Middle East
Breaking News
Saudis Expanding US Military Access to Airfields, Port, to Counter Iran
The year-old initiative is intended to give CENTCOM “more options” in a fight, general reveals.
War Avoided, Biden Transition Brings ‘Opportunity’ for New Iran Relations, Top General Says
‘Our goal was to deter a war,’ said CENTCOM’s Gen. McKenzie of the past few months, en route to the region for his first visit under the new administration.
Pushing Billions in Arms Sales Is Not an ‘Accomplishment’
It matters to whom the weapons are flowing and how they will be used.
Milley Meets With Taliban In Fragile Peace Negotiations
The Joint Chiefs chairman's meeting comes at a profound moment of uncertainty for the U.S.-brokered talks on Afghanistan.
Designating the Houthis as Terrorists Would be a Mistake
A proposed White House move would hinder peace talks and humanitarian efforts in Yemen.
Outgoing Syria Envoy Admits Hiding US Troop Numbers; Praises Trump’s Mideast Record
‘We were always playing shell games,’ says Amb. Jim Jeffrey, who also gives advice to President-elect Biden.
The Clock is Ticking On F-35, Drone Sale to UAE
Lame-duck approval of sale could allow UAE to sign contract for weapons before Biden takes office.
The World Won’t Organize Itself
Biden understands what career diplomats know: America’s relationships overseas require hands-on management, and conditions in the field are messier than they appear.
Is Iraq’s Military Good Enough for US Troops to Leave?
After 17 years of fighting Saddam, AQ, and ISIS, officials say support for Baghdad and its security forces remains key to fending off Iran.
Washington Should Avoid a Self-Inflicted Wound in the Sinai
Withdrawing from the Multinational Force and Observers might be penny-wise, but would certainly be pound-foolish.
The Coming F-35 Fiasco
Now that Qatar is asking for the jet, it’s time to consider an entirely different approach to helping Gulf nations defend themselves.
My Brother Austin Asked Me to Go to Syria With Him. Four Months Later, He was Taken
Ask about Austin Tice. Bring him home.
Lebanon Needs More than US Sanctions
Hezbollah must go. Here's how the international community can help develop a democratic and secular system that works for the people.
The Abraham Accords: Who Benefits?
From authoritarian leaders to White House aides to the Palestinians, tallying the winners and losers of the new agreement.
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.
Trump Says He Wanted To Assassinate Syria’s Assad
The revelation further undermines the president’s assertion that he has stood firmly between the Pentagon and war.
Selling F-35s to the Middle East was Never Going to be Easy
To do it, and preserve Israel’s advantage, Trump must reinvigorate the consultative arms sales process with Congress.
Donald Is No Dove
The president’s criticism of military contractors is belied by his commitment to fattening their pockets.
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