Afghanistan: Tensions Rise Between Karzai & US Envoy Holbrooke
In the aftermath of the Afghan elections, Richard Holbrooke and Hamid Karzai had a lunch meeting on the day after the elections. The meeting was described by the US embassy in Kabul as testy and filled with sharp exchanges. Veteran diplomat Holbrooke is know for his bluntness, and apparently he made sure to let Karzai know that Washington’s impatience towards him was rapidly growing.
Middle-East: US To Drop Settlement Freeze As Condition For Peace Talks
If this decision from the Obama administration is confirmed, and it is likely to be according to a statement from the State Department, it will be viewed by the Palestinians and the Arab world as a sign that the Obama administration is caving in to the refusal by Israel’s prime minister Netanyahu to put a […]
Iran: Ayatollah Montazeri Clashes With Ayatollah Khamenei
This is a very significant turn of events considering that Grand Ayatollah Montazeri (see photo) is not just any Ayatollah. He was once considered as a likely successor of late Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, to become Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Sarkozy Calls For International Cap On Banking Bonuses
Ahead of next month’s G20 summit, French President Sarkozy said today that he will push for limits on bonuses for bank traders, in the context of his overall international campaign for greater regulation of the global finance.
Iraq: Political Reshuffle Ahead Of January’s Elections
A group of Shiite parties announced the formation of a new coalition. It includes the Iranian supported Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council, the biggest Shiite party in Iraq, and Al-Sadr. Cleric Al-Sadr is known for his fierce opposition to the US occupation, and he leads the Mahdi army militia. Al-Sadr is rumored to be currently in […]
