The conflict between Iran and the United States is as old as the Islamic regime itself. But never during the past 27 years has the intensity of hostilities between the two states been so high. Even at the peak of the war with Iraq, and given that Iranians broadly blamed the US for persuading Iraq to attack Iran, animosity between the two countries was not as high as it is today.

by Sadegh Zibakalam

Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Hamas to visit Moscow last month, and suggested that Iran transfer its uranium enrichment program to Russian territory. Both proposals exasperated the United States and surprised the world.

by Yin Gang

The negative responses to the DPW deal are an excuse to curry favor with a public that has been persuaded that the world is locked in a clash of civilizations. This clash theory has lost favor in some intellectual circles now that Iraq has become such a political and human disaster. But although it's a simplistic and incorrect response to the horrors of 9/11, some politicians and journalists still find the clash to be a convenient theory, one that hides other motives.

by James M. Wall

Global terrorism needs a global response, not just conferences but coordinated action plans that require each member to perform specific actions in defence of all.

by Maggie Mitchell Salem

Christians of strong religious faith and sound moral conscience often end up in disagreement. But there are certain acts that a follower of Jesus simply cannot accept. Here is one: A Christian cannot justify the torture of a human being.

by David Batstone

America provides Israel with military technology and then Israel sells it to China for a profit? Some are beginning to question the wisdom of this arrangement-and are calling for change.