Policy

Bibi Netanyahu is Forcing Obama to Decide Between Iran and Palestine

The administration sees its diplomatic work on both issues as the lynchpins to stability in the Middle East. Too bad Jerusalem isn't on the same page. By Michael Hirsh

Policy

John McCain Thinks John Kerry Is a 'Human Wrecking Ball'

The Arizona Senator had some harsh words for the Obama administration's approach towards its negotiations with Iran. By Uri Friedman

Business

Hagel Defends Kerry’s Engagement with Iran

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says “engagement” with Iran isn’t “negotiation” and defends the Secretary of State for reaching out. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Susan Rice: 'Premature to Judge' Outcome of Iran Talks

Obama's national security advisor also said that differences with Saudi Arabia are mainly over tactics on Middle East policy and not overall strategy. By Uri Friedman

Policy

Senate Holding Iran Sanctions Bill Before Kerry Briefing

Lawmakers are to be briefed by Kerry on Wednesday regarding the status of the ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran. By Global Security Newswire

Policy

Everyone Is Posturing on Iran (and Everyone Wants a Deal)

The Israelis, French, Americans and Iranians have to save face, but reports of their dissension are greatly exaggerated. By Michael Hirsh

Ideas

Is It Time to Reassess Our Long-Term Alliances in the Middle East?

Should conversations between Washington and Tehran be focused on nuclear weapons when there are other economic and geopolitical factors in play? By Fariborz Ghadar

Threats

How the Senate Is Complicating Negotiations With Iran

Former officials say that imposing new sanctions makes Washington look unserious about negotiations. By Diane Barnes

Policy

79 NatSec Officials Praise Obama for Iran Diplomacy

Former ambassadors lauded Obama’s administration for seeking talks with Tehran nuclear program. By Kedar Pavgi

Policy

Only Diplomacy, Not Force, Will Prevent Nuclear-Armed Iran

None of the alternatives to diplomacy -- military force, regime change or even harsher economic pressure – will prevent nuclear-armed Iran. By Laicie Heeley

Threats

Why the U.S. Should Try to Reach a Grand Bargain With Iran

The White House won't accomplish anything else in the Middle East unless it gets Tehran on its side. The nuclear issue is the best place to start. By Michael Hirsh

Policy

How Obama Can Bypass Congress and Ease Sanctions on Iran

A recalcitrant and hawkish Congress won't cut back on Iran sanctions by itself. Good thing the White House has plenty of other options. By Sara Sorcher

Threats

Iran's New Nuclear-Fuel Plan Spurs Uncertainty in the West

Iranian nuclear talks seemed promising, but leaked plans to make fuel raise red flags. By Diane Barnes

Ideas

Give and Take: Time to Get Real In U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks

Iran and the U.S. have the best shot in years at a nuclear deal, if each is willing to give up some of what it wants to get what it really needs. By Greg Thielmann

Policy

Unwinding 34 Years of Sanctions on Iran Won't Be Easy

The current sanctions regime is a labyrinthine mix of laws, executive actions and involves many international actors. Easing them will be an arduous task for Obama. By Kaveh Waddell

Threats

The Six Things That Will Determine Obama's Success With Iran

Obama has made a good start by speaking to Rouhani, but there are plenty of pitfalls on the road to peace. By David Rohde

Threats

Why Did Rouhani Say ‘No’ to Obama?

For decades, Iran has conducted secret negotiations with the United States, only to publically back off before a major diplomatic breakthrough. Rouhani's behavior at the United Nations was more of the same. By Michael Ledeen

Policy

Why the United Nations Is Suddenly Relevant

President Obama is discovering that the U.N. Security Council remains the main repository for international legitimacy. By Michael Hirsh

Policy

Will Obama and Rouhani Meet Face-to-Face at the United Nations?

This week’s United Nations meeting could open the door to an historic meeting between President Obama and the new Iranian leader. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Here's the Main Reason Iran's President Is Warming Up to the West

Rouhani faces a plunging economy because of western sanctions that have cut into oil exports and other industries. Talks with the West is the only way to make it stop. By Tim Fernholz