“We face, as the Marshall Planners did not in their dealings with Western Europe, the challenge of intervening in countries in which ethnic strife is high, democratic traditions are few, and America’s presence is a source of suspicion…”
“VOA will present the policies of the United States clearly and effectively, and will also present responsible discussion and opinion on these policies.” — VOA Charter
Will Israel Reach Age 100
The region in which Israel lives is melting down at a rate no one would have anticipated….if there are any state disappearing acts, these may be on the Arab side….even with all of their problems, the region’s three non-Arab states –Israel, Turkey, and Iran — are probably the most highly functioning polities in the region.
Israel’s Unprecedented Geopolitical Strength
It may seem counterintuitive, or even downright strange, but Israel’s geopolitical position is probably stronger now than at any time in the country’s history. This is likely to continue at least in the short-to-medium term, but looming long-term challenges should give some pause to Israel’s current leaders.
Breaking the Silence on FGM in Egypt: One Activist’s Story
US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Catherine Russell talks to Egyptian artist and FGM activist Nada Sabet
The Unsexy Truth About Why the Arab Spring Failed
The truth is that … the real story of the Arab Spring wasn’t one about individual people being heroic or wicked. Rather, it was a less cinematic — but far more important — story about the dangers of brittle dictatorships and weak state institutions.
Sisi’s War on Reporters
According to the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, there are 62 media workers in Mr. Sisi’s jails. Try as it might to silence its critics, the regime must know that jailing journalists can muzzle criticism only for a time. In the end, such action only amplifies its desperation and fragility.
A Troubling Turn for U.S. Relations in the Muslim World
When he launched his attempt to rebuild U.S. relations with the Muslim world seven years ago, Barack Obama started with Turkey and Egypt, vital allies that seemed to be on the cusp of change….the two countries have…transformed their political systems and relations with the U.S. — the result has been a disaster for U.S. interests.