The Arab Spring In Review
For better or worse, the uprisings made clear Arabs do in fact rule themselves. Are they up to the task?
Middle East and North Africa
Tobruk Parliament Rejects Libya Unity Government
Lawmakers object to an agreement that would see them share power with rivals in Tripoli.
“Era of Sykes-Picot is Over”: Kurdish Leader
Iraq and Syria cannot be put back together again.
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.
Russia Helps Assad Reconquer Syria’s Heartland
Russian airstrikes are enabling the regime to retake territory from Syria’s least fanatical rebels.
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.
Bad News Made Worse: Saudi Arabia Is in Free Fall
Saudi Arabia’s steady liberalization will ultimately doom the social contract between the king and his people.
Yemen Ceasefire Holds as Parties Gather for Peace Talks
A truce appears to be holding as Yemen’s various factions gather in Switzerland for peace talks.
Libya Rivals Reach Agreement Toward Ending Division
Members of Libya’s rival parliaments make progress toward ending a year-long standoff.
Saudi Family Dispute Bursts into the Open
King Salman’s favorite son, Mohammad, is held responsible for a reckless foreign policy.
Syrian Rebels Evacuate Homs Under Deal with Assad
Remaining opposition fighters in what used to be Syria’s third largest city give up.
The Geopolitics That Allowed Turkey to Down a Russian Jet
NATO has Turkey’s back, but its brazenness surely raises doubts in Western capitals.
Why Did Turkey Shoot Down That Russian Jet?
Turkey may have been trying to prevent a unified front being formed to defeat the Islamic State.