In The News

Saudi Nuclear Deal Raises Stakes for Iran Talks

Jay Solomon and Ahmed Al Omran March 13, 2015
Saudi Arabia, possibly nudged by rival Iran’s negotiations with the US and allies, has signed its own civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with South Korea. This follows similar Saudi agreements with China, France and Argentina. Saudi officials have criticized the US position on the Iranian negotiations, and the US has agreements with allies France and South Korea that prohibit distribution of...

Chad, Niger Launch Offensive Against Boko Haram

Krista Larson and Dalatou Mamane March 11, 2015
Forces from Chad and Niger are crossing into northern Nigeria to join the fight against the Boko Haram extremists whose name means “Western education is forbidden.” Boko Haram, which has kidnapped and enslaved large groups of schoolgirls, has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State extremists who control and terrorize strips of territory in Syria and Iraq. Generals leading the offensive insist...

From Eastern Flank, Iran-Backed Force Advances on Tikrit

Thaier al-Sudani March 6, 2015
When the US led an invasion into largely Shia Iraq in 2003, critics warned the move would strengthen the influence of neighboring Iran, predominately Shia. The West has urged Muslim countries in the region to stand up to extremism. Iran is heeding the call, its forces fighting side by side with Iraqis against Islamic State extremists who have murdered Shia Muslims, Christians and others. The West...

Netanyahu, Obama and the Geopolitics of Speeches

George Friedman March 4, 2015
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing US Congress, warned that a deal with Iran, under negotiation with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany, is inadequate. George Friedman, chairman of Stratfor Global Intelligence, writes that the issue at stake is larger than the nuclear deal under negotiation and outlines the history of US-Israeli relations: “the...

All It Takes to Cross From Turkey to ISIS-Held Syria Is $25

Sophia Jones March 2, 2015
Once aspiring jihadists reach Turkey, the last stage of crossing into the Islamic State controlled area is simple, with $25 and help from smugglers, explains Sophia Jones for the WorldPost. “Despite Turkey’s insistence that it’s doing all it can to secure the 500-mile-long border, smugglers, fighters and refugees say that Turkish criminal gangs and bribed Turkish paramilitary police have created...

Putin’s European Fifth Column

Yuriy Gorodnichenko, Gérard Roland and Edward Walker February 27, 2015
Putin rejects EU or NATO membership for neighboring states for Russia. “Indeed, the existence of a European model continues to guide and encourage those pursuing transparent, democratic governance in many post-communist countries,” explain three professors with the University of California at Berkeley in an essay for Project Syndicate. Russia’s intimidating authoritarianism has little appeal, and...

Obama Administration to Allow Sales of Armed Drones to Allies

Missy Ryan February 26, 2015
The Obama administration will permit US export of armed drones to allies including Turkey and Persian Gulf nations The US already exports drones for gathering intelligence to some allies. Drone strikes have become a central tool in combatting terrorists and militants in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq and Syria, reports Missy Ryan for the Washington Post. Requests will be reviewed on a case-...