How much do you know about Lebanon? Want a quick introduction? Watch three movies and a four episode Showtime thriller, read a recently published non fiction book that reads like a novel, and toss in an article from Wikipedia or the Encyclopedia Britannica. I’ll tell you a little about each of these below. First, though, here's some historical context. The Beginning The … [Read more...] about Lebanon 101: 3 Movies, 4 Episodes, 1 Book
Middle East
The Middle East in Context: A Cold War Timeline
Background It’s pretty clear to even the casual observer that the Middle East is a mess. Over the course of the Cold War, old relationships were severed, and new alliances emerged. Islamist movements gained prominence as Cold War rivalries fueled concerns over nuclear proliferation. Western powers supported autocratic regimes to counter communist influence, while the … [Read more...] about The Middle East in Context: A Cold War Timeline
COLD WAR YEMEN: SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Known as 'Arabia Felix' or Arabia's 'land of happiness', Yemen has been hard hit by war and other misfortunes. The story, spanning at least 1,500 years, involves everything from early Islamic politics to Arab nationalism and the Cold War. Today, Yemen is the poorest country in the Middle East. A Short and Superficial History In part, the problems in Yemen mirror the … [Read more...] about COLD WAR YEMEN: SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
1973 Arab Oil Embargo: Can It Happen Again?
Note: This was originally published in November 2023 when Israel was at war with Hamas. For a 2026 update, just turn on your favorite news channel. Could it happen again? In 1973, three crises came together to impel what became known as the Arab Oil Embargo. One crisis was political, centering on Richard Nixon, the president of the United States; one was geopolitical, … [Read more...] about 1973 Arab Oil Embargo: Can It Happen Again?
The Hijab Controversy
The hijab controversy surrounding the death of Masha Amina while in the custody of Iran's Morality Police has spurred debate and protest, not just in Iran, but all over the world. I’m certainly not an expert on the ins and outs of Islamic dress, especially when it comes to legalities surrounding veiling or head covering in today's Iran, but I do have some limited experience … [Read more...] about The Hijab Controversy
