ISIL’s and Iran’s expanded power loom as legacy of Obama’s military exit from Iraq

ISIL’s and Iran’s expanded power loom as legacy of Obama’s military exit from Iraq

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — “Since last summer’s onslaught by terrorists of the so-called ISIL, Iraq has been living through one of the most difficult phases of its modern history,” said Jan Kubis, the UN’s special representative, in a sobering assessment of the current situation in Iraq. Yet in a […]

Afghan transition a ‘pivotal moment’ in wake of Iraq meltdown

Afghan transition a ‘pivotal moment’ in wake of Iraq meltdown

UNITED NATIONS — Set to the backdrop of continuing violence, growing narcotics production, and fear about the future following the pullout of international forces, the recent round of Afghanistan’s presidential elections have become all the more crucial to produce a climate of needed stability in a land which knows only chaos. Moreover, given the ongoing […]

Afghan countdown: As April elections near, only Karzai opposes U.S. security agreement

Afghan countdown: As April elections near, only Karzai opposes U.S. security agreement

John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — The clock is ticking and the calendar counting down for Afghanistan as the embattled South Asian country heads for presidential elections in April and the pullout of foreign security forces by the end of the year. A credible electoral process would go a long way in paving a peaceful […]