ایران

Tehran has several means of putting military and economic pressure on the Iraqi Kurds following the independence referendum, but taking action on its recent warnings could widen Kurdish discontent at home.

Without a defined strategy, events will determine policy.

Ambassador James Jeffrey joined the Columbia Energy Exchange podcast for a conversation on how the Middle East's political situation is affecting energy markets. Among the many topics of discussion were the political situation in Iraq and the outlook for future oil production; the future of the Iran nuclear deal and

A comprehensive accounting of naval-basing developments in the Middle East and North Africa, including recommended steps for advancing U.S. regional interests

In responding to Tehran's dangerous regional behavior, Washington can pursue measures short of a full-scale JCPOA annulment.

Conflict with Israel might be inevitable, but the context has become more complicated than ever for both sides.

Warming Russian ties with Israel, the recent meeting suggests, will not include actual steps to curb Israeli foes such as Iran or Hezbollah.

The new U.S. strategy, predicated on a changed approach to Pakistan, will need the support of Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE to succeed.

Gathering IRGC frustrations over liberal domestic trends could eventually prompt dramatic intervention, with troubling regional consequences for the United States and its allies.