The End of Arabic and the Dumbing Down of America
What happens when public universities begin shutting down entire area studies departments, and learning foreign languages becomes a luxury?
Opinion
The Middle East is Once Again West Asia
Ambassador Chas Freeman on the dynamism of West Asia and the west's failing geopolitical grip on "the greater Middle East."
The End of the Palestinian State? Jenin Is Only the Beginning
Yousef M. Aljamal surmises renewed attacks on Jenin signal Israel's intention to end Palestinian hopes for statehood.
From Pawns to Global Powers: Middle East Nations Strike Back
Former ambassador Chas Freeman, Jr. argues that we have entered a new era in which players are shifting on the geopolitical chess table.
Tunisia’s Crisis Amidst Denial of Anti-Black Racism in the Maghreb
Our woman in Tunis, Sarah Ben Hamadi, is alarmed at the surging anti-African racism plaguing Tunisia, endemic to North Africa.
Nurredin Amro’s Epic Battle to Save His Home From Demolition
For eight years, a blind Palestinian school principal has resisted persistent Israeli efforts to drive his family out of Jerusalem.
Remembering the Armenian Genocide From Lebanon
Mireille Rebeiz remembers her Tante Rose and the lore of Armenian culture-history in Lebanon, where forgetting is endemic.
Historic Game on the Horizon: US Faces Iran Once More
Mireille Rebeiz objects to geopolitical hypocrisy when it comes to migrants and workers' rights, and supports the upcoming US-Iran match in Doha.
Should the United States End Life Imprisonment Without Parole?
Human rights activist Stephen Rohde argues that even in the most heinous of cases, life with the possibility of parole should be on the table.
Fragile Freedom, Fragile States in the Muslim World
I. Rida Mahmood observes that while people in Iran and Arab countries are roiling for more equality and freedom, they are not taking any cues from the west.
Letter From Tehran: On the Pain of Others, Once Again
For nearly 40 years, writes Sara Mokhavat, her generation in Iran has gone from one crisis to another.
Attack on Salman Rushdie is Shocking Tip of the Iceberg
An attack on one writer anywhere is an attack on freedom of expression everywhere.
American Theocracy and Failed States
Ani Zonneveld, leader of a progressive Muslim organization, argues that the United States is sliding perilously toward theocracy.
Abd el Kader at the Mucem: a colonial vision of the Emir
Pierre Daum opines that despite a French museum's best effort, an exhibit on Algeria and France can't escape its colonial bias.
World Refugee Day — What We Owe Each Other
World Refugee Day is the first of seven days during which refugees will be recognized in events across the world.