Syrian Revolt Reaches Outskirts of Damascus
The Free Syrian Army makes gains, but Bashar Assad’s security forces are largely holding up.
Middle East and North Africa
Exxon Moves on Kurdistan Deal Despite Baghdad Threat
Wikistrat analyzes the impact of the American oil company’s Iraq operation.
Power Sharing Agreement Looms in Egypt
The Muslim Brotherhood will likely ally with the liberals while the army continues to set foreign policy.
Yemen’s Saleh Granted Pass for Suspected Crimes
Whether Ali Abdullah Saleh’s departure will benefit Yemen is still an open question.
Turkey “Ready to Do Everything for Syrian People”
Turkey’s foreign minister said he supported the demands of the Syrian opposition but wouldn’t commit to an intervention.
Saudi Arabia Withdraws Monitors from Syria
The kingdom tries to put more pressure on Bashar al-Assad as part of its regional struggle with Iran.
Chinese Leader Warns Iran Not to Close Strait
Wen Jiabao offered unusually sharp criticism of Tehran but China is still unlikely to join in an oil embargo.
American, Israeli Military Chiefs Convey Unity
The two officers insist there is no daylight between their countries on how to handle Iran.
Al Qaeda’s Yemeni Outfit Grabbing More Land
The terrorist network’s regional affiliate in Yemen is now only one hundred miles away from the capital.
Saudi Arabia Reminds Iran Who’s Boss
The Saudi oil minister declares that the kingdom will make up for a drop in Iranian oil production “almost immediately.”
Qatar Calls for Armed Intervention in Syria
Arab troops should go into Syria to “stop the killing,” says the Qatari emir who previously supported intervention in Libya.
European Union Agrees to Iran Oil Embargo
To put pressure on the regime in Tehran, European nations agree to sanction its oil exports.
What’s Going On Behind the Scenes in Tehran
Trying to make sense of Iran’s internal power struggles is reminiscent of Cold War-era Kremlinology.
Circumventing the Strait of Hormuz’ Bottleneck
As Iran threatens to shut the narrow waterway from international oil tankers, what alternatives are there?
Arab Monitors Begin Their Mission in Syria
Inspectors from the Arab League arrive to see if President Assad is keeping his word to end the violence.