Saudi Arabia’s turn toward China reflects its dissatisfaction with US policy. But while this is hardly the first time the Saudis have employed this approach to political bargaining, familiar does not mean harmless. Read More Here
Washington’s efforts to “pivot to Asia” have finally come back to bite it in the Middle East. Read More Here
The role of Iran’s Supreme Leader, based on a claim to embody the same infallible, divine authority as the Prophet Muhammad, contradicts centuries of Islamic doctrine. It is a wholly made-up office, and its legitimacy has never been more in doubt. Read More Here
Iran’s low-cost and battle-proven drones are being deployed by Russia to counter Kiev’s Western-supported arsenal. Read More Here
Like Khomeini and Khamenei, Sadr seeks to impose that which he cannot gain by consensus. Read More Here
Time will tell whether President Joe Biden’s Middle East trip proves to be a turning point, but those who dismiss its importance are missing the bigger picture. Read More Here
As President Joe Biden prepares to travel to the Middle East, his administration faces several challenges in its relations with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other regional (non-treaty) allies. Read More Here
The president is clearly hoping that if he shakes hands with the crown prince and the Saudis agree to pump more oil, Americans will not be paying between $5 and $7 for a gallon of gas for very much longer. Read More Here
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not only dominated global headlines, but also triggered a wide-ranging debate in Iran and among Iranians about Tehran’s ties with Moscow. Read More Here
Iranian planes landing in Myanmar have raised speculation of secretive military-to-military cooperation, including possible sensitive Iranian weapons sales amid rising international calls to impose an arms embargo on the rights-abusing junta. Read More Here
looking beyond borders 