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Juan Cole

Juan Cole is the founder and chief editor of Informed Comment. He is Richard P. Mitchell Distinguished University Professor in the History Department at the University of Michigan He is author of, among many other books, Muhammad: Prophet of Peace amid the Clash of Empires and The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Follow him on Twitter at @jricole or the Informed Comment Facebook Page

Featured
Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel Rally against Military Conscription, with one Killed after they attack Bus

Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel Rally against Military Conscription, with one Killed after they attack Bus

Juan Cole

An Israeli police statement blamed the demonstrators, saying that they had disturbed the peace, closed off streets, damaged buses

China
Vietnam on the Nile? With Chinese investment, Egypt turns to Solar Panel Manufacturing

Vietnam on the Nile? With Chinese investment, Egypt turns to Solar Panel Manufacturing

Juan Cole

If Egyptians manage their affairs well, they could become the Vietnam of the Middle East with regard to solar panel production.

Iran
“A Blind Understanding:”  FitzGerald’s The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám 1:33

“A Blind Understanding:” FitzGerald’s The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám 1:33

Juan Cole

No one has peeked behind the veil of fate. / No one’s discovered destiny’s secret

Donald Trump
Top 5 Mistakes Bush made in Iraq that Trump is making in Venezuela

Top 5 Mistakes Bush made in Iraq that Trump is making in Venezuela

Juan Cole

The Bush administration attacked Iraq in 2003 without any foundation in international law.

Constitution
Taking an Oath on the Qur’an, like Mamdani, attests its Long History in America

Taking an Oath on the Qur’an, like Mamdani, attests its Long History in America

Juan Cole

But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg

Featured
“Reviving old Desires:”  Saadi and Omar Khayyam  on Celebrating the New Year

“Reviving old Desires:” Saadi and Omar Khayyam on Celebrating the New Year

Juan Cole

The dawn wind wafts the scent of the New Year / to friends’ delight and triumphant good cheer.

Iran
“A door to which I found no key:” FitzGerald’s The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám 1:32

“A door to which I found no key:” FitzGerald’s The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám 1:32

Juan Cole

Not you nor I have known the secrets of eternity. / Not you nor I have solved the riddle that the letter hides

Iran
“Through the Seventh Gate:” FitzGerald’s The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám 1:31

“Through the Seventh Gate:” FitzGerald’s The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám 1:31

Juan Cole

From earth’s dark depths to Saturn’s pinnacle / I solved the puzzles of the turning skies.

Climate Crisis
2025 Climate Good News: Sustainables met all new Demand, EVs 25% of New Car Sales, Global Heating Projections fell to 2.8º C.

2025 Climate Good News: Sustainables met all new Demand, EVs 25% of New Car Sales, Global Heating Projections fell to 2.8º C.

Juan Cole

The most significant green energy good news stories we covered in 2025

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Juan Cole
P. O. Box 4218,
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548
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Gaza Yet Stands


Juan Cole's New Ebook at Amazon. Click Here to Buy
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Muhammad: Prophet of Peace amid the Clash of Empires



Click here to Buy Muhammad: Prophet of Peace amid the Clash of Empires.

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam


Click here to Buy The Rubaiyat.
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