Category Archives: Middle East

Saudi Arabia – a family holding company, not a friend. Republished 13 October 2022

Posted on October 13, 2022 by Pat Lang

  I speak fluent Arabic.  I was the first professor of the Arabic Language and Middle East Studies at West Point where I was twice judged best classroom teacher and was offered permanent tenure which I declined not wishing to … Continue reading →

Posted in As The Borg Turns, Israel, Middle East, Policy, Saudi Arabia | 73 Comments

Saudi Arabia is not our friend (nor anyone else’s) Get it? – Republished 13 October, 2022

Posted on October 13, 2022 by Pat Lang

“Foreign affairs experts gave President Joe Biden’s first Middle East trip a failing grade, charging that Biden was unable to accomplish any of his three primary goals: resetting ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, lowering gas prices by securing … Continue reading →

Posted in As The Borg Turns, Current Affairs, Iran, Middle East, Religion, Saudi Arabia | 28 Comments

“Biden’s Israel, Saudi Arabia Trips Postponed Until July”

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Pat Lang

“President Joe Biden’s trips to Saudi Arabia and Israel that had been planned for later this month have been postponed until at least July, but dates have not yet been confirmed, according to administration officials. “We are working on a trip to … Continue reading →

Posted in As The Borg Turns, government, History, Middle East, Saudi Arabia, The economy | 25 Comments

Hizballah makes its own missiles now?

Posted on February 17, 2022 by Pat Lang

“Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Wednesday that the Lebanon-based militant group has been producing drones in the country, and has the ability to turn thousands of rockets into precision missiles. On a day marking the martyrdom of Hezbollah militants … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Middle East, The Military Art | 7 Comments

Shia orphan chorus singing “Silent Night in a Beirut church

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Pat Lang

“La chorale des orphelines de la Fondation de l’Imam Moussa al-Sadr venue chanter Noel à l’église Saint-Elie de Beyrouth en est la parfaite illustration. Ce spectacle, a priori anodin, peut représenter un exemple à suivre pour les autres pays, notamment … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Lebanon, Middle East, Religion | 23 Comments

Laser weapons at sea

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Pat Lang

“The U.S. Navy announced Wednesday it tested a laser weapon and destroyed a floating target in the Mideast, a system that could be used to counter bomb-laden drone boats deployed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The test … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, Middle East, The Military Art, weapons, Yemen | 6 Comments

Idlib Situation – 13 December 2021

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Pat Lang

Well, pilgrims, the neo-Ottomans (as opposed to good Kemalists) are dug in along Route 5 like ticks on a hound dog’s back. IMO it was a grave error for the R+6 forces not to have made an all-out effort to … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, Middle East, Syria, Turkey | 25 Comments

The Lebanese diaspora is growing, and growing …

Posted on October 9, 2021 by Pat Lang

“Lebanon has been left without electricity, plunging the country into darkness amid a severe economic crisis. A government official told Reuters news agency the country’s two largest power stations, Deir Ammar and Zahrani, had shut down because of a fuel … Continue reading →

Posted in As The Borg Turns, Israel, Lebanon, Middle East | 6 Comments

“Inside every —— there is an American trying to get out …”

Posted on October 1, 2021 by Pat Lang

I wrote the other day about the responsible job that I thought Austin, Milley and McCkenzie did in their testimony before Congress.  I stand by that judgment but would like to expand my thought in that post. Several times during … Continue reading →

Posted in Afghanistan, Borg Wars, government, History, Iraq, Middle East, Religion, The Military Art | 44 Comments

“Emails Reveal Hunter Biden Requested $2 Million Plus ‘Success Fees’ To Help Dem Donors Unfreeze Libyan Assets” Jarrett

Posted on September 24, 2021 by Pat Lang

“Citizen Free Press reports that an insider has provided unbelievable emails indicating the unethical lengths which then-vice president Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, went to. “Two previously unpublished emails sent by business contacts of Hunter Biden indicate that the president’s son requested an annual retainer of … Continue reading →

Posted in Chinagate, government, Justice, Middle East | 9 Comments