New Phase in Syria Crisis: Dealmaking Toward An Exit

By Sharmine Narwani In recent weeks, there has been a notable shuffle in the positions of key external players in Continue reading →

Veteran US Diplomat Questions Syria Storyline

By Sharmine Narwani The problem with US policy in the Middle East is that it now operates almost entirely at Continue reading →

Octavia, Frances, and the Late, Great, Ayatollah Fadlallah

“Sad to hear of the passing of Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah. One of Hezbollah’s giants I respect a lot.” And Continue reading →

Israel vs Turkey: Which Serves US Interests Better?

In light of Turkey’s reaction to the Israeli attack on the Gaza-bound flotilla last week, media pundits and policy wonks Continue reading →

Washington Just Lost the Middle East in a Big Way

It’s official. There is no longer any serious “cost” for defying the United States in the global arena. Unable to Continue reading →

US Swagger Equals Foreign Policy Disaster

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Saturday announced Iran’s willingness to begin swapping in increments its enriched uranium for the Continue reading →

Eleventh-hour CPR On Iran Nuclear Talks

Face this fact. If Iran tomorrow announced a complete halt of its uranium enrichment program and ordered an immediate dismantling Continue reading →

Interview: Hezbollah And Hamas on Obama, Netanyahu, Terrorism … And Oprah

In early August and late October, I met with Hamas’ Usama Hamdan and Hezbollah’s Ammar Mousawi, chiefs of their respective Continue reading →