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 →