While we are being distracted by such things as the NFL’s knees and Weiner’s weiner, life goes on abroad with some elections. Germany has re-elected Angela Merkel, for example. But the celebration was somewhat muted for Merkel: Merkel’s Pyrrhic victory … Continue reading →
At least, that’s the way it looks at the moment: The Telegraph understands Hashem Abedi, 20, the brother of suspected attacker Salman Abedi, was arrested last night in the capital Tripoli by counterterrorism forces on suspicion of links to the … Continue reading →
Yes, this is a frivolous post. I need a pleasant escape for a little while from the heaviness of the news. Maybe you do, too. And the world cares about these things, as measured by the buzz about the way … Continue reading →
This quote from Egyptian president al Sisi to President Trump is pretty funny: “Let me say that you have a unique personality that is capable of doing the impossible.” I don’t think many people would disagree with that one, no … Continue reading →
President Trump is embarking on a trip to the Middle East and Europe: President Trump on Friday afternoon will embark on his first overseas trip, a historic eight-day journey that includes visits to the holiest sites of three major religions, … Continue reading →
An American-Egyptian couple who had been held in Egyptian prison were released recently: Last weekend, Egyptian-American aid worker Aya Hijazi, who had become an international symbol of Sisi’s harsh crackdown on aid groups, was cleared of child-abuse and human-trafficking charges … Continue reading →
Yesterday there was a referendum in Turkey that used a democratic process to give Erdogan dictatorial powers. The pro-Erdogan forces didn’t call the powers the referendum would confer “dictatorial,” of course. But that’s what they were. Erdogan has declared victory: … Continue reading →
After the Syrian gas attack, President Trump had a choice: do nothing or do something. It’s a choice all presidents face, because sooner or later they will be tested—usually sooner, and not just once but many times and in many … Continue reading →
President Trump has proposed a temporary suspension of immigration from seven countries and some new rules for the admission of immigrants to the US: Donald Trump has outlined a new screening process for would-be immigrants designed to exclude Islamic extremists … Continue reading →
As part of his enormous purge of the opposition in Turkey, Erdogan has now formally requested that the US turn over the man Erdogan alleges is behind the supposed coup attempt, Fethullah Gulen: Justice Ministry officials told Anadolu the written … Continue reading →
…the purge continues: Turkey on Friday detained dozens of academics suspected of backing Fethullah Gulen, the alleged mastermind of last month’s failed coup, while pressing ahead with raids on businesses linked to the US-based Muslim preacher. Turkish prosecutors have issued … Continue reading →
The purge in Turkey continues: Turkey’s authorities have issued detention warrants for 42 journalists, local media say, as part of an inquiry into the failed coup on 15 July. Prominent commentator Nazli Ilicak is said to be on the list. … Continue reading →