Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on May 25, 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hemmed in. Hamas is resurging in previously cleared areas of Gaza, and with their tunnel network intact, their leaders remain at large. War cabinet members Benny Gantz and Yoav Gallant are putting pressure on Netanyahu to develop an exit plan, yet no option seems viable. US President Joe Biden […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on February 27, 2024
The Israel–Hamas War rages on. Israel intends to eliminate the Hamas threat completely, with no apparent possibility yet of negotiating a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Houthi militants in Yemen are disrupting shipping through the Red Sea. This makes trade between Europe and Asia difficult and will have serious economic implications as the attacks continue. As Middle Eastern […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on May 7, 2024
In today’s episode, Rod interviews distinguished career diplomat Gary Grappo. Grappo tells how his Italian-American upbringing and spirit of service led him from the US Air Force to the State Department, and how he stays engaged after retirement by teaching, traveling and writing — including for Fair Observer. This week, Fair Observer Editor-at-Large Rod Berger […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on May 1, 2024
Warmongers like the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Paydari Front are becoming more powerful in Tehran. They advocate reckless aggression and are a danger to Israel, Arab states in the Middle East and the US. Only a united anti-Iran regional alliance led by the US can force the IRGC and other extremists to […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on January 4, 2024
The Houthis, an Iranian-backed Yemeni militant group, have been attacking cargo vessels in the Red Sea, a critical waterway for global trade. Houthi attacks aim to harass Israel but harm Europe and Asia as well. The US has assembled a coalition to protect this trade route, yet Iran is not deterred. A regional war could break […]