The end-game in the war torn country is complex–and troop levels may be the simplest piece of the puzzle
Obama
Is Syria’s Civil War Entering Its Final Act, or Poised for a New Phase?
The stern warnings by President Barack Obama and other U.S. officials this week that Syria‘s President Bashar Assad would face “consequences” and be “held accountable” for any use of chemical weapons against his own people, has …
Golden Triangle: After Obama’s Visit to Rangoon, What’s Next for Burma-China-U.S. Relations?
For years the most important political and economic partner of the Burmese regime, China has a new rival for Burma’s friendship and vast resources—the United States.
How the Gaza Truce Makes Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood a Peace Player
The truce reflects a transformation in the region, reflecting the participation of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood in the status quo and perhaps the beginning of the rehabilitation of Hamas
Facing Hamas, Israel Rolls the Dice: Will There Be Another Gaza War?
A few parallels exist between Israel’s current Gaza operation and the 22-day war that began in December 2008. But the Middle East is a much different place in late 2012, with the risks more complicated and the politics more charged.
Syria’s Opposition Wins Western Backing, But What About Western Weapons?
Syria‘s new opposition leadership structure announced in Qatar on Sunday could mark a turning point in the stalemated 20-month old rebellion against the Assad regime. But it could just as easily prove to be another chimerical …
Obama’s Triumph: Newspaper Headlines from Around the World
How the world — and cities in the U.S. — woke up to President Obama’s reelection.
What Should the Middle East Expect from Obama’s Second Term?
“This is my last election,” President Barack Obama told then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in comments picked up by a mike in Seoul last March. “After my election, I have more flexibility.”
Five Countries Where the U.S. Election Matters Most
From Syrian rebels to polar bears, global stakeholders hope for changes after Tuesday’s U.S. presidential election
The Qatar Conundrum: The Emirate That Arms Syria’s Rebels Also Embraces Hamas
Mindful of its declining appetite for projecting power in the Middle East, the U.S. is relying on more activist partners in the region such Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to arm the Syrian rebellion. But Tuesday’s visit to Gaza …
Whether It’s Romney or Obama, U.S. Will Consider Direct Talks with Iran
Here’s a little secret about the future of U.S. Iran policy, regardless of who wins the presidential election: direct talks between Washington and Tehran may be inevitable — notwithstanding the Obama Administration’s …
Obama’s Iran Policy: Why Diplomacy Remains the Likely Course
The Israelis may be trying to make military action seem more palatable to the Administration, but diplomacy and sanctions will likely remain Washington’s focus well into next year
Romney Foreign Policy Speech: ‘Time to Change Course in the Middle East’
There are substantial differences between the president and his challenger on foreign policy, even if they’re neither as stark, nor as numerous, as the Romney camp would have voters believe.