Iraq

Clarifying the Terms of Debate Over a Once-Popular War

When discussing the 2003 Invasion of Iraq and its aftermath, it’s important to recall the circumstances that led to the conflict.

Major U.S. and British Government-sponsored Summits Defend Global Religious Freedom

Two recently held major international conferences brought together thousands of religious freedom advocates and government officials to cooperate in taking concrete action to end religious persecution.  

Was the Arab Spring Worth It?

Tunisia’s democratic repeal of their constitution should raise questions about the purpose and goals of the US-backed Arab Spring

Is the Political Influence of Iran in Iraq and Lebanon Declining?
Is the Political Influence of Iran in Iraq and Lebanon Declining?

Within the space of a few months, Iranian proxies and allies in Iraq and Lebanon suffered significant setbacks in parliamentary elections. Some commentators have ventured that the era of Tehran’s hegemony may be over. While it is hard to predict the final outcome of these electoral shifts, such hopes might be premature.

Presidential Playbook for a Dangerous Phase of Putin’s War - Biden
Presidential Playbook for a Dangerous Phase of Putin’s War

With Vladimir Putin’s planned two-day war to topple Ukraine’s democratically elected government now in its third month and Russian casualties piling into the tens of thousands, concerns abound that Putin might take increasingly drastic steps to alter the disastrous situation he faces on the battlefield. To prevent those grim prospects—or at least contain their effects—President Joe Biden should turn to the playbook his predecessors drafted.

Iraqi Christians in Jordan: There Is Nothing to Go Back For

“We have lost everything; our homes have been stolen, looted, destroyed, and burned. There is nothing left for us there, to return for,” said an Iraqi Christian who fled to Jordan.

Day 1: Christmas Gift! - Yule Blog
Day 1: Christmas Gift!

The manger scene these days really is the face of Christmas for most people and, perhaps not surprisingly, it is one of the aspects of the season that keeps causing trouble.

God, Graft & Greed

And human nature is such that great generosity often fuels greed, especially when unchecked by viable law and social expectations.

Be Hopeful as Near East Peace Comes Closer
Be Hopeful as Near East Peace Comes Closer

That Jesus Christ’s two advents are set against the backdrop of a region rarely associated with good news is ironic, but this year that irony is less obvious. Good things are happening in the Near East if you know where to look.