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Strategic RegionsGreater Middle EastJuly 24, 2008 | Behind Maliki's GamesAn anonymous Iraqi official assumes that Maliki thinks Obama will win the presidential election and is taking preemptive steps in order to collect chits that he can later call in. ++ President Bush wisely ignored Maliki’s demand for US troops to …More July 23, 2008 | EU Should Provide Shelter to Iraqi RefugeesZaborzka, Casini, Szymanski, Weber: EU member states should unite to offer immediate assistance in the Middle East and especially in the North of Iraq. The establishment of quotas would enable the EU to welcome the most vulnerable Iraqi refugees and prevent another human tragedy in the region. …More July 23, 2008 | Obama is Just what the Middle East NeedsOver the last few weeks, Obama has confused both Arabs and Israelis with his notes on Palestinian suffering and the status of Jerusalem. ++ But contrary to McCain, Obama shows basic respect for the Palestinians and admits that the …More July 22, 2008 | Iran Hasn't Earned a DétenteThe Bush administration has recently shifted its approach toward Iran and is treating it with unjustified leniency: the possibility of reopening a diplomatic mission in Tehran and face-to-face meetings are gestures Iran hasn’t earned. ++ …More July 22, 2008 | US Jews' Views about the Middle EastJ Street, which emerged as a counterweight to AIPAC, released a new poll indicating that US Jews’ views about the Middle East are considerably more dovish than frequently acknowledged. ++ Large majorities of US Jews favor diplomacy with Iran …More July 22, 2008 | Obama's Iraq Strategy Scarily Stays the SameObama has not retracted from his end-the-war stance which dates back to 2003 and was the key to his success over Clinton during the primaries. ++ But in so far as “full withdrawal” from Iraq, such as Iraqis want, never belonged to his …More July 21, 2008 | Al-Qaeda in IsraelFor the first time, Israelis have been arrested because it is believed that they were members of al Qaeda. ++ Scientists now discuss whether al Qaeda has become a loosely organized network or whether it still has a strong leadership. ++ The crucial role of bin …More July 21, 2008 | US Attempts to Defrost Ties With TehranThirty years after cutting off diplomatic ties, the US is planning the establishment of a modest diplomatic representation in Tehran for which it appears to have secured Iranian approval. ++ Though this shift from previous hard-line policies …More July 21, 2008 | How to Save KarzaiThere is a chorus of America’s closest allies who criticize Karzai because he is not making progress in his fight against militants and corruption in his own government. ++ But he is still the best candidate for the 2009 presidential elections, because he …More July 18, 2008 | Peace in the Middle East Still Needs the AmericansPresident Sarkozy invited many political leaders of the Middle East to help establish the Union for the Mediterranean. ++ But even if the French president likes to pride himself as a peacemaker, the exchange of bodies and prisoners …More July 18, 2008 | The Syrians Take ParisSyria is back in style. ++ The invitation to Paris is ostensibly a reward for the start of indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel. ++ But it also reveals that the West needs Syria to resolve the biggest problems in the Middle East. ++ The US and Israel …More July 17, 2008 | The Middle East Would be Better off With ObamaDealing with the Middle East quagmire is going to be one of the greatest challenges for the next US president. ++ McCain may be an ill-suited candidate to tackle the situation: he seems to believe America always wins; since his …More July 16, 2008 | Afghans Want a Peace Deal, not ForceEven if the international military presence has been expanding rapidly in Afghanistan, the country recently experienced one of its bloodiest weeks. ++ A suicide bomber struck the Indian embassy in the capital and killed 41 people. ++ US …More July 14, 2008 | US Should Note Public Opinion in the Middle EastAmerican policymakers in the Middle East know litte about the people there and their perception of the US. ++ A study entitled “Does the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Still Matter? Analysing Arab Public Perceptions” prooves that “the …More July 11, 2008 | Demonizing Iran Does Not Serve the WestThe West is more concerned about who proliferates than whether someone degradates the Non-Proliferation Treaty. ++ A manageable relationship