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Hussain Abdul-Hussain

Hussain Abdul-Hussain is the Washington bureau chief of Kuwaiti daily Al-Rai and a former visiting fellow at Chatham House in London. Previously, he helped launch and manage the Iraqi stream of the Arabic TV network Alhurra. Before relocating to Washington, Abdul-Hussain worked as a reporter, and later as managing editor, for Lebanon’s The Daily Star. He has reported from conflict zones on the border between Lebanon and Israel, and from Baghdad shortly after the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime. Abdul-Hussain has also contributed articles to US newspapers, including The New York Times and the Washington Post, and appeared on American TV news networks such as CNN and MSNBC. In addition, he is a frequent commentator on Arabic satellite TV networks.

Fake News? Iran Has Been at It Longer Than Russia By Hussain Abdul-Hussain - Jan 7, 2019

The past year has been notable for the attention “fake news” has received. In the Middle East, however, fake news is old news. And the master of this is not Russia, but Iran. Indeed, Iran’s mischief making in the region is not restricted to sponsoring foreign militias. It also includes funding, supporting or encouraging dozens … Continue reading “Fake News? Iran Has Been at It Longer Than Russia”

Basra Protests Show Disconnect Between Democracy and Good Governance in Iraq By Hussain Abdul-Hussain - Dec 17, 2018

After a brief respite during the hot summer of southern Iraq, the citizens of Basra are out on the streets again, demanding jobs and better state services. The country finally has – after elections that were held way back in May – a new parliament, president and prime minister. The full Monty. One might have … Continue reading “Basra Protests Show Disconnect Between Democracy and Good Governance in Iraq”

The BDS Movement in the Israel-Palestine Dispute Needs to Sharpen Its Ideas By Hussain Abdul-Hussain - Dec 4, 2018

After decades of suffering from the label of terrorism that was unfairly stuck to most of their freedom fighters, Palestinians finally managed to deploy peaceful alternatives to make their pleas for an independent state heard. But commendable as it is, Palestinian peaceful activism still commits mistakes reminiscent of the recent past, when demands were maximalist … Continue reading “The BDS Movement in the Israel-Palestine Dispute Needs to Sharpen Its Ideas”

The Democrats’ Victory in Congress Will Hurt Iran By Hussain Abdul-Hussain - Nov 8, 2018

Sanctions “hurt Iranians.” That was the un-startling revelation by an American think-tank personality, a “friend-of-Iran,” in a recent radio interview. Well, of course they do. But the larger goal is to force the behavior of the regime; regrettably, but to be brutally honest, “hurting Iranians” is part of the process to pressure the leadership. The … Continue reading “The Democrats’ Victory in Congress Will Hurt Iran”

Is Iraq’s New Prime Minister Able to Deliver Reforms and Fight Corruption? By Hussain Abdul-Hussain - Oct 7, 2018

Three weeks before he was named Iraq’s prime minister-designate, Adel Abdul Mahdi wrote an editorial in which he argued that the position should not be about the person in the role, but instead should be all about “rules and institutions.” He said that the authority of ministers should be bound by regulations, and demanded a … Continue reading “Is Iraq’s New Prime Minister Able to Deliver Reforms and Fight Corruption?”