January 08, 2019
Trump’s Visit Violated Iraq’s Sovereignty
While many in Iraq considered Trump’s visit a violation of sovereignty, there is no plan for changing the ongoing security relationship with the United States at this time.
Learn more »January 02, 2019
The Saudi Shake-Up to Consolidate One-Man Rule
King Salman’s cabinet reshuffle was to divert attention away from MbS’s responsibility for the killing of Jamal Khashoggi; but it will likely not succeed.
Learn more »December 20, 2018
Trump’s Syria Announcement Underscores US Policy Meltdown
The withdrawal of US troops will make it easier for Moscow and Tehran to advance a political solution ensuring that Assad and his allies remain in power.
Learn more »December 06, 2018
Qatar Withdraws from OPEC: Business, Politics, or Both?
It strains credulity to believe that Qatar’s decision to withdraw from OPEC was taken in total isolation from the regional conflict and tensions with neighbors.
Learn more »November 28, 2018
Pompeo and Mattis Strongly Support Saudi Arabia in the US Senate
The Trump Administration likely dealt itself a blow when it sent Secretaries Pompeo and Mattis to the Senate but prevented Haspel from testifying as well.
Learn more »November 21, 2018
Trump’s Extraordinary Statement on Saudi Arabia
American national interests would have been better served by withholding such futile statements of denial and disclaimer until Saudi, Turkish, and US investigations and assessments are completed.
Learn more »November 13, 2018
American Sanctions on Iran Will Seriously Impact Iraq
While the new set of American sanctions on Iran will undoubtedly have a negative impact on its interactions with the world, the fear is that Iraq will be an unintended victim.
Learn more »November 02, 2018
Is the United States Serious about Ending the Yemen Conflict?
Bipartisan congressional pressure and the Khashoggi murder may have forced the Trump Administration to revise its position on Yemen.
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