In The News

EU Must Open Doors to Avoid Syrian Refugee Catastrophe, Says UN

Martin Chulov, Harriet Grant January 14, 2014
The United Nations is calling on Europe to accept more refugees from Syria’s civil war. More than 2 million refugees live in temporary camps with substandard conditions in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey, and more are displaced inside the country or live outside without aid or registration. Relocation for the most vulnerable refugees is only a temporary solution. “The UK government has refused...

US and Iran Face Common Enemies in Mideast Strife

Thomas Erdbrink January 7, 2014
The United States and Iran, despite disagreement over the latter’s nuclear program, have found common ground on a destabilized Middle East and seek end growing insurgencies in five nations including Iraq. The rhetoric reflects new pragmatism on the Middle East and recognition that participation by both Iran and the United States is essential for regional stability. “Iran offered to join the...

UN Makes Record Funding Appeal for Syrian Refugees

Barbara Surk December 18, 2013
The UN hopes to raise $6.5 billion to assist as many as 9 million refugees who have fled the civil war in Syria, many of whom live in massive camps and tents hastily set up in bordering states. “The conflict in Syria, now in its third year, has defied all attempts at peace,” explains Barbara Surk for the Associated Press. “A biting cold spell marking the beginning of winter has added another...

US Suspends Nonlethal Aid to Syria Rebels

Michael R. Gordon, Mark Landler, Anne Barnard December 13, 2013
US aid for Syrian over the past two years has been limited and non-lethal, but the Obama administration has temporarily stopped that, too, after a group of Islamist fighters stormed warehouses containing US equipment. The US is not keen on extending military aid for rebels that could fall in the Islamists hand or see them rise to power in a transitional government. Identifying moderates amid...

Analysis: Saudis Have Few Options as They Push Tougher Foreign Policy

Angus McDowall December 3, 2013
Strong, dependable allies are essential in the unstable Middle East. Saudi Arabia is concerned about the recent US-Iranian deal that lifts a few sanctions and allows inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities. Negotiations leading to the deal were conducted in secret, with Saudi Arabia and other regional players kept out of the loop. But Saudi alternatives are few: Neither Russia and China are...

Iran Approaches a “Gorbachev Moment”

Robert A. Manning November 26, 2013
The United States and Iran have reached a historic interim accord that would limit sanctons and Iranian nuclear enrichment, subject to IAEA inspections. Iran confronts a transformative moment, explains Robert A. Manning of the Brent Snowcroft Center for International Security at the Atlantic Council. Western sanctions have contributed to high inflation, unemployment and other economic woes for...

Time for the US and Iran to Act

Jamsheed K. Choksy November 21, 2013
Europe, Russia, China and the United States have pressed Iran for years to end a suspected nuclear weapons program. After years of harsh sanctions, Iran is engaging in serious negotiations under President Hassan Rouhani. “Only US pressure through economic sanctions and martial threats has made Iran face the reality that it won’t be permitted nuclear weapons,” explains Jamsheed Choksy, professor...