by Michael Isenberg
In response, Russia announced it would track US coalition aircraft as potential targets.
In what may or may not be a related story, the following day a Russian fighter jet flew dangerously close—five feet—to an American reconnaissance jet over the Baltic Sea.
Read more—
Saudi Succession: King Salman of Saudi Arabia has named his son, Muhammad bin Salman, as heir to the throne, replacing the king’s nephew, Muhammad bin Nayef. According to the BBC, the new crown prince has spearheaded the “Vision 2030” economic plan to make Saudi Arabia’s economy less dependent on oil exports. He has also “bid to curb the power of the conservative religious establishment.” In foreign policy, he is the “driving force” behind the kingdom’s military intervention in Yemen, which has been ineffective in bringing an end to the civil war there. Thus, the change to the line of succession augurs stability at home and chaos abroad.
Read more—
Qatar Sanctions Crisis:It’s been two weeks since a coalition of Arab countries, led by Saudi Arabia, imposed sanctions on the nation of Qatar. Under pressure from US Secretary of State Tillerson, the coalition has finally released its list of demands. These including limiting ties to Iran, cutting ties with the Muslim Brotherhood and US-designated terrorist organizations, and closing a Turkish air base in the country. Furthermore, in the name of preventing Qatar from meddling in their internal affairs, the coalition nations insist on meddling in Qatar’s internal affairs, demanding that Qatar shutter its flagship news outlet, al-Jazeera, and refuse citizenship to coalition nationals.
In response to the demands, Qatar’s foreign minister, Muhammed bin Abd’ul-rahman al-Thani, said, “The US secretary of state recently called upon the blockading nations to produce a list of grievances that was ‘reasonable and actionable.’ The British foreign secretary asked that the demands be ‘measured and realistic.’ This list does not satisfy that criteria.” That’s diplomat-speak for “F—k off.”
IMHO, the demands will drive Qatar further into the arms of Iran, opposite of what’s intended. Indeed, this is already happening. Qatar depends heavily on imports; 90% of its food comes from abroad. Stepping in to fill the gap created by the sanctions, Iran is now delivering 1,100 tons of produce to Qatar daily by boat.
Read more—
Record-setting Sniper Shot: A Canadian sniper killed an ISIS fighter in Iraq from a distance of 3,450 meters—over two miles—far exceeding the previous record. Here’s how it compares with other long-distance shots:
Canada halted airstrikes in Iraq last year. Snipers have less potential for civilian casualties than bombs.
Read more—
Michael Isenberg writes about the Muslim world, medieval and modern. His forthcoming novel, The Thread of Reason, is a murder mystery that takes place in Baghdad in the year 1092 and depicts the battle for the Muslim soul between those who embrace science and tolerance, and those who throw in their lot with mysticism and persecution.
Photo credits: CNN, Globe and Mail
No comments:
Post a Comment