Qatar and Several Other Arab States Balk at Readmitting Syria to the Arab League
Bucking the trend to rehabilitate Bashar al-Assad, Qatar has maintained that restoring diplomatic relations would require political concessions to the Syrian opposition — something Assad has shown no willingness to do.
Amid Economic Volatility in Iran, a Decent Life is an Increasingly Unattainable Dream
The Trump administration’s unilateral withdrawal in 2018 from the 2015 nuclear deal triggered a new slide in the value of the Iranian rial and a desperate struggle by Iranians to protect their savings.
Iran Fears Rising Israeli and Turkish Influence in Azerbaijan
After four decades of dealing with Iran-backed militants in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, Israel is giving Iran a taste of its own medicine by forming a front at Iran’s northern doorstep and increasing ties with Azerbaijan.
Raisi Failures Boost Mojtaba Khamenei’s Chances of Becoming Iran’s Next Supreme Leader
Growing criticism of Raisi across the political spectrum opens the prospect that he could be a one-term president, the first not to be re-elected in Iran since 1980.
Russia and Iran Converge in Attempt to Build a New Eurasian Order
With both countries now isolated by the West, the emerging alliance is based on common opposition to Western domination and a mutual need to circumvent sanctions.
How Israel’s Nuclear Monopoly Affects Proliferation in the Middle East
Examining the history, politics, and consequences of Israel’s policy of “nuclear opacity.”
The Domestic Factors Driving Iran-Saudi Reconciliation
The announcement of Iran-Saudi reconciliation and cooperation with the IAEA reflect Tehran’s understanding that it is not possible to fight internally and with the international community at the same time.
Iran Faces a Choice Between Change From the Top or Rebellion From Below
A camp of progressives, including prominent political prisoners and civil society activists, is gaining momentum in Iran and calling for a constitutional referendum and a more democratic system.