Middle East: To Parent or Guide is the Question
A few days ago, I wrote a post recommending the United States use its ever decreasing influence in the Middle East to develop a coalition of regional powers to counter … Continue reading
Iraq: Yet Another Opportunity for Regional Cooperation in the Middle East
Over the past few days, the world has seen multiple reports on the advancements made by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Iraq’s infamous Anbar province. According … Continue reading
Jordan: Unclear how US Bombing would Lessen Threat from Syria
One of the arguments being made by the US administration for intervention in Syria is that it will protect US allies and Syrian neighbors from Damascus and its dangerous agenda. … Continue reading
Syria: Is Washington Preparing for Boots on the Ground or How Assad United the US Military and Al-Qaida
The Obama administration has asked the US Congress to authorize airstrikes on specific Syrian government targets because President Bashar al-Assad’s government “has crossed the redline” and used chemical weapons on … Continue reading
Syria: Iraq’s Shadow Looms and Exit Strategy Remains Unclear
The recent chemical attack on civilians has unleashed renewed calls for international intervention in Syria. However, it’s unclear what will happen if this intervention does take place and who would … Continue reading
Iraq: Compliance with US Demand to Stop Allowing Iranian Support for Syria Unlikely
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki found himself in US Secretary of State John Kerry’s cross-hairslast week when the two leaders engaged in “spirited discussions” regarding Iran’s use of Iraqi airspace … Continue reading
Iraq: Moving Forward Will Need International Guidance in Managing Influential Neighbors and Internal Pressures
Over the past few days, there have been a number of excellent articles and posts written on the reasons for and behind the US invasion of Iraq. While these have … Continue reading
Middle East: Musing on How Commonalities between Iran and Israel Provide Significant Opportunities for Both Countries and the World
The two primary reasons why other nations remain interested in stability in the Arabian Gulf are oil and natural gas. While the Gulf provides a host of opportunities for entrepreneurs … Continue reading
All Sorts of Things 