It would a tragic shame if it ended. For Iraqis, the American presence is hugely beneficial as a counterweight to Iran and ISIS. Americans are also helpful with Iraqi internal politics—especially in regard to sectarian divisions in the security forces
detailsIraq has a new prime minister-designate, almost three weeks after the previous nominee — Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi — failed to secure parliamentary approval for his cabinet.
detailsSimmering restlessness could transform into unrest driven by the poor, who are prepared to fight for their survival
detailsIrans political and economic isolation has not stopped COVID-19—but sanctions are threatening to turn an outbreak into a catastrophe.
detailsWhether by force or politics, Iran desperately needs to reconsolidate power among Shia constituencies throughout the region, but this challenge may prove insurmountable given current public sentiment in Iraq and Lebanon.
detailsThe decision to kill General Qasem Soleimani has received widespread attention. However, another important Iranian military leader, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was also killed in the attack. Ranj Alaaldin explains why
detailsIranian lawmakers were told Tuesday to avoid contact with the public after more members of parliament were confirmed to have contracted coronavirus.
detailsWith the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, the U.S.-Iran standoff has shifted from attrition toward open conflict. Tehran will retaliate – the only question is how – prompting another response from Washington. Allies of both should interc
detailsHezbollah leader sponsors truce talks, with Iraqi paramilitaries endorsing Hadi al-Amiri as PMF leader and Tehran courting Moqtada al-Sadr in bid to form united resistance
detailsRouhani has taken a remarkably austere fiscal approach ahead of the looming parliamentary election, but the countrys economic situation is still not sustainable over the long run.
detailsRather than attempting to beat Iran into submission with escalating economic sanctions, the international community should be attempting to guide it toward greater openness...
detailsA regular survey of experts on matters relating to Middle Eastern and North African politics and security.
detailsTehran may be good at winning influence, but it is bad at ruling after that.
detailsThe best way to counter Irans asymmetric strategy in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere is a U.S. gray zone strategy
detailsStarting a war to protect oil markets will only backfire.
detailsWhile Tehrans internal debate about engagement with Washington intensifies, its words and actions already seem to be shaping even unintentionally the terms of any future talks.
detailsNew demonstrations, executions, and diplomatic quarrels threaten to undermine the island’s efforts to improve its pro-Western profile amid the Iran crisis.
detailsIranian officials now appear to be negotiating and rather than using back-channels, they are doing it in plain sight.
detailsThe United States is now designating politicians who place personal or Iranian interests above the needs of the Iraqi people, but these efforts could go awry if locals don’t understand the justification or consequences.
detailsIf Tehran agrees to extend the JCPOAs sunset provisions and curtail its activity in Syria and Lebanon, Washington may be willing to lift the nuclear sanctions and create a special-purpose vehicle.
detailsIt appears that the United States launched cyberattacks on Iran in response to that nations shooting down of an American drone aircraft.
detailsDespite spending billions of dollars on hardware, our regional partners do not have the capabilities we need.
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