Policy
EXCLUSIVE: Countries May Begin Backfilling US Troops in Syria Within Weeks, Envoy Says
In an exclusive interview, Amb. Jim Jeffrey also confirmed a breakthrough agreement that could restart the Geneva peace process.
Ideas
We Don’t Need Airstrikes to Restore Deterrence in the Strait of Hormuz
Recent history shows that a restrained, multilateral military response can help restore stability.
Ideas
Trump Might Not Want War, but the Military Is Steering His Iran Policy
The buildup in the Middle East is coming at the request of the forces responsible for the region.
Ideas
How to Step Back from the Brink with Iran
Right now, everything both sides do to strengthen their defenses looks to the other side like preparation for attack.
Ideas
Deterrence Is Failing — Partly Because Iran Has No Idea What the US Really Wants
Successful deterrence requires clear delineation of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. That needs to start, pronto.
Threats
US Blames Tanker Attacks On Iran; CENTCOM Releases Surveillance Video
Military officials say imagery shows Iranians in boats at the tankers, handling a mine and trying to capture crew members.
Threats
EXCLUSIVE: US Intelligence Officials and Satellite Photos Detail Russian Military Buildup on Crimea
Five S-400 anti-aircraft missile batteries, plus additional troops and fighters, let Moscow better defend the Black Sea and threaten Europe and the Middle East.
Threats
How to Navigate the Fog of War on Iran
The question of how to read U.S. intelligence on Iranian threats—and how to respond to them—is at the center of a debate over military escalation.
Ideas
The Eastern Mediterranean Needs More US Warships
Regional tensions and distracted allies underscore the need for more naval presence.
Ideas
A Middle East Peace Plan Built on Un-American Principles
Jared Kushner wants to use prosperity as a shiny object to distract Palestinians while their political aspirations are swept away.
Policy
US To Send 900 Troops To Middle East To Counter Iran
The Trump administration insists that the deployment is purely defensive.
Ideas
How Is Iran Worse Than Saudi Arabia?
A rational foreign policy would view Tehran as a normal regional power jockeying with equally sharp-elbowed foes. 2020 Democrats can lead the way.
Ideas
Trump’s Counter-Iran Moves Are Provocative, But They’re Not War
Truly bad messaging is undermining trust among allies and the American public — and increasing the chance of accidental escalation.
Threats
The Flash Point Between America and Iran Could Be Iraq's Militias
U.S. troops and Iran-backed fighters had an alliance of sorts in the anti-ISIS campaign. With Washington and Tehran at odds, could they turn on each other?
Ideas
How Not to Announce a Ship Deployment
A simple press conference could have avoided 36 hours of confusion and fears of war with Iran.
Ideas
In the Global Power Era, Remember the Bin Laden Raid
The Defense Department must make choices, but we cannot become complacent about the fight against terrorism.
Ideas
China’s Risky Middle East Bet
Beijing believes it can focus on economic development and avoid any role in political affairs—but that assumption will likely prove naive.
Ideas
A Warlord Rises in Libya, and Trump Is Praising Him
It's Khalifa Haftar, the Libyan general who is leading his forces against the government the U.S. still officially backs.
Ideas
Protesters in Sudan and Algeria Have Learned From the Arab Spring
The demonstrations have their own local characteristics, but there are several parallels.
Business