Is Russia Dictating Next Steps in Syria?

by Derek Davison A series of Russian moves to bolster support for dictator Bashar al-Assad and for a negotiated political settlement to Syria’s four-and-a-half-year civil war may allow for a new, unified focus on combating the Islamic State (ISIS or… Continue Reading

Iranian Academic Suggests Opening for Changing Iran’s Role in the Middle East

by Derek Davison The nature of Iran’s role in the Middle East has recently been a popular discussion topic among Washington policymakers as they considered the impact that reduced sanctions against Tehran might have on the region. As part of… Continue Reading

The Fantasy and Folly of the “Better Deal” with Iran

by Derek Davison Those in and out of Congress who are working to reject or otherwise scuttle the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) insist that their goal in opposing the nuclear accord isn’t war with Iran. Rather, they say… Continue Reading

Reid on Iran Deal: “This Agreement Will Stand”

by Derek Davison In remarks delivered to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP) on Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) forcefully expressed his support for the nuclear agreement reached in July between Iran and the P5+1 nations (the… Continue Reading

AP Mangles Parchin Story, Hopes Nobody Notices

by Derek Davison On Wednesday the Associated Press published an exclusive that was guaranteed to provide ammunition to those in the United States who are working to defeat the Iran nuclear deal in Congress next month. The story, “UN to… Continue Reading