Free Republic

Three years ago, film-goers were treated to “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen,” which critic Kenneth Turan called a “pleasant fantasy” about the Middle East. Today, of course, Yemen is the hub of a bloody conflict, one which President Obama persists in viewing with equal unreality. Most obviously: Yemen is not, as the administration has touted, a “success” brought about by its “smart diplomacy.” Most importantly: Iran has a plan. Yemen is a vital component. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sees that. So does Saudi King Salman (and no, I will not dwell on the pun). His foreign minister, Saud al-Faisal,...

Protesters have clashed with police in London during a mass demonstration calling for a ceasefire in Lebanon. (Pic: Reuters) The protest began at Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park, central London, with thousand of marchers turning out to highlight widespread unhappiness at the unwillingness of Britain and the US to call for an immediate ceasefire. The demonstration then passed the US Embassy where there were scuffles between police and a handful of demonstrators. The protest then headed for Whitehall, where campaigners left children's shoes at the Cenotaph to highlight the children's lives lost in the Middle East conflict. The march then...