Policy
Ash Carter May Lean Forward on Iraq, Syria, But Not Too Far
The defense secretary nominee seeks a pragmatic, ‘lasting’ approach to long-term problems in the Middle East.
Threats
Obama Insiders Divided About Shifting Fight From Assad to ISIS
To save Syria, destroy ISIS? Not Assad? Not everyone in Obama’s administration agrees you can have one without the other.
Policy
Is Netanyahu Forging a New Normal in US-Israeli Relations?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's high-profile intervention into American politics is a dramatic reversal from historic norms. But will it make any difference to Washington or Jerusalem?
Policy
Let Netanyahu Make His Case, Then Consider Why He's Wrong
The Israeli prime minister argues that 2015 is fundamentally similar to the world of 1938. Americans should hear him out, then pursue a more reasonable policy.
Policy
Israeli Ambassador: Netanyahu Never Meant To Disrespect Obama
Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer answers questions about House Speaker John Boehner and Iran.
Threats
An Incomplete Victory in the War Against ISIS
Islamic State forces have reportedly lost the Syrian border town of Kobani, but it's not necessarily a turning point in the war.
Policy
The Netanyahu Disaster
The manner, execution and overall tone-deafness of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent ploy suggest that he doesn’t understand how to manage Israel’s relationships in Washington. By Jeffrey Goldberg
Threats
Is This the Twilight of Saudi Power?
As world leaders pay their respects to King Abdullah, they could be observing the end of an era in the Middle East. By Brian Katulis
Threats
What Dempsey Wants In New War Powers To Fight ISIS
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey said the Pentagon should not be constrained by time or geography in its long struggle with Islamic extremism. By Micah Zenko
Ideas
The Dangers of Saudi Succession
The monarchy's greatest strength is its outward display of unity. That's also its weakness. By Simon Henderson
Threats
How an ISIS Beheading Might Change Japan
The apparent murder of Haruna Yukawa may compel Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to press for re-militarization. By Matt Schiavenza
Threats
Yemen: From the Arab Spring to a Leaderless Nation
Four years after Arab Spring protests spread across the Middle East and North Africa, Yemen is on the brink of an all-out civil war. By Laura Kasinof
Policy
Instability in Yemen Could Delay Guantanamo's Closing
The White House says it will temporarily halt sending its Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo back to a nation very much in flux at the moment. By Kaveh Waddell
Ideas
This Is America's Best Shot To Fix the Relationship With Saudi Arabia and Fight Terrorism
The U.S. should use the transition in Riyadh to correct course, adjust its relationship with Saudi Arabia and fight extremism. By Sarah Chayes
Policy
US-Saudi Military Relations Expected To Persist Under King Salman
The new king is the former Saudi defense minister, which should mean steady policy and weapons sales for U.S contractors. By Marcus Weisgerber
Ideas
What the Ayatollah’s Letter to Western Millennials Was All About
Despite being written in response to the horrific violence of Paris attacks, the letter from Iran's Khamenei addressed to Western youth is long on history but short on any condemnations of terrorism. By Esfandyar Batmanghelidj
Policy
Saudi King Dies Amid Middle East Power Struggle
Amid a new Middle East, King Abdullah's death leaves Saudi Arabia still ruled by elderly heirs. By Adam Chandler
Threats
Hagel Says Iraqi Complaints Against Coalition Efforts 'Unhelpful'
Defense officials said that 6,000 Islamic State fighters have been killed by coalition forces. But Vietnam War veteran Hagel dismissed the casualty count as a metric of mission success. By Gordon Lubold and Marcus Weisgerber
Policy
Top HASC Republican Rebuffs Obama: Syria ‘Still a Bloody Mess’
House Armed Services Chairman Mac Thornberry says the ‘ugly truth’ is there are few good options for defeating the Islamic State and saving Syria. By Molly O’Toole
Policy
Obama and Congress Approach an Impasse on Iran Sanctions
A potential showdown between Senate Democrats and the White House over Iran could lead to the first successful veto override of President Obama's tenure. By Fawn Johnson
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