On Iran Congress Risks Alienating Europe

by Ellie Geranmayeh Members of Congress opposing the Iranian nuclear deal don’t seem to care that it’s a multilateral agreement their longest-serving European allies support. Europeans are far from impressed that the US legislature has taken hostage the diplomatic roadmap… Continue Reading

The Heavy Historical Baggage of U.S. Policy Toward the Middle East

by Paul R. Pillar There is much to be said for what is commonly called a “zero-based review”—a fresh look at a problem or project unencumbered by existing assumptions and practices. Just about any organization or mission could benefit periodically… Continue Reading

The West’s Voluntary Blindness on Syria

by Eldar Mamedov Recently Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg sent a letter to the UN Security Council demanding that Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria end the use of barrel bombs. The foreign ministry of a European country that still maintains a… Continue Reading

Bahrain’s Latest Sham Trial and Conviction

by Emile Nakhleh Now that the Bahraini regime has exacted its revenge by sentencing Sheikh Ali Salman, secretary general of the predominantly Shi’ite pro-reform al-Wefaq party, to four years in prison, the al-Khalifa ruling family should decide which of the… Continue Reading

Europe Stepping Up Its Game on Iran

by Ellie Geranmayeh A decisive stage in the nuclear talks is approaching, as world powers aim to reach a political agreement with Iran this month. Europeans have cautiously but noticeably stepped up their game to safeguard the negotiations and, ultimately,… Continue Reading