Opinion | Columnists

Abdel Bari Atwan

Abdel Bari Atwan is the editor of the pan-Arab newspaper Al Quds Al Arabi. He is the author of The Secret History of Al Qaida, and A Country of Words, his memoir, and is currently writing a new book, Al Qaida, the Next Generation.

Recent Articles

Sunday May 12

Israeli air strikes stoke Syrian fire

It is possible that Al Assad will launch an attack on Tel Aviv, preferring to fight a more noble battle than one against his own people, but he is a wily fox, and direct aggression is not the only means at his disposal
Saturday Apr 13

Egypt is in a state of political paralysis

The absence of a properly constituted government and sectarian tension has brought the country to the brink of bankruptcy, deterring both investors and tourists
Sunday Mar 24

Barack Obama in Israel: US President visit a missed opportunity for Mideast peace

Obama could have pressure on Israel to freeze colony-building and resume negotiations with the Palestinians, but he chose rhetoric over action
Sunday Mar 17

How US handed Iraq to Iran on a platter

Occupation has transformed a regional heavyweight into a crippled state
Wednesday Feb 27

Celebrating LitFest’s fifth birthday

We’re a week away from the fifth annual Emirates Airlines Literature Festival, and director Isobel Abulhoul is planning to celebrate the occasion in style.
Saturday Feb 23

Israel playing dirty in troubled Africa

The 12 African nations that still refuse diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv do so out of conscience
Sunday Feb 10

Al Khatib: Syria’s new kingpin

Although not a polished performer in the political arena, he has managed to install himself in a pivotal role at the centre of the Syrian crisis
Saturday Jan 26

Administrative paralysis is inevitable

Indecisive Israeli election results may create more, rather than less, instability and is unlikely to benefit anyone
Monday Jan 14

In search of a realistic solution

With no military victory in sight, the West may now pressure the Syrian opposition to accept an outcome in which Al Assad will concede some reforms, but stay in power
Saturday Dec 1

Palestinian patience pays off

The newly acquired right to challenge Israel in the International Criminal Court is one that the Palestinian leadership should pursue urgently