Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Top Scoops

Book Reviews | Gordon Campbell | Scoop News | Wellington Scoop | Community Scoop | Search

 

Connie Lawn: Middle East Turmoil

Middle East Turmoil

January 22, 2015
By Connie Lawn

There is always turmoil in the Mid East but at this time three major developments have broken at the same time. In Saudi Arabia 91 year old King Abdullah has died. He was a strict adherent of Sharia law, but had also made some reforms, and joined the campaign against Al Queda and ISIS. There were major differences about human rights , Iran, Israel, and other issues, but President Obama mourned the death of a friend and ally. The new King is Abdullah’s half brother 79 year old Prince Salman.

In Yemen, the President and his top advisors have resigned. They had been under siege by rebels. This chaos opens the way for terrorists to take over more of the country. Al Queda in the Arabian Peninsula is especially strong in Yemen and they plot attacks around the world.

In Israel, the tensions between Prime Minister and President Obama grow stronger. The Prime Minister is due to address a joint session of the US Congress, to discuss Iran and terrorism. He was invited by House Speaker John Boehner. President Obama says he has no plans to meet with him at this time since it may look as though he was interfering with upcoming Israeli elections. But the President has frequent talks with the Israeli Prime Minister. And President Obama issued a strong statement against anti-Semitism, and expressed support for the ongoing UN debate on the topic.

Connie Lawn in Washington , DC


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Top Scoops Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.