with Iran requires understanding its world view and equally and respectfully acknowledging its …More July 10, 2008 | Iran's Hard-and-Soft Foreign PolicyIranian diplomacy reflects pride, self-confidence, and a decreasing fear of the US and Israel. ++ Whereas Tehran’s hard-liners are using the argument of Western weakness to justify their rejection of compromise, pragmatic voices believe it is …More July 9, 2008 | Learning our Lessons From North Korea for Iran“If you want to make peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.” ++ The US must heed the lessons learned from North Korea in dealing with Iran’s nuclear ambitions. ++ Had Bush agreed to a dialogue …More July 4, 2008 | Iraqis are Thankful for American Military PresenceDespite the West’s fear and loathing of America’s perceived overdrawn and poorly executed military initiatives in Iraq, the nation’s expats across the Middle East are singing a different, more optimistic tune. ++ …More July 1, 2008 | Israel Progresses Despite, Not Because of US AbsenceBy launching diplomatic initiatives with Hamas, Syria, and Lebanon, Ehud Olmert has demonstrated his readiness to take risks and his unwillingness to be constrained by “Washington’s indeological blinders.” ++ Yet because of the …More July 1, 2008 | Israel Threatens to Attack IranIsraeli government claims the extent of the Iranian threat is being underplayed and that no diplomatic pressure can prevent Iranians getting nuclear weapons. ++ Shaul Mofaz, member of Israel’s security cabinet, announced last week that “attacking …More June 30, 2008 | Switzerland's Controversial Middle East PolicyDaniel Möckli: Switzerland pursues an ambitious Middle East policy that differs from US and EU polices in major ways. This has given rise to controversies lately. There are good reasons for the Swiss to pursue a conflict resolution strategy based on mediation and dialog with Iran and militant Islamist organization …More June 26, 2008 | A Palestinian State From the Bottom upRepresentatives at the Berlin Middle East Conference reaffirmed their commitment to the US-initiated peace process in Annapolis. ++ Yet the approach has been changed. ++ The creation of an efficient security mechanism aims at setting the …More June 26, 2008 | West Must Prevent Israel Attacking IranDespite positive developments between Israel and many of its adjacent neighbors, the increasing frequency with which Israel speaks of attacking Iran must not be ignored by the West. ++ Israel either truly plans to attack and “is preparing the …More June 25, 2008 | Europe's Dilemma: Accommodating Iraqi RefugeesViolence in Iraq has driven over 2 million refugees abroad, especially to Europe. ++ Several EU countries believe their current immigration policy is too lax and that responsibility is unevenly distributed. ++ Taking over the next …More June 25, 2008 | Relations With Iran Coming to a HeadBritain’s foreign secretary argues that if the new “dual-track approach” regarding Iran’s nuclear aspirations fails, it is the Iranian’s own fault. ++ Convinced that the region and the world need a cooperative, …More June 24, 2008 | No Easing of Global Oil PricesThe global energy summit meeting in Jidda (Saudi Arabia) had no easing effect on skyrocketing oil prices. ++ The oil exporting countries did not promise to increase oil output as only Saudi Arabia disposes of free capacities. ++ Yet the major …More June 23, 2008 | India Foresees Collective Security in the Middle EastCoercive diplomacy is America’s only remaining option as its influence declines in the Middle East. ++ Especially in the case of an Obama presidency, this “changed constellation” in the region calls for India to readjust its …More June 23, 2008 | Saudi Arabia's Oily SecretsSatisfying a UN request, Saudi Arabia has agreed to pump more oil. ++ Not so long ago, the Sheik would not open up the faucet for Bush. ++ The fact that if oil becomes unaffordable, markets will erode and customers will turn to alternatives, is the …More June 20, 2008 | "Israelis Helped Create Hezbollah and Hamas"Direct negotiations between Israel and Hamas create a new opportunity to stabilize the territory and soothe the heated fronts, but lessons of the past should not be forgotten. ++ The last year of Israel’s blockade was …More June 19, 2008 | Germany Not Able to be Tough on IranFabian Martin Lieschke: President Bush’s effort to unite the EU-3 behind an American proposal for harsher measures on Iran may be undermined by German domestic politics. …More June 19, 2008 | The Paradox of Middle East ModeratesThe guiding idea that empowering moderates in the Middle East will squelch the appeal of radicals is faulty reasoning. ++ First of all, defining a “moderate” is impossible. ++ A social “moderate” in Egypt, for example, …More June 18, 2008 | Another Bad Deal for BaghdadThe parallels between the arrangement sought by Bush with the Iraq/US deal, and the defective British Iraq settlement in the 1930s, are striking. ++ The July 31st accord would free Iraq of UN sanctions and provide it with American economic and military …More June 17, 2008 | Iraq Starts to Fix ItselfAlbeit reversible, the situation is improving in Iraq as the government gains confidence and increasingly asserts its independence from the US and Iran. ++ Despite the lack of jobs, clean water, and electricity, Iraqis are benefiting from high oil prices …More June 16, 2008 | Prime Minister Maliki's MiseryAl-Maliki wants good relations both with Iran and with the US but ongoing tensions between the two are putting him in a difficult position. ++ The Iraqi Prime Minister cannot afford to ruffle Iran’s feathers because of the large Shia majority in …More June 16, 2008 | Israeli-Syrian Peace Could Stabilize Middle EastToday, a Syrian-Israeli peace, which would enable Syria to recover the Golan Heights and protect the country’s interests in Lebanon, is complicated by Syria’s alliance with Iran. ++ Yet if Syria achieves peace with Israel, its good …More June 12, 2008 | Obama is the Middle East's Candidate of ChoicePerhaps by electing Obama as president, pro-American reformers in the Middle East will no longer feel so alienated. ++ According to expat experiences in Egypt, locals are hoping for an Obama victory because of his ethnicity and …More June 11, 2008 | Upholding Sanctions Against Military ActionAttacking Iran would be disastrous, many civilians would die, the nuclear program would subsist, and Israel’s involvement would create a serious backlash in the region. ++ Iran’s threats toward Israel give reason for concern but sanctions …More June 10, 2008 | Bush and Olmert Exploit the Iranian ThreatBush and Olmert’s allusions to war with Iran are the result of their foreign and domestic policy predicaments. ++ Both leaders need to create a diversion to save themselves politically, and “if either - or both - should order a military …More June 9, 2008 | Europe: Trapped Between Washington and Tehran?Europe is playing a dangerous game with Iran. ++ Supporting US-endorsed sanctions while simultaneously maintaining business ties with Iran has resulted in a “schizophrenic policy.” ++ While the US sees a nuclear Iran as absolutely …More June 9, 2008 | Turkey's Geopolitical Importance for the WestFor a long time Turkey has been a haven of geopolitical stability. ++ Yet the Iraq War has subjected Turkey’s virtually unquestioned alliance with the US to reassessment.++ Turkey’s general consensus on its EU candidacy has started …More June 6, 2008 | US Must Engage Syria DiplomaticallyUS cooperation with Syria - “not based on shared values, but shared interests” - should replace the policy of non-engagement to support Israel, isolate Iran, and ameliorate the situation in Iraq. ++ Waiving economic sanctions against …More June 4, 2008 | On Iraq, it's Time to Call EuropeD. Korski & R. Gowan: In Europe, a consensus is emerging that more should be done for Iraq. If Europeans satisfactorily align with US policies in the region and if the US makes the most of this opportunity, this could significantly revitalize transatlantic relations. …More June 4, 2008 | Radical Islamism Won't Disappear Like CommunismFrom both the Right and the Left, Western thinkers have failed to grasp that radical Islamism’s strength in Asian countries such as Pakistan and Indonesia is a result of these countries’ general weakness. ++ Although almost …More June 4, 2008 | Russia Must Join a Boycott of IranSince economic sanctions are the best means to cause unrest among the Iranian population, they are also the most effective tool to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. ++ However, Russia needs to be on board. ++ The Western offer to the …More June 3, 2008 | US Marginalized by its Own Policy in the Middle EastThe recent easing of tensions in the Middle East, which is occurring without US mediation, reveals America’s loss of credibility and leverage. ++ Indeed, negotiations are taking place with groups and authorities the US boycotts - …More May 30, 2008 | Iran's Cooperation is Crucial in IraqThe current propaganda campaign