Opinion | Columnists

Osama Al Sharif

Osama Al Sharif is a veteran journalist and political commentator based in Amman. His experience as publisher, editor and syndicated writer in Arabic and English spans over 25 years.

Recent Articles

Friday May 10

Jordan’s social fabric is at risk

The current ‘societal violence’ tests the authority of the state while exposing the controversial issues of citizenship and the future of civil society in the country
Monday Apr 8

The political rebirth of Khalid Mesha’al

It is no secret that the Hamas chief is looking for a role for the movement, and himself, that goes beyond Gaza
Friday Mar 8

Radicals gaining a foothold in Syria

As hope of a political settlement wanes, backing the moderate wing of the armed opposition is now the main objective of Washington and its allies given the growing influence of Jabhat Al Nusra
Monday Feb 11

Iran edges Turkey in regional influence

Tehran remains under sanctions and is backing an international pariah in Syria, but by keeping all its options open, it ensures all sides have to negotiate with it
Wednesday Jan 9

Jordan’s Arab Spring is hardly over

The elections will not deliver the parliament that people were promised and economic difficulties will continue to challenge the government as it tries to enforce additional unpopular measures
Sunday Dec 9

Syrian crisis can only get worse

The end of the Al Assad regime may be near, but the destabilisation of the nation is likely to have a spill-over effect on the entire region
Wednesday Nov 14

Arabs view Obama’s second term with guarded optimism

US presidents usually dedicate more time and energy to foreign policy in their second terms; Obama is no exception. His legacy will depend on how he fulfils the promises he made along the way
Monday Oct 8

Jordan’s politics in cross-hairs

The people of this country have never been so polarised and suspicious of each other as they are today
Monday Sep 10

Obama and Romney: A big shift in foreign policy

The Republican presidential candidate, if elected, will most likely adopt the Bush approach
Thursday Aug 9

Battle for Aleppo won’t stop civil war

Diplomatic paralysis, a shortage of information and foreign interference creates conditions for protracted conflict at the expense of innocent Syrians