Threats
Trump Approves ‘Defensive’ Deployment to Middle East
The U.S. will increase air and missile defenses from Iran at the request of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Pentagon leaders said.
Threats
Pentagon, Pompeo Diverge on Saudi-Oil Attacks
Defense officials say they won’t get ahead of Saudi Arabian investigators. The Secretary of State blames Iran.
Ideas
The Saudi-Oil Attacks Aren’t Game-Changing. They Show How the Game Has Changed
International norms and laws on proxy warfare encourage bad behavior. It’s time to change that.
Ideas
Everyone Is Getting Sucked Into the Iran Morass
The U.S. threatened Iran after an attack on a Saudi oil field sent global energy prices soaring, showing how the tensions affect literally everyone.
Threats
Key Republicans More Eager to Help Saudi Arabia Than Fight Iran
On Capitol Hill, a cautious reaction to attacks on two Saudi oil production facilities.
Threats
Alleged Israeli Strikes Bring US to Crossroads in Iraq
The Pentagon is worried that attacks on Iran-linked targets could damage its relationship with Baghdad. But what does the White House want?
Ideas
Saudi Arabia and Israel Are Growing Closer. Why?
The simple answer is Iran. But there is a more complex answer as well.
Threats
Dunford: Peace Agreement With The Taliban Is ‘Worth Trying’
“I’m not using the ‘withdrawal’ word right now,” the Pentagon’s top uniformed leader said Wednesday.
Ideas
Arab Women are Turning up the Volume Against Regimes, Stereotypes
A new anthology of Arab women journalists' essays highlights how more and more females are offering an alternative to the typically male, often autocratic voice that dominates the Middle East.
Ideas
The Bill for ‘America First’ Is Coming Due
Two of America’s closest treaty allies have announced military efforts explicitly designed to exclude the United States.
Ideas
About that Counter-Iran Coalition...
The Trump administration called for help, but Washington's friends have shrugged and calculated it is safer to stay away from "maximum pressure." There is a better way.
Ideas
How Can Congress Authorize War When It Can’t Decide What War Is?
There’s bipartisan agreement that the law governing America’s wars needs an update. There’s also bipartisan agreement that it won’t happen anytime soon.
Business
Fearing Iran, Qatar Continues Building its Missile Defenses
The Middle Eastern nation told the White House it would buy NASAMS and add to its Patriot batteries.
Ideas
The US Protects the Global Commons. Others Can Police Its Choke Points
Trump's not wrong when he says European, Mideast, and Asian nations should do more to protect Gulf shipping.
Ideas
The US-Saudi Alliance Is on the Brink
The relationship has survived for seven decades. A Democratic president could change that.
Policy
EXCLUSIVE: Countries May Begin Backfilling US Troops in Syria Within Weeks, Envoy Says
In an exclusive interview, Amb. Jim Jeffrey also confirmed a breakthrough agreement that could restart the Geneva peace process.
Ideas
We Don’t Need Airstrikes to Restore Deterrence in the Strait of Hormuz
Recent history shows that a restrained, multilateral military response can help restore stability.
Ideas
Trump Might Not Want War, but the Military Is Steering His Iran Policy
The buildup in the Middle East is coming at the request of the forces responsible for the region.
Ideas
How to Step Back from the Brink with Iran
Right now, everything both sides do to strengthen their defenses looks to the other side like preparation for attack.
Ideas