New Column: Zarqawi's Heartbreak

Read my latest column,Zarqawi's Heartbreak, over here. I make the arguement that a place with a deep reservoir of memory such as old Damascus enjoys societal immunity to the cult of jihadism. I am still doing a tour of Syria: Hama, Salamiyah, Aleppo, Latikiyah, Banyas, Masyaf, and back to Damascus. And this is breaking news: the Tishreen soccer team of Latikiyah (associated with the city's Alawis) has beat Hittin, the Sunni team. So, Alawite youths, some in late-model Nissan SUVs, others in beat-up pick-up trucks, are roaming the city shouting, honking and waving their team's colors--red and yellow. In fact, at least one individual is carrying a large Spanish flag, that is, as you know, red and yellow. Although the spectacle is slightly distracting due to the Spanish royal crest. Fist fights and minor acts of hooliganism are being gossiped about.

New Column: Divorce, Iraqi Style

I've pained over this column, but I think now is the time to start saying these things: check it out over here, Divorce, Iraqi Style. I was surprised by how much damage the concept of Iraq had undergone within me over the last 2.5 years; I feel totally unsentimental about Iraq staying as one country. I shall be saddened by the fallout of dismemberment, but at this point, it feels like a price we must and can pay after the campaign of terrorism we have endured and continue to endure.

I am in Damascus now, hence the sporadic blogging. I may write about Syria soon.