Ghassan Charbel

I once asked a man who had worked in Saddam Hussein’s palace whether he had ever heard him swear. “No, he did not have a habit of swearing. He would fall silent when he became angry, but sparks would flash in his eyes; whenever he accused someone of treason, betrayal, or embezzlement of public…

When visiting the president’s office, it helps to come bearing warmth. A firm embrace, a grateful smile, a public thank you – all gestures of loyalty that set the tone. It’s best to arrive eager for wisdom and ready to express not only personal admiration but also that of your people. In these…

The latest war in the Middle East was, both in terms of the course it took and its outcomes, resembles an earthquake. This is the latest of the earthquakes to hit the region: the 1967 war, the 1973 war, Sadat’s visit to Jerusalem, the victory of the Iranian Revolution, and the US invasion of Iraq,…

Unprecedented scenes in this terrifying region. In the scorching Middle Eastern ring, three great boxers face off over patches of blood and lakes of rubble. The people of the region woke up to the news that US bombers had struck three Iranian nuclear facilities at dawn. The Israelis woke up to…

It’s no simple feat to make Tehran live at the mercy of Israeli fighter jets and for the Israeli army to declare that the skies leading to the Iranian capital are open to its aircraft. It’s no simple feat to make Tel Aviv come under a barrage of Israeli missiles and for its people to come out of…

The Lebanese people complain about the advice from ambassadors and dictates from international financial organizations. They believe that the outside was paving their road and goals and setting the means for them. They are annoyed that their country is being treated like a minor, who the world has…

The United States has no interest in resorting to the military solution to resolve the dispute with Iran over its nuclear program. The use of force in the Middle East revives memories of costly experiences. President Donald Trump himself does not believe that the military solution is viable, unless…

Baghdad is relieved because it managed to avoid falling into several traps. Iraqi factions entertained the idea of expanding the conflict in wake of the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation in Gaza and opening of the “support front” in Lebanon. However, internal advice and external warnings steered Iraq clear…

Baghdad has the unusual ability to force its visitor to open up about the past and its pains. The ability becomes more pronounced when the friends choose to have dinner on the banks of the Tigris only to find out that the current resort was once one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces. I believe people…

It is not unusual for President Donald Trump to kick off his first tour in Riyadh, just like he did during his first term in office. The changes that have taken place in Riyadh since his 2017 visit and his arrival on Tuesday have deepened his conviction of Riyadh’s ability to host major dates and…