America’s Standard of “Normal Nation” in the Middle East

by Pouya Alimagham On June 2, 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that the United States would be willing to engage with Iran as long as “the Iranians…behave like a normal nation.” Aside from the condescension of talking to… Continue Reading

Beware Iran’s Ideological Power

by Ali Rizk As tensions flare up between the Trump administration and Iran, many observers have been quick to point out that Iran is no Iraq and that war with Iran will have far more devastating consequences. Iran, for instance,… Continue Reading

The Real Plight of Idlib’s Civilians

by Helena Cobban In the northwest Syrian province of Idlib, three million civilians find themselves at the vortex of large-scale battles as the Syrian government and its allies seek to retake the area from the rebel forces that have controlled… Continue Reading

Netanyahu’s Indulgence of Anti-Semitism and Abandonment of Democracy

by Henry Siegman The New York Times fully deserved the recent outpouring of public anger in reaction to a political cartoon that appeared in the April 25 international edition. The cartoon contained classic anti-Semitic tropes reminiscent of Nazi propaganda. It… Continue Reading

What Is Russia’s Game in U.S.-Iran Standoff?

by Shireen T. Hunter      During his visit to Japan last month, President Donald Trump suggested some softening of American position regarding Iran and indicated that the United States welcomed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s mediation between Tehran and Washington. Soon… Continue Reading