Latest Articles about Middle East

QUARRELS IN THE GOVERNMENT FUELLED BY INFLATION AND INTRIGUE

The last two weeks produced many unusually loud and disagreeable exchanges in the Russian government. Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov even questioned the "professional competence" of his ministers to perform their duties. The main topic in these bureaucratic dramas played in front of TV cameras was... MORE

RUSSIA PLEDGES TO UPHOLD GLOBAL ENERGY SECURITY

Russia has reiterated its earlier pledges to safeguard global energy security, putting the issue at the top of the agenda while holding the G-8 presidency this year. However, some of Russia's proposed solutions have not exactly worked when they were tried in resource-rich Central Asia.... MORE

Al-Qaeda’s Tactical Doctrine for the Long War

While the February 28 issue of Terrorism Focus outlined al-Qaeda's strategic doctrine for insurgency, it is worth examining how al-Qaeda believes its doctrine should be applied at the tactical level. As was the case for strategic doctrine, the best place to find a discussion of... MORE

Danish Cartoons Focus the Jihadi Lens on History

As the furor in the Islamic world over the Danish cartoon crisis recedes, commentaries are turning more reflective and are proving to be a fascinating window onto the conceptual currents in the jihadi mindset. The theme of these more pensive essays is "analyzing" the Western... MORE

RUSSIA VIEWS MONGOLIA AS GATEWAY TO CHINA

Russian banks have announced plans to fund a major refinery project in Mongolia. The oil refinery will not only process Siberian crude, but it is also designed to cater to the needs of the Chinese market. A group of Russian and Czech banks have signed... MORE

MOSCOW COUNTS THE PROS AND CONS OF “SELECTIVE COOPERATION”

Until very recently the Kremlin dismissed the possibility that Washington might seriously reevaluate the format and style of its relations with Russia. At his extended press conference on January 31, Russian President Vladimir Putin ridiculed the "adversaries" who expressed doubt about Russia's place in the... MORE

Islamists Stay Clear of Terrorism in Oman

A sudden crackdown and arrest of "Islamists" in 2004-05 raised fears about Oman becoming entangled in the vicious cycle of terrorism, much like several other countries in the Persian Gulf region. The trial of the "saboteurs"—who attempted to challenge the status quo like in 1994—and... MORE