Articles
US policy reflects America’s lack of interest in the world
Maybe Mr Obama feels that a world less reliant on America is a good thing. But in the end, American disengagement is proving disastrous, writes Michael Young
Mosul may mark a critical moment in the region’s history
Christians are not just under attack in Mosul because of the Islamic State group, writes Michael Young, but have tenuous security throughout the region – even in the traditional stronghold of Lebanon.
Lebanon pays a heavy price for the continuing Syrian crisis
Syrian refugees continue to stream into Lebanon, presenting the country with a series of difficult choices about how to deal with them, writes Michael Young.
As Iraq fractures, is this the start of regional collapse?
The Middle East is witnessing the end of the willingness of people to be part of states incapable of meeting citizens’ aspirations, writes Michael Young
Robert C Ames and the death of an American view of the Middle East
An outstanding new biography of Ames recalls a different time, when the United States was sympathetic to Arab life, culture and aspirations.
It’s time for a coordinated response in Iraq and Syria
Events in the neigbouring countries are related and require a joint international response, says Michael Young.
Dysfunction of Arab states puts stress on colonial borders
Borders imposed on the Middle East by European powers a century ago are proving remarkably resilient, even as Syria risks breaking into a failed state similar to Somalia, writes Michael Young.
Obama’s lack of interest opens the door for Iran
The lack of commitment on the part of Mr Obama will have profound implications for the Middle East in the foreseeable future and perhaps beyond, writes Michael Young
Syrian elections put Tehran and Moscow in a fix
Bashar Al Assad's future in Syria is wholly dependent on Iranian and Russian support, but Michael Young says neither country has a clear end game.
Michael Aoun eyes the presidency in a divided Lebanon
Mr Aoun’s expectations may be higher than his chances, says Michael Young
If a nuclear deal is done, the US will have to tread carefully
If Washington intends to put in place a new regional order, then it must take measures first to frustrate and reverse Iranian assertiveness, says Michael Young.
The Obama administration and its mixed-up strategies
Mr Obama has projected an image of someone in total control of his foreign policy agenda, even as he rarely seems to immerse himself beyond the generalities, says Michael Young
Israel’s policy goals make the prospect of peace impossible
The latest failed round of peace talks, brokered by the US between the Israelis and Palestinians, suggests an entirely new approach is needed before a new war of liberation begins, writes Michael Young.
Even an uncertain presidency binds Lebanon’s democracy
The Lebanese may not know who will be their next president or whether they will have one soon, but somehow that uncertainty is a refreshing rarity in the Middle East, argues Michael Young
Shamefully, Hizbollah has abetted Assad’s worst acts
What Mr Al Assad really means is that he intends to resolve Syria’s problems by drowning the uprising in more blood, writes Michael Young
