From Al-Ahram, what became of the Arab state? Akram Zaatari’s excavations of Lebanon’s past explore its forgotten relics and contested zones — and trace an untold history of violence and resistance. Can the Muppets make friends in Ramallah?: The Palestinian territories have been a tough place to strike a balance between promoting “Sesame Street” values while portraying a realistic version of local life. Can Saudi Arabia remake itself by reforming its education system? In one way or another, it has managed to fail miserably. A just withdrawal: Michael Walzer and Nicolaus Mills on our moral obligation to the Iraqis we leave behind. A review of People Like Us: Misrepresenting the Middle East by Joris Luyendijk. Juan Cole on top ten things you didn't know about Iran. Thomas PM Barnett on 10 reasons why sanctions on Iran won't work. If Tehran gets the bomb: Lee Smith on how Iranian nukes would reshape the Middle East. From World Affairs, Nicholas Schmidle on Talibanistan: The Talibs at home. Here's the story of the Taliban's fall and rise, in their own words. From Commentary, Max Boot on how we can win in Afghanistan. From Dissent, Todd Gitlin on getting out of Afghanistan. The struggle to set the future course of the Afghan war is becoming a battle of two books — both suddenly popular among White House and Pentagon brain trusts. A look at how Al Qaeda's diminished role is stirring the Afghan troop debate. Hannah Bloch reviews Islamism in the Shadow of al-Qaeda by Francois Burgat. From The American Interest, Jeffrey Herf on The Totalitarian Present: Why the West consistently underplays the power of a bad idea.