The parallels between the 2002 push for into a disastrous and unnecessary one-trillion-dollar war in Iraq and our current conflict with Iran are “astonishing”:
- Sanctioning Iran Is an Act of War (Anti-War)
The sectarian system imposed on Lebanon by the French was slightly reformed after the civil war, but some think it is time to scrap it completely:
- Civil Marriage Not Civil War, Say Secular Lebanese (Reuters / Washington Post)
Western forces are eager to end poppy production, but for them alcohol is different, and their “privileged existence rankles many” Afghanis:
“Gaza was for centuries the primary trade outlet of the hinterland of Jordan and the greater Arabian Peninsula… The Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Mamluks, and Ottomans all ruled us. There are secrets of history under every square meter”:
- Gaza Strip Moves to Preserve its Abundant Ancient Treasure (Christian Science Monitor)
A Palestinian mayor has come to the conclusion that the Israeli High Court’s order to allow Palestinians use of the highway through their own land is “just for public relations”:
- Sharing a West Bank Highway Proves a Tall Order for Israel, Palestinians (Washington Post)
A Taliban spokesman denied involvement and condemned the targeting of girls’ schools:
- Afghan School Girls ‘Poisoned‘ (Al Jazeera)
Marginalized by the importance of Pakistan, India hopes to reestablish itself as a leader in the reconstruction of Afghanistan: