Russia’s Syria Intervention Sign of Weakness, Not Strength
Russia can only afford to be “bold” in Syria because it has no other allies to care about.
Middle East and North Africa
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Made Super
Until the United States withdraw from the Middle East, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will recycle itself.
Egypt’s Election Contest Between Generals, Tycoons
Egypt’s parliamentary elections are really a competition between the army and big business.
America Not the Middle East’s Policeman: Obama
America should be wary of involving itself in the Middle East again, the president warns.
No Good Options: Why America Dithers in Syria
So long as all parties in Syria are determined to destroy each other, America has little reason to get involved.
Bombings Heighten Sense of Crisis in Turkey
Three weeks before an election, two suicide bombings in Ankara underline divisions in Turkish society.
In Search of Patrons, Israel Looks to Rising Power
Israel can’t replace its alliance with the United States, but China could be an important partner.
Saleh Supporters Back Yemen Truce as Saudis Claim Progress
Supporters of Yemen’s former strongman support a peace plan while Saudi-led forces march on Sana’a.
Russian Intervention Reveals Assad’s Wariness of Iran
Russia’s involvement means Syria no longer needs to rely exclusively on its more controlling ally.
What the Hell Is Putin Doing in Syria?
The presence of Russian troops in Syria will discourage other powers from invading.
BDS Needs to Learn Right Lessons from South Africa
Boycotts didn’t end apartheid. They won’t decidedly change Israel’s policy in the Palestinian territories either.
Foreign Deployments Hint at Assad Survival Strategy
The Syrian leader’s protectors send forces to support his regime in the areas it still controls.
Russian Jets Ignore Islamists, Defend Alawite Homeland
Rather than attack the Islamic State, Russia bombs in defense of Bashar Assad’s homeland.
Let’s Not Fall into Assad’s and Putin’s Trap in Syria
Syria’s Bashar Assad is not a bulwark against fanaticism and war. He is the enabler of both.
Local Syrian Ceasefire Raises Specter of Ethnic Cleansing
A truce between Islamists and Bashar Assad’s allies involves population transfers in the north and south of Syria.