Russian Strikes from Iran Point to Burgeoning Anti-Western Pact
The fact that Iran allowed Russia to conduct airstrikes from its territory suggests the two are growing closer.
Iran
Don’t Take Iran Becoming a Better Place for Granted
Outsiders could give Iran’s otherwise doomed revolution a new lease on life if they prove the hardliners right.
Iran’s Elections Unlikely to Matter Much
Decisions in the country are made by a cabal who care little about its elected institutions.
What Oil Prices Mean for Geopolitics
Chaos may be in store if oil-dependent countries lash out to distract from failed economic policies.
West Lifts Sanctions as Iran Complies with Nuclear Deal
Iran’s compliance prompts European countries and the United States to lift sanctions on its economy.
Saudi Arabia Versus Iran: The Deeper Story
Saudi Arabia is stepping up its rivalry with Iran at a when the Americans are disengaging.
Arab States Cut Diplomatic Ties with Iran
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia expel Iran’s diplomats, escalating the standoff across the Persian Gulf.
Iran Invited to Syria Talks for First Time
Arab and Western opponents of Bashar Assad recognize that his main ally can no longer be excluded.
Russian Intervention Reveals Assad’s Wariness of Iran
Russia’s involvement means Syria no longer needs to rely exclusively on its more controlling ally.
Foreign Deployments Hint at Assad Survival Strategy
The Syrian leader’s protectors send forces to support his regime in the areas it still controls.
After Iran Deal, America Must Reassure Arab Allies
If America is to “pivot” on the Middle East’s Shia-Sunni divide, it must appease Iran’s rivals.
Iran May Not Be the Middle East’s Hegemon — Yet
Sanctions and isolation have weakened Iran, but it is still in a strong position to expand its influence in the Middle East.
World Powers Reach Nuclear Agreement with Iran
Iran promises to rein in its nuclear program in return for the lifting of international economic sanctions.
France Takes Hard Line with Iran, Deepens Ties with Arabs
It’s hard not to see a connection between France’s new alliances in the Middle East and its hard line against Iran.
Russian S-300 Missile Sale Worries Iran’s Neighbors
Russia’s sale of advanced missile defenses to Iran raises the risk of an arms race in the Middle East.
