The rule of thumb in the US and other Western countries is that national elections should focus on national policy, as this may sound logical.But considering how closely connected the world has become, it is time that foreign policy have an equally prominent role. In the US,

These days, focus on the Middle East, particularly the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, has virtually disappeared. The position of the Palestinians, led by the Palestine Liberation Organisation, hardly makes it into the US media.Americans are nowadays more involved in th

Barely were Western sanctions lifted from Iran, after it signed a nuclear deal with key Western powers, than its president, Hassan Rouhani, went shopping in Europe, namely in Italy and France, where he received red carpet treatment.This forward-looking approach should show the Ar

The unbending nature of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose extremist policies have crippled any peace negotiations with the Palestinians, has once again emerged this week when he revealed his intention to return Israeli settlers to Hebron, a prominent Palestinian to

There is no doubt that Barack Obama, the American president who is serving his last year in office, merits all the praise he received since paving the way this week for allowing Iran to join the global economy after the international sanctions have been lifted in exchange for Teh

The popular American phrase “all politics is local” assured me that US President Barack Obama would not dwell on American foreign policy during his last “State of the Union” address, delivered at a joint session of the US Congress Tuesday night.But about 40 minutes into his impre

2015 ended with much grief following the attacks by Islamic militants in France and California, with well over 100 people losing their lives.Whether the New Year will be more promising remains in doubt.In a foreboding move, the Saudi government recently hanged 47 Saudis, includin

As one bids a cold farewell to this year noted for its catastrophic events in the Middle East, Europe and the United States, one applauds the warm welcome that the Canadians have extended to their Muslim refugees and congratulations to the Saudi women who participated for the fir

The Arab world, especially the Palestinians, ought to start thinking about a new interlocutor if they want a peace treaty with Israel.