Tikrit Battle Revives Doubts About Iraqi Leaders

by Wayne White A desperate Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi last week requested US air support to jumpstart Iraq’s stalled offensive in Tikrit. Many observers describe this as an American triumph. Yet, Abadi’s initial choice to ignore Washington’s concerns and… Continue Reading

Iranian Hardliners Silent on Rouhani’s US Diplomacy

by Ali Reza Eshraghi Following the phone conversation between Presidents Barack Obama and Hassan Rouhani, the atmosphere in Iran has taken a happier turn while remaining surprisingly calm. Contrary to predictions made over the past week and during Rouhani’s trip… Continue Reading

WaPo on Iran in Syria: The Lens Reflects a Mirror

by Farideh Farhi This Washington Post article about Iran and Hezbollah building networks in Syria in the event of Bashar al-Assad’s fall is certainly eye-catching. It’s also suggestive of Iranian shrewdness in trying to make the best out of every… Continue Reading