Many are working for peace in the ongoing conflicts, and feasible compromises should be achievable, because everybody is tired of war. But will any ceasefires last? “The lovers’ faith is like the Arabian phoenix — everyone says it exists, no one knows where,” the Italian poet Metastasio sang, in verses that come back to mind […]
Israeli Crossroads: the post-traumatic elections
In Israel, the first elections for the new Knesset following the events of October 7, 2023 are a direct expression of a national post-traumatic condition and carry extraordinary political and historical significance. As the country prepares to vote on October 27, one fundamental question confronts Israeli voters: Was the Hamas massacre an isolated event, or […]
A Chance for the EU
The potential loss of Orban in Hungary could trigger a series of events that might alter the continent. On April 13, the day after the Hungarian parliamentary elections, Europe could turn a new page. Less than two weeks before the vote, the opposition to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, led by the Tisza Party, is clearly […]
Pizzaballa’s Way to Peace
The Cardinal offered himself in return for the Israeli hostages right after Hamas’ massacre. The offer could now help to break a deadlock in the region. It’s resurfacing on the web (see here), the October 2023interview (see here) where the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, offered himself in exchange for the release of Israeli […]
Europe-China, Matters of Sense and Sensibility
This year, 2024, may mark a significant shift in the relationship between the European Union (EU) and China. The February 2022 shock of China’s support for Russia against Ukraine was compounded by the potentially even greater shock of China’s stance on Israel and its support for Iran in the Middle East. This has created a […]



