Middle Eastern Turmoil and the Scaremongering on Iran

by Paul R. Pillar It has not been a smooth month for those who want to keep Iran in pariahdom forever and thus seek to kill any international agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. The sanctions bill that is the deal-killers’… Continue Reading

Cotton Makes Aim of Iran Sanctions Legislation Kristol Clear

by Jim Lobe As foes of a nuclear deal with Iran prepare new sanctions legislation that the Obama administration firmly opposes, Arkansas’s new Republican senator, Tom Cotton, told a policy conference at the far-right Heritage Foundation Tuesday that the pending… Continue Reading

After 53 Years, Obama To Normalize Ties with Cuba

by Jim Lobe In perhaps his boldest foreign policy move during his presidency, Barack Obama Wednesday announced that he intends to establish full diplomatic relations with Cuba. While the president noted that he lacked the authority to lift the 54-year-old… Continue Reading

AIPAC’s Problems

by Jim Lobe The latest issue of the New Yorker features a lengthy article by Connie Bruck on the recent travails of AIPAC, especially its unsuccessful efforts since last November to increase sanctions on Iran, and its steady Likudnik drift, which has increasingly alienated its… Continue Reading

Iranian Human Rights Defenders Voice Support for Nuclear Talks

by Jasmin Ramsey The talks in Vienna over Iran’s nuclear program will likely continue past the July 20 deadline for reaching a final deal. President Barack Obama noted “real progress” but hinted at an extension yesterday after being briefed by Secretary of State John… Continue Reading