Saudi Intel Chief Prince Bandar Is Out, But Is He Really Out?

by Thomas W. Lippman It might be a mistake to jump to conclusions about the removal of Prince Bandar bin Sultan from his post as chief of Saudi Arabian intelligence. When it comes to senior jobs held by the royals,… Continue Reading

Syria Policy: Signs of Coherence?

by Thomas Lippman For the United States, Saudi Arabia, other supporters of the rebels in Syria, and for the rebels themselves, this has been a month of fast-paced, intense diplomatic and political activity. It is tempting after so much time… Continue Reading

The Geneva Blame Game

by Alireza Nader Iran and the P5+1 (the U.S., Britain, France, China, and Russia plus Germany) came tantalizingly close to reaching a nuclear deal this past weekend in Geneva, but the talks ended without an agreement. Although both Iran and… Continue Reading

What’s Driving the Saudis? Iran.

by Thomas W. Lippman A dozen or so of your basic Washington types — lobbyists, consultants, think-tankers — were talking with a U.S. senator the other day about the linkages between energy, foreign policy, and national security. The conversation would… Continue Reading

Saudis Should Welcome A US Move Toward Iran

by Thomas W. Lippman Shortly after President Obama’s startling telephone conversation with Iran’s new president, Hassan Rouhani, a Saudi Arabian journalist wrote that “The phone call between Obama and Rouhani shocked the Gulf states, Jordan, Turkey, Israel, and other countries.”  No matter… Continue Reading