I’ve had several posts recently about the Israeli-Iranian stand-off, largely because there has been so much media attention to the matter. I’ve been trying very hard to find some sources that reflect accurately the Iranian side of the issue, but I haven’t been able to find anything other than government reports which are singularly unhelpful–they are wooden, content-free, and ideological. I am posting an essay published in the blog, Mondoweiss. The blog is a pro-Palestinian blog which I read regularly largely because it reports on news that often escapes the attention of the media. Its sympathies are clear and explicit, so while I welcome its honesty, I also know that I have to ask questions about everything I read. Today it posted an essay that tries to present something close to the Iranian position. It is substantive, but also one-sided. I encourage everyone to read it, but also caution everyone to be skeptical as they read.
Militants attacked a military base in Pakistan in a well-coordinated and well-armed fashion. The attack was repelled, but it undermined the recent claims, both in Pakistan and the US, that progress in weakening the militants in South Asia has been substantial. The attack also comes on the heels of an upsurge in violence against NATO and Afghan forces in Afghanistan. It does not appear, however, that anyone is seriously questioning the use of military tactics against militants.
Brazil is one of the emerging economies that did very well in the last decade. Like the others (China and India, and not so much Russia), it has recently experienced economic turmoil. The necessary changes to restore robust growth will be difficult for President Rousseff, but she seems to be aware of what is necessary. We will see if she has the power required to make those changes.
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