Ideas
As US Tightens Sanctions, Iran Seeks Leverage — and Russia May Win Either Way
Iran's recent relatively mild public statements belie the cards it might play in regional conflicts.
Ideas
The US Must Tell Bahrain’s Rulers: It's Time to Reform
The crackdown by Sunni rulers on the Shi’ite majority is opening doors for Tehran.
Ideas
Yemen Is Not a Sideshow
By indulging a years-long, bloody stalemate there, the United States has breathed life into Iran’s regional meddling.
Ideas
What Happens in the Gulf Doesn’t Stay in the Gulf
A year after the Qatar crisis began, it’s having potentially dangerous reverberations in the Horn of Africa.
Business
Pentagon Is Speeding Up Arms Exports to Saudi Arabia, Other Allies
A recent law allows one-size-fits-most-allies contracts, the U.S. military’s head weapons buyer explains.
Ideas
Arab Women in Syria, Inspired by Kurdish Sisters, Join the Fight — and the Movement
"There is no difference between us and them, we are both women. What is really important now is women are having a role."
Policy
After the Iran Deal, Here’s What the US Military Is Worried About Next
Keep your eyes on Iranian ballistic missiles showing up in Yemen.
Ideas
Trump Is Setting America on an Unpredictable Course in the Middle East
It starts with exiting the Iran nuclear deal without a plan, and it could end with a messy, violent, and unnecessary conflict.
Policy
Macron Mic-Drops on Trump, Offers a New Call to Western Leadership
Defending multilateralism and democracy, the French president gave the best political speech America has seen in years.
Policy
The Politics of Hating (And Loving) France
From freedom fries to fast friends, after the Macron visit will Republicans who choose to stand with Trump continue to stand with France? The war on terrorism may depend on it.
Ideas
A Trump Doctrine for the Middle East
The region has now been Trump-branded as “a troubled place”—and one America is not particularly interested in helping.
Threats
What Is America Going to Do About Syria Now?
After the latest suspected chemical attack, the United States has four options.
Ideas
Time to Get Out of Syria
The national security 'blob' who warn departure would be a disaster are wrong.
Threats
Trump Reverses, Says He’ll Keep US Troops in Syria
The president officially walked back last week’s off-the-cuff remark that the U.S. would leave Syria ‘very soon,’ leaving even more questions about the mission.
Business
US Defense Firms Eye Expansion Into Saudi Arabia
As the arms deals roll in, companies are pitching joint ventures to the visiting crown prince.
Policy
A Day of Whiplash in the US’s Syria Policy
At simultaneous live events, the president and military leaders offered conflicting views about America’s involvement.
Ideas
Saudi Crown Prince: Iran's Supreme Leader 'Makes Hitler Look Good'
In a wide-ranging conversation, Prince Mohammed bin Salman also recognized the Jewish people’s right to “their own land.”
Threats
The War in Iraq Isn’t Done. Commanders Explain Why and What's Next
Senior US and Iraq officers say the 15-year fight isn’t quite finished and they need to ensure that another ISIS can’t rise.
Ideas
Yemen Shows Why US Needs to Change Its Arms Sales Policy
A Senate resolution to reduce U.S. participation in Yemen's war failed, but policymakers seeking to reduce complicity in the humanitarian crisis have another option.
Threats