Turbulent Middle East Poses Challenges for U.S. Policy

by Jim Lobe via IPS News New and unexpected strains in Washington’s ties with two of its closest Middle Eastern allies — Saudi Arabia and Turkey — have underlined the difficult challenges the administration of President Barack Obama faces in… Continue Reading

The End of the Beginning

by Robert E. Hunter The talks between Iran and the “P5+1” countries last week bring to mind Winston Churchill’s 1942 description of World War II: “It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end… Continue Reading

Iran Hawks Down but Not Out After Geneva

by Jim Lobe via IPS News Hopeful statements emerging from this week’s talks between Iran and the great powers have clearly set back foes of any détente between Washington and Tehran, but they are far from giving up the fight.… Continue Reading

Iran Nuclear Deal May Have its Beginnings in Geneva

by Jasmin Ramsey via IPS News Geneva — Talks between Iran and world powers known as the P5+1 over Iran’s nuclear program wrapped up here with expressions of encouragement and hope, a commitment to reconvene in just three weeks, and… Continue Reading

Araghchi: Iran Open To Additional Protocol As Part Of Endgame

by Jasmin Ramsey Geneva — Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, told LobeLog in an exclusive interview today that Iran is willing to implement the Additional Protocol, seen by world powers as a crucial element of a final deal, in the last stage… Continue Reading