Syria and the Monarchs: A Perfect Storm
Obama’s decision to arm the Syrian rebels will likely escalate the conflict and torpedo any possibility for a political solution.
Echoes of Occupy in Western Sahara
Morocco won’t be able to put off the issue of Western Sahara’s right to sovereignty indefinitely.
The U.S. and the Middle East: The Next Four Years
To begin with, the United States should drop the demand for regime change in Syria.
Turkey Haunted by Hubris
Set to be a regional leader just two years ago, Turkey is now beset by problems with neighbors and other regional powers. What happened?
Iran: Outgunned in the Gulf
Iran is so militarily disadvantaged compared to its opponents as to make its threat to close the entrance to the Persian Gulf almost farcical.
The Gulf Cooperative Council and the Arab Spring
Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states are using their wealth to counter external challenges (Iran) and internal ones (the Arab Awakening).