Policy Analysis

Washington needs to recognize that the Iraq situation is a full-blown crisis requiring immediate action on several levels, even if politically risky.

The group remains as strong as ever on the continent.

A survey of the various rallies held in the Middle East and abroad since the latest Gaza conflict began.

Poll data and other evidence point to potential openings for promoting a ceasefire that will help the Palestinian people, not Hamas.

Erdogan's strategy in the August presidential polls envisions strong support among European Turks in the first round of voting, and backing from nationalist Kurds in case of a second round.

Ongoing close ties between Tehran and senior North Korean officials are raising concerns about potential transfer of nuclear and missile technology.

Unless Western countries provide assistance, the recent violence could unravel the government's progress in stemming terrorist activity.

Hamas forced the longstanding blockade through its continued rejectionism, and it is now trying to violently extort the international community, the PA, and Israel to give it what it wants without offering anything in return.

Syrian activist Mouaz Mustafa, Andrea Kalin, producer of the new documentary "Red Lines," and Institute Syria expert Andrew Tabler discuss the battle for freedom in Syria.

Galal Amin's latest book on Egypt resorts to the unfortunate and simplistic tactic of attributing all domestic problems to foreign enemies.

Israel takes no joy in another round of hostilities with Hamas in Gaza, but it is a fight born of necessity.

To prepare for future asymmetric conflicts, Israel and other countries will need to examine Hamas's adaptation to Israel's fighting doctrine.

Although rocket fire from Lebanon and Syria remains sporadic for now, Israel and other parties need to be aware of the potential for serious miscalculation and escalation.

As it prepares for four more months of nuclear talks with Iran, the U.S. faces a disadvantage: Even if there is ultimately no agreement, Tehran will pocket the considerable concessions Washington has already made. Iran will then argue to the world that it has proven its reasonableness and that sanctions

The Bahraini government's legal move against the main opposition group escalates its differences with Washington but could also provide an opportunity for diplomacy.

Prior to the latest ground campaign in Gaza, Hamas appeared to be losing relevance and legitimacy, but Israel's offensive -- however justifiable -- could restore both.

Israel's ground operations and objectives are limited for now, but the IDF is ready to expand the mission if Hamas chooses to prolong the faceoff and continue firing rockets.

The Islamic Republic has taken tough measures to adjust to the new sanctions, and its economy is now positioned to grow modestly even if the sanctions remain in place.

A U.S.-backed effort to save besieged Iraqi Turkmens in the Tuz Khormatu district could bring Baghdad, the Kurds, and Turkey into a joint fight against the ongoing jihadist offensive.

The current talks could end with an extension, a breakdown, or a surprise deal -- all of which pose difficult challenges for U.S. policy.