against Iran is similar to that against Iraq before the US-led invasion. ++ May 29, 2008 | Iraq: Winston Churchill and Déjà VuJames Cricks: We are indebted to Christopher Catherwood for doing the homework about Iraq and the West that current policymakers should be considering. …More May 29, 2008 | Palestinian Concerns Over Syrian-Israeli NegotiationsAlthough the recent negotiations between Israel and Syria give an encouraging push to the peace process in the Middle East, some Palestinian faction leaders and analysts expressed concerns about this issue. ++ They believe that …More May 29, 2008 | US Iran Policy Requires More FlexibilityIran cannot be prevented from acquiring nuclear power capabilities. ++ The US should therefore favor negotiation with the regime over the current threats and sanctions driven policy which merely provides for hostile relations. ++ Since “a …More May 28, 2008 | Gulf States do not Require US Assistance Against IranThe US proposal of a regional nuclear defense shield against Iran is not being met with enthusiasm by its allies in the Persian Gulf. ++ As business ties with Iran deepen, the Gulf States perceive the offer of the US as a …More May 27, 2008 | US Losing Ground in Middle East Power GameThe Qatari-brokered power sharing agreement between Lebanon’s feuding political factions puts into perspective the new Middle East power equation, in which the US is no longer a dominant factor and the rules are now being written by …More May 23, 2008 | Hezbollah Strengthened by Deals for FactionsThe recent agreement between Lebanese political factions promised to end the 18 month long political deadlock. ++ Although it amounted to a significant shift of power in favour of the militant Shiite group Hezbollah, the governmental …More May 22, 2008 | Iranian Oil Could Loosen Russia's Energy GripIran, which is the OPEC’s second’s largest exporter, has enough natural gas to alleviate Western Europe’s uncomfortable reliance on Russia’s energy exports. ++ Disputes over pipelines, political blocking, and …More May 21, 2008 | America's Paralysis in the Face of "Hezbullahization"At the Knesset plenum, Bush’s declarations regarding America’s political and military commitment to Israel’s defense were most promising. ++ Yet the Hezbollah’s recent take over of Lebanon was met with absolute silence on …More May 20, 2008 | Iran: Requesting Transparency Not SuspensionWhile Iran’s nuclear program frustrates the West and demonstrates “the limits of American power,” feelings of satisfaction and success unite Iranians. ++ Western incentives for Iran to suspend uranium enrichment - such as commercial …More May 16, 2008 | Dirty Campaign Tactics on Middle East PolicyThe campaigning for the US Presidential Election has gotten ugly on Middle East foreign policy. ++ In his speech to the Israeli Knesset, President Bush accused Obama of appeasing with Hamas. ++ It is “hard to remember any president …More May 16, 2008 | Iran's Victory in LebanonThe conflict in Lebanon is part of the larger regional struggle between Arabs and Iran over influence in the region. ++ Hizbollah military action shows that there is a new game in town. ++ While Iran armed, financed and supported Hizbollah, the Arabs …More May 15, 2008 | Bush's Failed Policy in the Middle EastDuring his last Middle East Tour, President Bush will have to accept the failure of his policies in the region. ++ Since Bush undertook to revive peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians at Annapolis in late 2007, no …More May 15, 2008 | Obama's Middle East Will be Business as UsualObama advocates leading open and direct negotiations with everyone, from Iran to Cuba. ++ His opposition to the Iraq war, his rational stance on Iran, and his “understanding of US imperialism” suggest he will reshape American …More May 13, 2008 | No Resolution in Sight to Iranian Nuclear StalemateAmid escalating rhetoric about Iranian military involvement in Iraq, a new package of incentives by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany is unlikely to persuade Iran to suspend nuclear enrichment. ++ …More May 13, 2008 | Preventing Lebanon From Slipping Into Civil WarRecent escalating disputes and mutual suspicion between the government and the Shiite militia Hezbollah in Lebanon raise fears of a new civil war. ++ Arab countries are concerned that Hezbollah may be attempting to spread Iranian …More May 8, 2008 | Israel at 60, and BeyondIn a sort of ‘State of the Union’ address, the Jerusalem Post marks the 60th anniversary with the