Larisa Marks The story of Shi Pei Pu, a Beijing opera singer and spy, and his twenty-year deception of French diplomat Bernard Boursicot is a cautionary tale that resonates today. In the 1960s, Shi posed as a woman, even presenting a child as their supposed offspring, all to …
Read More »The shift from ‘Jewish vote’ to ‘Muslim vote’ in American politics
Dr. Shehab Al-Makahleh For decades, the “Jewish vote” has been a significant factor in American political strategy, particularly during presidential elections. Concentrated in key states like New York, California and Illinois, Jewish voters were considered a pivotal demographic that could influence election outcomes. Candidates often adopted pro-Israel positions …
Read More »Is the US a Suitable Mediator in Gaza?
As the conflict in Gaza rages on, the idea that the United States could serve as a neutral mediator between Israel and Hamas has become increasingly implausible. A neutral observer would find this notion not just unrealistic, but downright absurd. No significant US official today has the political …
Read More »Belarus and Azerbaijan: Positioning for BRICS Membership and Regional Stability
Alinan Stevenson As the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) coalition continues to gain prominence on the global stage, the potential expansion of its membership is drawing significant attention. Belarus and Azerbaijan, two countries with strategic geopolitical positions, are among those looking to join this influential group. …
Read More »Why Foreign Interference in U.S. Elections is Growing
The Founding Fathers warned that extreme partisanship risks inviting foreign machinations into the American political system. There is irony in what appears to be an Iranian hack of the electronic files of Donald Trump’s campaign. Details are unclear and unconfirmed, but a day after Microsoft issued a report …
Read More »Moral Values and Political Activism Towards the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Adinda Buamona Adam Smith believes that humans have adopted moral values that can be universally understood, this happens due to similar mundane experiences in modern human society, and with these shared experiences we are able to imagine ourselves in the positions of others. Quoting the opinion of Sugiono …
Read More »Defending the Right to Criticize Islam: A Fight for Free Speech
Cynthia Johnston In an era where free speech is under increasing threat, the right to criticize Islam must be staunchly defended. Any government attempt to clamp down on so-called “Islamophobia” risks inflaming social tensions rather than alleviating them. Why it matters: Recent reports suggest that Prime Minister Keir …
Read More »The 2024 Mood-Swing Election: Harris vs. Trump
Pauline Margot This upcoming election isn’t just about the clash of two ideologies; it’s a contest between two vastly different moods: hope versus fear. Why it matters: The contrasting tones of the candidates reflect deeper calculations on how to capture the national mood in 2024. How Americans feel …
Read More »Navigating the AI Frontier: Can the U.S. and China Collaborate on AI Safety?
Simona Tomas As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, becoming more powerful and pervasive, the United States and China find themselves at a crucial crossroads. Both nations must navigate the dual imperatives of technological advancement and safety, making cooperation on AI alignment not just desirable, but necessary. The …
Read More »