UN Resolution Would End Iran Sanctions in 10 Years
A draft U.N. resolution on the Iran nuclear deal that says U.N. sanctions would “snap back” if Iran fails to meet its obligations also contains a surprise: The crucial mechanism will end in 10 years.
Saudi Royal Visits Us Warship Amid Regional Tensions
A US aircraft carrier in the Gulf hosted one of Saudi Arabia’s most powerful figures, official media said on Wednesday, as regional concerns mount over alleged interference by Iran. Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also defence minister, boarded the USS Theodore Roosevelt which is…
Qatar Moves to Craft a New Global Image
Battered by allegations that it mistreats migrant workers, aids terrorists and bribed its way to hosting the 2022 soccer World Cup, this secretive monarchy is trying something new: openness.
ISIS Forcing the West to Consider a Risky Strategy
When it comes to defeating ISIS without putting boots on the ground, the US-led coalition is running out of ideas. A US-led initiative to train and equip 5,000 moderate Syrian rebels has graduated just 60 soldiers in six months, Iraqi security forces are still…
U.S. Offers Billions in Arms to Ease Mideast’s Iran Anxiety
An agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program could create a bonanza for U.S. defense contractors who already are benefiting as the Obama administration tries to assuage Israeli and Gulf Arab concerns by cutting deals for more than $6 billion in military hardware.
America’s New Approach to the Iran Negotiations
Critics say Iran has out-maneuvered the outside world for almost two years, winning concession after concession in nuclear talks while itself giving away little. If so, the US appears to have turned the tables at a key juncture in the final negotiating round.
A Common Enemy Unites Egypt, Israel and Hamas
The misery of a common enemy can acquaint a country or group with strange bedfellows. Such is the case with Israel, Hamas and Egypt, which will likely put aside many of their differences in the wake of the Islamic State’s recent show of force in Sinai.
Syria’s Last Best Hope: the Southern Front
Beyond Assad and ISIS, a third moderate way can still exist for Syria if the Southern Front is empowered. The Syrian regime is weakening militarily in the face of the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) as well as the Islamist rebel coalition Jaysh al-Fateh that is sponsored by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and…
How to Beat ISIS: Divide Syria Into Parts
While the Obama administration’s strategy for Iraq requires substantial upgrading in light of recent Islamic State (or ISIS or ISIL) successes in and around Ramadi in particular, the plan for Syria is in much worse shape. The peace process is dead. So are a quarter million Syrians, with another 12 million displaced.
ISIS Video Shows Execution of 25 Men in Ruins of Syria Amphitheater
A just-released video from ISIS shows militants executing 25 captives in the ruins of a Roman amphitheater in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra. The graphic video begins with images of the Quran, followed by gruesome scenes showing what appears to be the aftermath of fighting, with bodies in the street.
