Talking with an Unrepentant ISIS Fighter

by Giorgio Cafiero Situated at the Turkish-Syrian border’s intersection with the Mediterranean, Turkey’s southernmost Hatay Province has been highly vulnerable to spillover effects from Syria’s raging war. That’s been a function not only of geography and refugee waves, but also… Continue Reading

The Syrian Timebomb is Ticking More Loudly

by Robert E. Hunter The conflict in Syria could soon take on dimensions that no one outside of that country really wants and with consequences that will have destructive effects far beyond the local issues at stake, notably intensifying US-Russian… Continue Reading

Scapegoating Iran Will Not Resolve Middle East Challenge

by Shireen T. Hunter During his Middle East trip, President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to pursue an ambitious list of objectives. Paramount among these is to strengthen regional cooperation in defeating the Islamic State (ISIS or IS) and Islamist… 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

Syria and the Young Dictator Problem

by John Feffer The classic image of the dictator clinging to power, resisting the world’s entreaties to resign, and fending off internal attempts at ouster is that of an old man, stubborn and long past caring what others think. He’s… Continue Reading