Kerry/Zarif Meet; Rouhani Answers Tough Questions

by Jasmin Ramsey The US and Iran made history today here in New York City. While many prominent American members of the press, academic, business and think tank worlds were listening intently to President Hassan Rouhani give a speech at… Continue Reading

A Short-Sighted US Strategy In Egypt

by Mitchell Plitnick It’s time to ask some tough questions about US policy regarding Egypt. The most pressing being what that policy is, exactly? I agreed with the easily assailable decision by the Obama administration to refrain from labelling the… Continue Reading

Europe Urged to Step into Breach of Failed Mideast Peace

by Mitchell Plitnick via IPS News The Oslo peace process has failed and Europe must take stronger leadership in the Middle East, according to a distinguished group of former European leaders that is pushing for a stronger and more independent… Continue Reading

No changes in Iran-US relations expected until after Iranian election

This week Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton indicated they wanted talks with Iran to resume even as the US’s dual-track policy of pressure and diplomacy (translation: more sanctions) continues: HIGH REPRESENTATIVE ASHTON: As you know, in New… Continue Reading

What is Iran up to these days?

Laura Rozen has an exclusive on alleged Iranian attempts to establish back-channel contacts with non-official Americans ahead of the (hopefully) resumed nuclear negotiations: Mostafa Dolatyar, a career Iranian diplomat who heads the Iranian think tank, the Institute for Political and… Continue Reading