struggles, triumphs, and miracles that have brought about the first geographically defined Jewish civilization since millennia. ++ Accompanying …More May 8, 2008 | Carter Accuses Israel of Human Rights ViolationsAfter a research visit to Israel, former US President Jimmy Carter implores the international community to condemn Israel for what he considers “terrorism” against Palestinians. ++ Recent strikes against civilians, …More May 7, 2008 | Crisis of Democracy Jeopardizes US-Turkish RelationsWhile Turkey’s judiciary, with support from its bureaucratic and military elite, threatens to disband the AKP, the US remains reluctant to take sides. ++ The US should realize that these anti-democratic groups are not necessarily …More May 7, 2008 | Bleak Prospects for Peace in the Middle EastDecades of conflict have created economic, demographic, and political conditions that are compromising achieving peace in the Middle East. ++ Disincentives for the creation of two states are proving stronger than the rationale for peace. …More May 6, 2008 | The Threat of the New Middle EastThe old Middle East and the secular nationalism that went along with it is being replaced by a new, modern Middle East in which political Islam and anti-Western nationalism play a decisive role. ++ There is now a serious threat of “a …More May 5, 2008 | US Must Protect Lives of Iraqi WomenSince the US invasion of Iraq, the situation for women especially in the south of the country has worsened dramatically. ++ Tribal forces subdued under Saddam have been unleashed by the US occupation. ++ According to the UN, 133 women were …More May 5, 2008 | Iran's Role in Iraq: Complexity and ConfusionAccording to the US, Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism causing heavy casualties in Iraq. ++ Iranian Hussein Shariatmadari denies this with the claim Iran shares Iraq’s interest in ending US occupation and armed militias. ++ …More April 30, 2008 | Negotiation Over IsolationPolicy in Washington favors punishing and boycotting governments and political factions who do not adhere to US mandates. ++ This approach gives leaders little incentive to moderate their policies. ++ “In the Middle East, as in Nepal, the path to peace …More April 30, 2008 | Israel: Peace at Home Vital for Regional StabilityIsrael’s amazing development over the last 60 years into a regional leader necessitates ending the conflict at home. ++ A strategic alliance with moderate Sunni Arabs in the Middle East is contingent upon Israel’s …More April 29, 2008 | US Should Work With Pakistan's New GovernmentMusharraf and Bush’s failure to calm Pakistan’s lawless border enabled Al Qaeda to take refuge and gain strength. ++ Pakistanis now think the war is Washington’s because of the civilian casualties. ++ New government …More April 19, 2008 | Smarter Instead of Carter: The Futility of Talking To HamasLior Petek: Former US President Jimmy Carter on his current Middle East tour justified his controversial talks with Hamas by arguing that it cannot be ignored. Unfortunately, Carter does not see that there is nothing to talk about with Hamas. …More April 17, 2008 | Iran Could be a Partner of the US in IraqContrary to the Bush administration’s claim last week, the main interest of Iran in Iraq is not to predicate on violence but to stabilize this country. ++ To prevent the possible future aggression from the Sunnites and to stop the agitation …More April 10, 2008 | Annapolis: Little Time Left for an AgreementColette Avital: The negotiations between Israel and Abu Mazen’s Palestinian Authority need to move forward quickly and improve conditions on the ground. Failure to reach a solution within the year could trigger renewed violence and make future negotiations along similar lines impossible. …More April 9, 2008 | Local Truces Bring Political Progress to IraqA top-down model of political compromise is inapt to restore order and bring peace to Iraq’s tribal society. ++ But now, a balance of truces between hyperlocalized clans and councils is generating optimism, political progress, and a …More April 9, 2008 | Iraq: The Situation has Changed, but not the DebateReduction of violence in Iraq “so great as to be undeniable.” ++ March 31, 2008 | Getting the US out of Iraq is the Smart Thing to DoUS disengagement in Iraq will increase long term stability in the region. ++ Al-Qaeda is not behind most of the insurgency. ++ Disengagement should include serious dialogues with Iraqi leaders and those of neighboring areas, …More March 28, 2008 | Building a