President Obama and the Saudi Allies: It’s Complicated

by Cinzia Bianco and Giorgio Cafiero Throughout Barack Obama’s presidency, the U.S. has faced unprecedented challenges across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The Obama administration’s response to these crises has created substantial friction between Washington and some of… Continue Reading

Iran’s Anti-Semitism: Irrational or Irrelevant?

by Ali Gharib Last week, the journalist Jeffrey Goldberg published an interview with President Obama. It’s a fascinating read, and Goldberg’s write-up as well as the full transcript are entirely worth your time. The interview focuses on Obama’s Middle East policies and,… Continue Reading

Should the consequences of war with Iran be discussed in private?

This week, Jeffrey Goldberg gave cover to Mitt Romney’s critique of public discussion about the consequences of going to war with Iran in Bloomberg News. Goldberg wasn’t giving Romney a platform for his messaging; he agrees with the Republican nominee’s assessment: Romney’s more… Continue Reading

FLASHBACK: Gen. Petraeus Warned of US Policies that “Foment Anti-American Sentiment”

Robert Wright has an excellent piece at the Atlantic exploring the “hidden causes” of the protests against the United States across the Muslim world. The violence, which it’s important to emphasize is never excusable, is receiving little serious analysis in… Continue Reading