Category Archives: Middle East

“A massive new US embassy in a tiny Middle East nation is raising eyebrows”

Posted on May 12, 2023 by TTG

CNN  — A massive new US embassy complex in Lebanon is causing controversy for its sheer size and opulence in a country where nearly 80% of the population is under the poverty line. Located some 13 kilometers (about 8 miles) from … Continue reading →

Posted in Lebanon, Middle East, TTG | 27 Comments

“Syria’s Kurds make their own pitch as Arab states court Assad”

Posted on April 21, 2023 by TTG

Syrian Kurds, whom Bashar al-Assad once labeled “traitors” and “collaborators,” now seek a new peace with the Syrian government. As Arab governments and Turkey seek to mend fences with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the country’s Kurds have unveiled a new … Continue reading →

Posted in Middle East, Syria, TTG | 29 Comments

HARPER: WHEN A FIST BUMP DOESN’T DO THE TRICK

Posted on April 4, 2023 by Harper

Well, President Joe Biden has just gotten another kick in the teeth from our loyal friends in Saudi Arabia. This week a group within the OPEC+ revived petroleum cartel announced that they would be cutting production quotas by over 1.1 … Continue reading →

Posted in China, Middle East, Oil, Russia, Ukraine Crisis | 34 Comments

“Bradleys, Self-Propelled Howitzers Head to Ukraine …”

Posted on January 7, 2023 by Pat Lang

” … the package includes 50 Bradley fighting vehicles, 100 M113 armored personnel carriers, 18 self-propelled howitzers, missiles, munitions and more.  U.S. President Joe Biden previewed the announcement Thursday during remarks at a White House cabinet meeting.  “We’re going to provide the … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Germany, Middle East, Russia, Syria, The Military Art, Ukraine Crisis, weapons | 12 Comments

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