Relationship With IranIran and the US are not doomed to remain eternal enemies. ++ The two countries share profound strategic interests such as stabilizing Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan; preventing the spread of Russian influence; and ensuring that Middle Eastern oil …More March 28, 2008 | The OECD: A Response to Turkey's ChallengesThe significant and growing contribution of emerging markets to the global economy demonstrates the strategic importance for the OECD to cooperate and engage with them, with an ultimate view to membership. ++ Countries like Turkey …More March 27, 2008 | Russia is an Offender in the Nuclear Arms RaceIsrael’s legitimate nuclear program is not a valuable excuse for Russia to jeopardize international security by supplying a reactor to Iran and by agreeing on nuclear cooperation with March 25, 2008 | Support Democracy and Hope in PakistanTaliban and al Qaeda members sheltered in Pakistan are serious threats to US and NATO troops in Afghanistan. ++ Frontier Corps need to be improved and the US should be spending more than $150 million a year on the eastern front. ++ The US should clearly support reconciliation, getting the military out of politics, a new tribal area policy, and above all, democracy in Pakistan. March 24, 2008 | Success in Afghanistan Depends on CoordinationMost important task for the UN secretary general’s new special representative for Afghanistan, Kai Eide, is to form a relationship with President Karzai. ++ UN must be the primary coordinator for all organizations in Afghanistan. ++ Military and civilian efforts need to be coordinated, Afghanistan Compact needs to be supported, and Afghanistan’s neighbors need to help stabilize. March 20, 2008 | The Last Days of George W. Bush and the Old Ways?Fouad Naji Maarouf: George W. Bush was a disaster for the US. A change of attitude and government would bring good change. …More March 18, 2008 | Iraq Five Years on: the Polish PerspectiveMarek Swierczynski: Poland’s decision to join the “coalition of the willing” has left the military stretched beyond capacity, the society in serious mistrust of their leaders and perception of a joint effort for a good cause seriously damaged. It took 25 lives 5 years and 3 governments to rethink and withdraw. …More March 18, 2008 | Germany's Position on Iran is CrucialDuring Merkel’s visit, Israel needs to clarify that Germany must support tougher sanctions, break diplomatic ties, and end governmental trade subsidies with Iran. ++ Brown and Sarkozy are already supportive of more restrictive sanctions, but …More March 18, 2008 | Saudi Arabia: Between Reform and Preserving PowerThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has come to play a peculiar role on the Arabian Peninsula. This country has the largest petroleum resources in the world, is the home to the most important historic holy sites of Islam, and entertains …More March 17, 2008 | The 5th Anniversary of the Invasion of IraqThe Iraq war no longer raises much interest on behalf of the American and European people. ++ Raw US military presence compounded by a lack of regional policies and informed diplomacy with Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Israel has left the country in a stalemate. ++ The next American president will face two options: everlasting peacekeeping or a possible bloodbath at the time of withdrawal. March 13, 2008 | Israel: Make Peace with Syria, Palestine Will FollowEventually the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be settled by the formation of two states. ++ Bringing Hamas into negotiations is one option to speed up process. ++ Making peace first with Syria would end confrontation with …More March 13, 2008 | Iran: Unpredictable Parliamentary ElectionsOwing to Iran’s unique political culture combining elements of democracy and autocracy, Ahmadinejad’s hard-liners will face pragmatic conservatives on March 14. ++ Despite the pressure of the paramilitary, economic mismanagement could …More March 11, 2008 | Creating the Conditions for Negotiations and PeaceGiven the current logic of violent retaliation which dominates actions of the weak and divided political systems in Palestine and Israel, there is no foreseeable end to the conflict. ++ Yet if an end to the strangulation of Gaza, a …More March 11, 2008 | Iran Just Won't Stay IsolatedCharles Kupchan and Ray Takeyh: Rather than continuing to pursue strategies which isolate and attempt to contain Iran, the US needs to follow the lead of its Arab Allies, practice