Benjamin Netanyahu is about to embark on the task of building a new governing coalition. Good timing, then, that Israel's security concerns are in the headlines this week, rather than the possibly more troublesome domestic matters.
Category: Middle East
A theological view of nuclear weapons
Iran stresses the importance of Ayatollah Khamenei's fatwa against nuclear weapons. Should we take him seriously?
Jordan stays ahead of the revolution, so far
This week's election in Jordan was a less then fully democratic exercise. But King Abdullah II has so far succeeded in steering a moderate course through the perils of the Arab Spring.
Netanyahu back, with some choices to make
Israel's election results are almost final: the precise number doesn't make much difference to Benjamin Netanyahu's options, but his drop in support might be psychologically important.
How to read Israeli election results
A quick guide to following the Israeli election results.
Obama picks his man for the Pentagon
Former Republican senator Chuck Hagel is to be the new US defence secretary – provided he's confirmed by the Senate. It looks as if Obama has picked the right man for the times.
Highlights of 2012: The top 10 elections
It was again a mixed year for elections, where the forces of change and the forces of stability both had their victories. Here's my top 10 for 2012.
Israeli Supreme Court backs democracy
The Central Elections Committee, a largely partisan body, had again tried to narrow the options available to Israel's Arab voters by disqualifying an anti-Zionist MP. Yesterday the Supreme Court stood up for democracy.
Egypt’s president gets his constitution
Results are now final for the referendum on the new Egyptian constitution: it was approved with 63.8% voting in favor, on a low turnout of 32.9%. That's a win for Egypt's president Mohammed Morsi, but it also means the end of the extraordinary powers he had given himself to rule by decree beyond judicial review. … Continue reading Egypt’s president gets his constitution
