Securing the Persian Gulf: Diplomacy, Not Arms

by Robert E. Hunter Since the conclusion of the Interim Agreement between Iran and 6 world powers in Geneva, Washington has taken pains to reassure friends and allies in the Persian Gulf that it will not be fooled by the… Continue Reading

Iranians Lukewarm on Rouhani, Oppose Syria Intervention: Poll

by Barbara Slavin A new poll following the election of Hassan Rouhani says that a majority of Iranians oppose Iran’s intervention in Syria and Iraq and believe that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons despite their government’s claims to the contrary. The… Continue Reading

The Geneva Blame Game

by Alireza Nader Iran and the P5+1 (the U.S., Britain, France, China, and Russia plus Germany) came tantalizingly close to reaching a nuclear deal this past weekend in Geneva, but the talks ended without an agreement. Although both Iran and… Continue Reading

Saudi Anger Masks Concern About Loss of Influence

by Emile Nakhleh via IPS News Saudi Arabia’s public anger against the United States masks the kingdom’s growing concern about its diminishing influence in the Persian Gulf and the wider Arab world. It has nothing to do with U.S. policy… Continue Reading