Author: Alon Ben-Meir

rss-iconSubscribe to feed
U.S. President Donald Trump leaves after announcing his decision about the nuclear deal with Iran during a speech at the White House, 8 May 2018 (photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

U.S. de-certifies Iran nuclear deal

Tread softly, President Trump

Notwithstanding the dreadful mistake of de-certification, Trump can keep the deal on life support if he does not immediately re-impose sanctions. This would give the other five powers the time needed to work collectively with Iran and reach a new agreement. Commentary by Alon Ben-MeirMore

Annulling the Iran deal: When amateurs ruleAmerica′s dangerous anti-Iran posturing: For a farewell to armsTrump's UN debut: The axis of evil is back
An Iranian woman holds a placard showing a caricature of Donald Trump during a rally marking the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in February 2017. Millions marched in response to the new U.S. administrationn and a rejection of threatening language (photo: Getty Images/AFP/A. Kenare)

Annulling the Iran deal

When amateurs rule

Abandoning the nuclear deal with Iran will leave the U.S. completely isolated, undermine global security and strain relations with its allies, which are already under mounting stress thanks to Trump′s unseemly and erratic behaviour. Commentary by Alon Ben-MeirMore

Trump's UN debut: The axis of evil is backThe West's Iran policy: For real change through tradeAmerica′s dangerous anti-Iran posturing: For a farewell to arms
Celebrating victory against IS in Mosul (photo: picture-alliance/dpa/AP/K. Kadim)

Middle East

Ending Iraq′s humanitarian crisis: Trust the people

Provided its leaders correctly reassess the changing regional and domestic dynamics and agree to allow all Iraqis, regardless of their sect and cultural orientation, to choose their own political and civil structure, the country can still overcome the horrors of the past 14 years. Essay by Alon Ben-MeirMore

Islamic State: Down but not necessarily outArab nationalism and political Islam: Secularism – ″the other option″?Arab identity crisis: What is left of the Arabs?
US President Barack Obama shaking hands with young Israelis (photo: Reuters)

Obama's Visit to the Middle East

Winning Peace through Hearts and Minds

Following his recent visit to the Middle East, US President Barack Obama was heavily criticised for his praise of Israel and his clear commitment to the country's security. Alon Ben-Meir argues that Obama has to win the trust of Israelis before progress can be made in the peace process. He also says that both sides have to live up to their responsibilities, make painful concessions and change their public narratives in order to reach a viable solutionMore

Interview with the Israeli Peace Activist Uri Avnery: ''Israel Needs Peace, Not Settlements''US Foreign Policy in Afghanistan and the Middle East: Obama's Strategic MaladyCommentary by Shlomo Ben-Ami: Obama's Flawed Peace ProcessOne Year after Obama's Speech in Cairo: No Fresh Start for the USA and the Muslim WorldUS President Obama and the Middle East: Old Wine in New Wineskins?Obama's Speech to the Islamic World: ''The President Has Spoken; Now We Are Waiting for Action!''