Ghassan Charbel

A memorandum of understanding is not a wedding invitation. It is neither a declaration of victory nor a surrender. Many devils will arise once the table expands to address the details. The negotiators will swallow doses of poison on behalf of those whom they represent, if they choose not to resume…

Did the “Khomeinist Revolution” task its country with a mission beyond its capacities when it decided on the policy of expelling the “Great Satan” from the Middle East? Is it now paying the price for provoking the American heavyweight who, over past decades, has absorbed blows from the factions in…

The pains of the day gather in the night. The keeper of the seals sits alone. With exhaustion. With the mirror. With history. “Victory Day,” celebrations of Nazism’s defeat, were underwhelming. The attendance of foreign signatures was not befitting of Russia. He did not feel the powerful’s…

Putin's adviser warns that the world is on the cusp of the largest energy crisis in history. At first, it seemed like a severe, but contained, crisis that was confined to the Middle East. It quickly went much further, becoming an unprecedented quagmire when Iran raised enrichment to its maximum…

America, and so the world, are split. He inspires excitement in his supporters and the hatred of his opponents. His enemies are many, and his supporters are not few. Some say that his shadow weighs heavily on those who despise him - and that among them are those who dream of erasing him, that a…

Beating the drums of war could summon its return. It could also lead the hawks to offer concessions and ripen the conditions for a settlement. We are in the midst of a major crisis that could be more dangerous than any of the ailing Middle East’s wars. The parties constantly check their watches…

Donald Trump glances at his clock. He doesn’t like long wars. He realizes how dangerous they are. He knows a war is risky as midterm elections approach. He also doesn’t like to lose or even admit defeat. He believes that he was victorious in the war. Nothing remains but to translate the victory…

This was years ago. Commander of the Quds Force General Qassem Soleimani was frank and adamant. He told his visitors that the “American troops had no choice but to leave Iraq. Baghdad was on fire under their boots, just like a carpet made of fire. Their withdrawal will damage their image and…

Trump’s approach differs than that of his predecessors. He has different friendships, rivalries and ways in running wars. He is a general who runs the battle in person through screens, social media and the telephone. His statements have nothing to do with traditional diplomacy. His threats to NATO…

The current Iranian regime was born from the embers of alarm. Khomeini’s revolution took on a responsibility that goes beyond the country’s means, despite its position and wealth. Revolutions are similar to individuals; victories make them arrogant, reckless and risk-takers. Khomeini imposed…