Dead Man Slamming: Notes on the Death of Salesman Chalabi

Whether it's Ahmad Chalabi in Iraq or Bernard-Henri Levy in Libya, history occasionally throws up these men impassioned with the righteousness of their cause, who have banged the drums of war.

When heads (and secretaries) of state get by with a little help from officious friends

In April 2011, as Libyans were in the thick of their uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, a Frenchman in a white shirt unbuttoned to reveal swathes of chest arrived in Benghazi to hold yet another meeting with opposition leaders.

The End of Paternalism: Assessing the “Arab Spring” Three Years On

From its inception, the expression “Arab Spring” always appeared to be on rhetorically weak ground.

Islamists, tribes, trends: Getting it right and wrong in the Libyan elections

The naysayers may now eat their words: contrary to the dire predictions so popular in some circles, the Libyan elections went smoothly. Now what about that much-predicted Islamist wave?

What Did We Learn in Chicago?

If nothing else, this past weekend’s gathering in Chicago of NATO Allies and partners demonstrated the type of political resolve and commitment that has been the core of the Alliance’s ability to keep its members secure for over 60 years.

Gaddafi’s gone and Libyans must come together – but how?

Okay, it’s the end of the long, loud road to revolution. Muammar Gaddafi is dead and now we start the longer, laborious road to democracy – or some form of it – in Libya.

G8 and a Changing Consensus

The G8 summit came and went last week and was a relatively low key affair. It is testament to the rise of countries such as China, India and Brazil that the G8 no longer retains the same importance.

Saving President Sarkozy?

Nicolas Sarkozy sees the UN-sanctioned military action in Libya as a chance to rejuvenate his image at home. But is it a case of too little too late?