Europe & Its Migration Dilemma

Migrants come to shore at Zefyros beach on the Greek island of Rhodes after their sailboat capsized on April 20. Most of the migrants managed to swim safely to the beach with the assistance of locals.

Europe should take the lead in trying to tackle the issue of illegal migration. The best approach that I can see is for her to embark alongside regional and international partners on launching a variety of peacekeeping missions in a number of conflict and disaster- stricken zones. Such approach, and while initially controversial and bound to raise accusations of neocolonialism in certain circles, will prove far more cost-effective on the long run in both material and humanitarian terms than the current policy of indifference and inaction, or a futile policy of trying to police the shores.

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Random Observations on Some Recent Developments

Iran

Iran will never give up its nuclear program. To them, having nuclear capabilities and a few warheads and missiles on the side is meant tom inoculate them against foreign dabbling. Iranian officials believe that, unlike Saudi Arabia whose breakup will come largely due to mismanagement on part of the ruling establishment, the only way the Iranian establishment they could face serious domestic troubles will come as a result of clandestine activities supported by Western governments. Having nuclear weapons will prevent that possibility, so they think, even as American drones and intelligence operations are busy destabilizing Pakistan, which has long been a nuclear power.

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Notes on the Paris Attacks

Charlie Hebdo's new cover image. — Charlie Hebdo’s new cover image.

All so-called Abrahamic religions have an embedded element of disdain towards all other faith systems, one that has been clearly and unambiguously articulated in their various holy books as well as by a huge assortment of their favorite scholars and clerics, one that colors popular attitudes and feeds popular stereotypes, even among the self-declared secular segments, and inspires rejection, condescension and downright hate among a select few.

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Obama’s Dilemma

For Obama, finger-pointing will not be enough.

One of the main problems confronting the U.S. and other Western powers in connection with the newly appointed Caliph, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, is that by assuming this title and showcasing that he has some charisma, the savvy leader of the Islamic State bestowed upon himself a certain holiness that would resonate with Jihadis across the globe.

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