Tragedy and Perfidy: The Figure of Mahmoud Abbas

by Mitchell Plitnick Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met with US President Barack Obama this week, following in the footsteps of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the month. But unlike Netanyahu, Abbas is a much less heralded or… Continue Reading

The Mixed Message of the Senate Letter On the Iran Nuclear Talks

by Daryl G. Kimball Clearly, Congress has an important role in implementing any comprehensive, final-phase agreement between the P5+1 and Iran to “ensureIran’s nuclear programme will be exclusively peaceful.” Those talks are now underway in Vienna. In that role, members of the Senate… Continue Reading

Ashton’s Meeting in Tehran

by Farideh Farhi Iranian news agencies are reporting that a “knowledgeable source” is suggesting Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif cancelled his dinner meeting with EU Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton on the eve of nuclear talks in Vienna to protest… Continue Reading

Iran Nuclear Talks: What Each Side Wants

by Dina Esfandiary Another round of talks between world powers and Iran begins in Vienna this week. Today, both sides want a deal, and fast. The positive atmosphere that characterised the recent rounds will likely endure. Gone are the days… Continue Reading

Libya’s Post-War Chaos Needs More Attention

by Wayne White The Libyan Parliament’s abrupt dismissal last week of Prime Minister Ali Zeidan takes Libya another step closer to even greater confusion and instability. With an oil-starved central government also drifting closer to bankruptcy, Libya’s options going forward… Continue Reading