Middle East

By Carlyn Meyer | (Informed Comment) — For years, AIPAC and the Netanyahu government in Israel have tried to mark the Iran nuclear talks as a “Jewish” or ‘Israeli’ concern distinct from a world interest in nuclear non-proliferation. In this way, they were able (with plenty of help from the media) to control the framework […]

Featured

Israel’s Government Ratchets even Further Right: Great Moments in Colonialism

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) – Binyamin Netanyahu has succeeded in putting together a shaky coalition of parties that would give him 61 seats in the 120-member Israeli parliament. In such fragile coalitions, each small party has enormous power, since if it left, it would cause the government to fall and provoke new elections. […]

Apartheid

Israel Slammed Over Treatment of Palestinian Children in Detention

contributors

By Mel Frykberg | – RAMALLAH, West Bank (IPS) – Palestine’s ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, has sent a letter to the U.N. Security Council demanding that action be taken against Israel over the abuse of Palestinian children after they have been arrested by Israeli security forces. “Every single day and in countless […]

Iraq

Holy War Hotel: 5-star resort opens for ISIS supporters in Iraq

contributors

RT | – “It may look like any other top resort in Iraq, but the Ninawa International Hotel in Mosul has one major difference. It is the first 5-star hotel for Islamic State jihadists. It includes a swimming pool and tennis court… but no bar.” RT: “Jihad Hotel: 5-star resort opens for ISIS supporters in […]

African-Americans

“Killing Me Softly” in Palestine: Lauryn Hill Cancels Israel Concert under BDS Pressure

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | – In another sign that Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s far-right nationalism is turning Israel into a pariah state, pop star Lauryn Hill has cancelled a planned concert outside Tel Aviv. She was subjected to a great deal of pressure from fans on social media to withdraw the […]

censorship

Iranian Police Arrest Leading Human Rights Activist Again

contributors

By Golnaz Esfandiari | (RFE/RL) | – Narges Mohammadi, the deputy head of the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC) co-founded by Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, was arrested on May 5 at her home in Tehran, according to her husband. Speaking to RFE/RL by telephone from Paris, Taghi Mohammadi said the officers […]

Iraq

Cunning Stunts in Iraq: ISIL Sleeper Cells Are Secret Weapon in Ramadi

contributors

Mustafa Habib | Baghdad | (Niqash.org) – Refugees from Ramadi trying to escape the city and extremists. Last week’s small extremist victories in Ramadi were fuelled by the work of sleeper cells, who spread rumours and panic that saw security forces abandoning the city and locals fleeing for Baghdad. But those worst fears were never […]

Human Rights

Video Shows Ethiopian-Israeli Soldier Beaten By Police – Violent Clashes In Tel Aviv

contributors

AJ+ | — “Clashes on the streets of Tel Aviv. Thousands of Israelis of Ethiopian origin have taken to the streets after a video appeared online. It appeared to show an Ethiopian-Israeli soldier being beaten by two Israeli police officers.” A+: “Video Shows Ethiopian-Israeli Soldier Beaten By Police – Clashes In Tel Aviv”

Apartheid

Israeli soldier testimonies reveal ‘shoot to kill’ policy in Gaza war

contributors

BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Testimonies from over 60 Israeli soldiers and officers who fought during last summer’s war in the Gaza Strip were released to the public Monday, raising serious concerns over whether Israel’s military adhered to the most basic principles of International Humanitarian Law. The testimonies — collected by Israeli military watchdog Breaking the Silence […]