiite militant group in Lebanon has sent drones over Israel in the past, linking their use to Israeli violations of Lebanon’s airspace.
Christian Science Monitor
US loses a West Bank darling with resignation of Palestinian prime minister
Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, who resigned this weekend, was liked by the US, but he had less approval at home, where many saw him as a lackey of the West.
Global Post
Is Qatar abandoning Egypt?
As Egypt continues its descent into chaos, a major financial backer appears to be bowing out.
Global Post
Obama in Israel: A new direction for American foreign policy?
Obama’s speech in Israel, as well as the reaction to it, have left a deep impression on Israelis.
Global Post
Introducing the Kerry Initiative: a secret, new Mideast peace plan
On his first visit to Israel, President Barack Obama may have brought a new peace plan hidden in the most visible place possible: his new secretary of state.
Christian Science Monitor
Obama arrives in a Middle East upended since his 2009 visit
President Obama arrived in Israel today for a regional visit in which he will have to juggle three rapidly ticking time bombs: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Syria’s war, and Iran’s nuclear program.
Global Post
Palestinians hold low expectations for Obama visit
Disappointed with the Obama Administration, Palestinians don’t expect much from the 5 hours the president will spend in the West Bank next week.
Global Post
In Syria, one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter
It’s a vital distinction that, as evidenced by US reluctance to intervene in Syria, could influence the outcome of the conflict.
