Publications

The Progressive

The Truth About Iran

Iran is undergoing a serious economic crisis. In response, mostly young workers held large protests early this year. Reese Erlich reports on the discontent and its implications for US-Iran relations.

Egypt: The Afterglow Has Faded

As they head for the polls in the first election since the ouster of Hosni Mubarak, Egyptians are confronted with a new challenge: a repressive military that seems determined to retain its power.

Syria: "You Can't Believe The Violence"

After months of protests, many see a new Syria emerging. However, amid the escalating violence and economic hardship, much of the population is worried about the future.

Mahdi Army Bides its Time

Ali approaches me at a Friday prayer service in Sadr City. He wants to talk. A U.S. missile, he says, hit his house in May and killed his two sisters and badly wounded his mother. He is a member of the Mahdi militia and can no longer return home for fear the Iraqi army will arrest him. He is careful not to be seen talking to me, since unauthorized contact between us could get him in serious trouble with the militia. We quickly arrange to meet a few hours later at my hotel, and then he shakes my hand and walks away, disappearing again in the crowd of thousands of worshippers.