Author Archive
Ideas
As Modi Preps for US Visit, Mideast Leaders Study India’s Nonalignment
Many Middle East governments want good ties to the U.S.—without the disrespect.
Ideas
Why the US Military’s Messages Are Falling on Deaf Middle Eastern Ears
Its timeworn approach is out of step with the region, and with America.
Ideas
Muhammad Ali’s Foreign Policy Lessons
Like the great boxer, America needs to know how to pick the time and place to engage.
Ideas
The Middle East’s Indifference to Ukraine Is a Warning
What looks like international solidarity against a lawless invasion is something far more transactional and fragile.
Ideas
Three Political Crises Drove the Gaza Violence
Millions of civilians were endangered by three sets of beleaguered politicians who lack a popular mandate.
Ideas
Focus on Influence, Not Power, in the Middle East
People talk about U.S. power and influence as if they’re the same thing. That's a mistake.
Ideas
Iran Will Still be a Slog
We can expect Tehran to use three tactics to seek advantage in negotiations.
Ideas
Designating the Houthis as Terrorists Would be a Mistake
A proposed White House move would hinder peace talks and humanitarian efforts in Yemen.
Ideas
Stumbling Out of the Middle East is No Better Than Stumbling In
It is tempting for the United States to just throw in the towel, pull troops, and abandon allies. More important is understanding what the U.S. strategy toward the Middle East should be.
Ideas
The US Should Get Ready for Syria’s Return from War
Trump seems determined not to play much of a role in shaping how Syria’s myriad conflicts are resolved. That’s a mistake.
Ideas
The Foreign-Policy Parallels Between Trump and the Ayatollahs Are Uncanny
Neither the U.S. president nor Iran's leaders are as willing to go toe-to-toe as they might seem.
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On Iran, Trump Needs UN Help. He May Even Know it.
Maximum pressure isn't working. Tehran isn't backing down. Can the president woo a body that laughed at him last year?
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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
Who Wins When US-Iran Tensions Rise? China
The Sino-Iranian relationship advances Chinese interests — and particularly when Washington tries to turn the screws on Tehran.
Ideas