Articles

Will the long-delayed Russian supply of S-300 surface-to-air missiles to Iran ever near resolution? A large delegation of Iranian defence officials was in Moscow to attend the International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS) air show in the last week of August. The show is held every two years at the Ramenskoye Airport 40km (25 miles) southeast of Moscow. The Iranian offi-cials also had discussions with their Russian counterparts about the delivery of the S-300 systems for which a contract was signed in 2007. Dmitry Shla-pentokh provides background to the Russia-Iran S-300 deal.

Until recently, Bushism referred only to George W. Bush’s infamous malaproprisms, such as “they misunderestimated me,” “make the pie higher.” As Americans gear up for the 2016 presidential elections, it is coming to mean something completely dif-ferent. Two dynasties are competing for the presidency. Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush will most likely face off, the former the spouse of the popular Bill Clinton (1992–2000), the latter, the younger brother of the now reviled George Bush junior (2001–2008), herein Bush II — both sons of George H.W. Bush senior (vice presi-dent 1980–1987, president 1988–1991).

When is genocide not called genocide? When the perpetrators are Americans, Israeli Zionists, and now, the Najdi Bedouins in illegal occupation of the Arabian Peninsula. The Najdi Bed-ouins’ (aka “Saudis”) attack on the residential neighborhood of Salah district in Yemen’s Ta’iz province killed 65 people on August 23. Those murdered in the latest “Saudi” onslaught were all civilians, mainly women and children.

In “Saudi” Arabia, as soon as a dissident makes himself known, he disappears, never to be seen again.

Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan has disappointed many sincere Muslims. He emerged in Turkey under difficult circumstances and Muslims, especially members of the Islamic movement, had reposed high hopes in him but his policies vis-à-vis Iraq, Libya, and Syria have astonished and disappointed many. How could a leader who fought so tenaciously against the Turkish “deep state” — no mean feat — sud-denly fall to the level of an ordinary politician willing to sell his soul to the devil?

Who is responsible for the mayhem in Libya and why is there little or no attention paid to the plight of the Libyan people in the media? The country no longer exists as a unitary state; there are fiefdoms created by warlords who are rampaging through parts of the country.

There are a lot of terrorists ravaging the Muslim world. Names like ISIS/ISIL (or Da‘ish) are well known. Previously we had al-Qaeda. There are others. Beyond the Levant, we have al-Shabab in Somalia and Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Who is behind the crisis in Lebanon? A genuine concern of the people--piles of garbage in Beirut--has been turned into a political crisis with demands for the government's resignation. How would that solve the garbage crisis or indeed the lack of electricity and water in the country has not been explained. There is mounting evidence that Western, Zionist and Saudi agents are involved in instigating trouble. Their ultimate target is Hizbullah.

Spreading poisonous propaganda against Muslims and calling for war on Islam are a growing industry. A notorious American professor who has lied about his academic and military credentials has joined the list. He does so while holding the position of "assistant professor" at the West Point Military Academy where American cadets are trained. He is likely to poison the minds of some American officers.

Public executions have become alarmingly high in the 'Saudi' kingdom. In a report released on August 24, Amnesty International has raised concerns about the arbitrary nature of the Saudi judicial system that does not meet even the minimum standards of justice. Over the past 12 months, 175 persons have been executed; that is one person every other day. But don't wait for protests from London or Washington.