Russia redux, at Syrian expense

12 years ago

This morning's breakfast discussion at the Atlantic Council of prospects for a political settlement in Syria focused mainly on whether…

Diplomats v. intelligence analysts

12 years ago

It will take me more time and energy than I can spare from the Middle East these days to plow…

Yes, Virginia, there is a Syrian opposition

12 years ago

A colleague writes in reaction to the news of Syrian rebel groups abandoning the exile Syrian Coalition in favor an…

Cautious optimism on Iran

12 years ago

There was a lot of buzz after President Obama and President Rouhani spoke on the phone Friday afternoon. Some were…

Women in the Syrian revolution

12 years ago

The beginning of the Syrian revolution in March 2011 provided a window of opportunity for change in women’s rights. But…

Peace picks, Sept 30 – Oct 4

12 years ago

Fine, timely events this week in DC: 1. Reform Under Rouhani: Assessing Positive Change in Iran Monday, September 30, 2013,…

Fatwa diplomacy

12 years ago

President Obama mentioned Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei's fatwa against nuclear weapons in his speech last week at the United Nations…

What the phone call signifies

12 years ago

I hope you'll excuse me for not getting too excited about President Obama's call to President Rouhani yesterday.  I find…

Not the charm blitz

12 years ago

Rather than burdening you with more words about Iran President Rouhani's four-day charm blitz, I prefer offering three minutes with…

Tilting at pyramids

12 years ago

Those who follow Egypt these days are discombobulated.  Its military-backed government is forging ahead to exclude the Muslim Brotherhood from…