Former French President Jacques Chirac, gregarious and yet imperious political warhorse who during four decades government became European statesman and led opposition to Iraq war, died Thursday. ..…

It's unkind to speak ill of the dead, and it's crucial to understand the context of Chirac's Iraq policy, if only because it typifies European approach to Middle East. Chirac-era France's relations with Iraq in many ways Tony Blair-era Great Britain's with Libya, or Angela..…

France’s refusal to take part in the 2003 military intervention in Iraq was a hugely significant moment. . Over the course of his time in office Chirac became increasingly pro-European, and hoped to see France ratify the draft European Constitution by referendum – one that would go down..…

In Israel’s early decades, European (Ashkenazi) Jews often looked down on Mizrachim, who came largely from North Africa, Yemen, Iraq, and Iran; Israel’s mostly Ashkenazi political leaders kept the Mizrachim at the periphery of Israeli society, marginalizing them economically and..…

His time at Elysee saw France advance on European integration and, in moment for relations with Washington, oppose US-led of Iraq in 2003.. ..…