Syria’s Assad Confident His Plan Is Working
Unless and until the opposition came come together on a strategy, the Syrian strongman will stay put.
Middle East and North Africa
Clinton Cautions Saudis Against Arming Syrian Rebels
The secretary of state urges Saudi Arabia to support international diplomatic efforts against the Syrian regime.
Iraqis Regard Arab League Summit Warily
Baghdad’s residents are less enthusiastic about the conference than their government.
The Problem with “Zero Problem Neighborhood”
Turkey’s policy of befriending rivals and antagonizing allies seems less and less of an asset.
Saudi Arabia Arming Syrian Opposition
A top Arab diplomat tells the AFP press agency that Saudi weapons are underway to Syria.
Americans Urge Saudi Arabia to Boost Oil Output
The kingdom insists that it will raise production if Iranian oil exports fall.
Hamas Refused to Participate in Latest Gaza Violence
The group’s refusal to participate in recent skirmishes signals a change in behavior.
Libyan Eastern Province Declares Semiautonomy
Tribal leaders insist the move is necessary after decades of discrimination under Gaddafi’s regime.
Turkish Leader Urges Opening of Syrian Aid Corridors
Turkey urges “immediate” foreign intervention to stop the “bloodshed” in Syria.
Iranian-Saudi Cold War? Diplomat Killed in Bangladesh
Iranian involvement in the death of a Saudi diplomat isn’t certain but in the Middle East, suspicions abound.
Iranian Election a Proxy Fight for Ahmadinejad, Khamenei
Conservatives and hardliners face off in what is a proxy battle between Iran’s supreme leader and president.
Israel Sells Drones, Missile Defense to Azerbaijan
Despite tension in the region over Iran’s nuclear program, an Azerbaijani-Israeli weapons deal has little to do with it.
Saudi Arabia Boosts Relationship With Iraq
Saudi Arabia finally sends an ambassador to a country it has long viewed with suspicion.
Arming Syrian Opposition “Excellent Idea”: Saudi Arabia
Riyadh is waging a proxy war against Iran in siding with the rebels in Syria.
Iran: Putting the Appeasement Option On the Table
An appeasement policy addresses the Iranian sense of insecurity which is probably at the heart of its nuclear ambitions.