Arab & Islamic Politics

Despite their desire for greater independence, Syria's Kurds have shown a willingness to broker agreements with the Assad regime in order to secure their near-term economic interests, and they may soon do the same with Iran.

Having demonstrated that he is a sincere partner and friend, President Trump can now approach Sisi for a serious conversation about helping Cairo improve its performance against jihadis in the Sinai.

After Trump welcomes Sisi, the Syria crisis puts relations in sudden limbo.

Sultan Qaboos is ailing, and no one knows who will take over his role as the last word on all aspects of Oman's regional policy.

Washington has a strong hand to ask for real concessions on issues such as aid priorities and prosecution of Americans, as well as clarification of Russia's reported military deployments.

The Supreme Leader's two New Year's speeches provide a valuable look at the regime's internal dynamics as it attempts to balance economic concerns, electoral maneuvers, regional pan-Shiite issues, and the nascent policies of a new American administration.

For the past three years, the Islamic State has held Raqqa, the capital of its self-proclaimed caliphate. But lately, both the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-based Syrian Democratic Forces and the Turkish-backed Euphrates Shield forces have stated their intention to take Raqqa, raising complex questions about future governance in eastern Syria. Whatever the

Talks this week with the Saudi deputy crown prince are expected to cover current issues including Iran, "radical Islamic terrorism," Syria, and Yemen, as well as perspectives on the longer-term future of the Middle East.

Symbolic gestures from Washington can be especially effective in a region where context is often more important than substance, and whose conflicts are based around perceptions of those contexts.