Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Checkpoints on March 2015
An Air Force Academy graduate’s experience with the serpentine, frustrating, fulfilling pursuit of a democratic Iraq. September, 2009 Baghdad, Iraq Up at 0530, dress, pack, grab my PPE (personal protective equipment—30-pound steel-plated vest and Kevlar helmet) and rush out into the morning heat to join Ambassador Chris Hill at the U.S. Embassy’s helo pad. We […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at The Daily Journalist on March 13, 2015
Like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran is creating a pro-Iranian organization in Iraq, ensuring that its interests in its unstable neighbor are well protected. The presence of Popular Mobilization forces answerable to Iran in the Middle East’s most vital and vulnerable area is an unprecedented realignment of regional forces and a challenge to regional security and […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at The Daily Journalist on March 13, 2015
Like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran is creating a pro-Iranian organization in Iraq, ensuring that its interests in its unstable neighbor are well protected. The presence of Popular Mobilization forces answerable to Iran in the Middle East’s most vital and vulnerable area is an unprecedented realignment of regional forces and a challenge to regional security and […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on February 16, 2015
Saudi Arabia and Oman possess differing national identities, varied social and cultural roots, and divergent approaches to tolerance that may explain their different experiences with extremism. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sultanate of Oman share significant characteristics: language; basic religious heritage; geographic proximity; a remarkably rapid growth in economic development and prosperity; a dependence on oil and […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on November 27, 2014
Taken as an article of Mideast peace faith since the early 1990s, the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may now be receding in support, especially in Israel. Loss of hope in a settlement and genuine security concerns have led many to conclude that only a single state can address Israel’s security and economic needs. […]