OP-ED: A Jittery Israel Needs to Resist Military Aggression

By Rob L. Wagner Arab News/Eurasia Review 9 July 2012 It’s absolutely mind-boggling how clueless Israel and its Western allies are about the current climate in the Middle East. With Egypt and Syria navigating uncharted territory — Egypt in the infancy of democracy and Syria deep in a civil war — Israeli leaders have plenty

Arab Spring Democracy: A Win for Women?

By Rob L. Wagner The Media Line/Arab News 7 March 2012 They get more of a voice in Tunisia, Libya, but Egypt seems to be marching backwards Is the Arab world becoming a friendlier place for women in politics? The turmoil that has upset the region’s politics over the past year has yet to provide

News Analysis: Islamic Feminism in the Middle East

By Rob L. Wagner International Policy Digest 2 February 2012 As Islamist political groups continue to make gains in Middle East elections, women activists are evaluating their strategy to improve their roles to help form new governments and to strive for equality. The minefield facing Muslim women is whether to embrace a secular or Islamic

Will Saudi Arabia Send the Troops?

With Iran threatening its oil exports, some experts say the kingdom will help defend shipments By Rob L. Wagner The Media Line 25 January 2012 JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Iran’s relationship with Saudi Arabia – once seen as improving following President Mahmud Ahmadinejad’s 2007 visit to Riyadh – has deteriorated to the point that the