Western powers remain imprisoned by the idea that the world is a dangerous place, that it needs to be managed, and that they are called upon to do the managing. Stephen Kinzer calldangerousidea Change image and share on social
The long conflict between Israel and Palestine has, for better or worse, become the world's conflict. It permanently destabilizes the Middle East, blocks the settlement of urgent crises, and intensifies looming threats to the West. Stephen Kinzer badlyblockconflict share on social
In 1907, Britain and Russia signed a treaty dividing Iran between them; no Iranian was at the negotiations or even knew they were taking place. Stephen Kinzer britaindivideiran Change image and share on social
The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers created the 'Fertile Crescent' where some of the first civilizations emerged. Today they are immensely important resources, politically as well as geographically. Stephen Kinzer civilizationcreatecrescent Change image and share on social
Turks have long admired the sultan, Mehmet II, for his military triumphs, especially his capture of Constantinople, now known as Istanbul, in 1453. Stephen Kinzer admirecaptureconstantinople Change image and share on social
Most Pakistani politics is conducted within a narrow spectrum. Politicians spend much time debating the best ways to fight India, or take Kashmir, or dominate Afghanistan, or punish the United States for its real and imagined sins. Stephen Kinzer afghanistanconductdebate share on social
On Aug. 19, 1953, Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh of Iran became the first victim of a C.I.A. coup. Ten months later, on June 27, 1954, President Jacobo Arbenz of Guatemala became the second. Stephen Kinzer arbenzaugcoup Change image and share on social
Sultan Beyazid considered his father's art collection decadent and ordered it sold at auction. Stephen Kinzer artauctionbeyazid Change image and share on social
Turkey is immersed in a profound social and political conflict between secularists, who have been in power since the republic was founded, and an insurgent Islamic-based movement that seeks to increase the role of religion in public life. Stephen Kinzer baseconflictfound share on social
Sultan Mehmet had good relations with the Medici family and other powerful Italian clans, especially in Venice and Florence, and at his request, they sent him artists and craftsmen by the dozen. Stephen Kinzer artistclancraftsman Change image and share on social