diplomacy, and encourage regional integration. …More March 10, 2008 | International Women's Day in AfghanistanMarch 8, International Women’s Day, illustrates the existence of non-Western feminist movements. ++ The new government of Afghanistan noted the day to some degree. ++ Religion is a significant feminist issue, opening the door to new …More March 6, 2008 | New Moderate Centrism on the Rise in Iraqi PoliticsReidar Visser: While Western media has largely overlooked the rise of a moderate centrist force in Iraq, this new current deserves attention as it faces challenges from the Iraqi Presidency Council. …More March 5, 2008 | The Palestinian Authority Deserves Israeli CooperationWest Bank NGOs that channeled funds to Hamas have been brought under supervision, Hamas groups have been disarmed, and the Palestinian Authority has neutralized hundreds of radicals. ++ In return, Israel needs to remove settlements, checkpoints, and roadblocks in the West Bank. ++ This would help solve Israel’s security problems and allow for the improvement of the lives of Palestinians. March 4, 2008 | Stronger Role for EU in AfghanistanAs Afghanistan moves from a transitional to a long-term development framework, an outside authority is needed to direct reconstruction. ++ The Afghan government cannot manage this alone. ++ The country is slipping back into terrorism reminiscent of Taliban rule. ++ The European Union would be the ideal candidate to coordinate between the government, international organisations and the NGOs. February 25, 2008 | EU Expansion to Israel and PalestineLeon Hadar: The EU should put its money where its mouth is and work towards inviting both Israel and Palestine to join the EU. With the election of a new US president, Europe could gain more control in the Middle East, but only if it simultaneously accepts more responsibility. …More February 11, 2008 | Iran is Still Dangerous: The US Must NegotiateRalf Fuecks: The United States must offer Iran direct negotiations regarding its nuclear program. There needs to be a higher level of political and energy cooperation. …More February 7, 2008 | NATO at Crossroads - Not Only in AfghanistanDieter Farwick: The NATO defense ministers’ meeting should conclude with an agreement to send additional forces to Afghanistan. The troops can win if given the necessary resources and operational freedom. …More January 22, 2008 | The Surge: Few Answers, More QuestionsFar from being the success which many have claimed it to be, the surge has actually accomplished very little according to Professor Andrew Bacevich of Boston University. Violence in Iraq has declined, but more because Sunni tribal leaders …More January 18, 2008 | Bush's Middle East TourIn his visit to the Middle East, President George W. Bush, in an unusual note of diplomatic urgency, has insisted that Israel and the Palestinians conclude a peace accord before he leaves office in early 2009. Speaking with both Israeli and Palestinian …More January 10, 2008 | Enterprise in the Arab World: Held Back by PoliticsA Missed Opportunity The economic backwardness of the Arab World is striking. Its poor record is second only to Sub-Saharan Africa. In a region of 250 million people, more than 50% of whom are under 35, more than 40% of whom are …More January 9, 2008 | Time to Talk With IranIn the wake of the US National Intelligence Estimate on Iran, the EU should continue with their diplomatic approach, despite US calls for more unilateral sanctions, says Volker Perthes of the SWP. Such an approach should be based on a broad international …More January 7, 2008 | Afghans Respond Favorably to NATO Efforts in AfghanistanDr. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg: I write on the implications of the latest survey of Afghan attitudes toward ISAF activities, and convey the need for continued German engagement in Afghanistan. …More December 20, 2007 | US Intelligence Estimate Could Reshape Transatlantic Iran StrategyThe results of the new National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran’s nuclear program reveal nothing distinctly different from previous findings. Nevertheless, their ensuing debate could prove critical to …More November 30, 2007 | More US Marines for a 'Surge' in Afghanistan?General James Conway of the US Marine Corps advocates the re-deployment of a large contingent of his men into Afghanistan, which would be extracted from the Marine presence in Iraq’s Anbar province, writes Gordon Lubald for the …More November 28, 2007 | Forget Democratic Institutions. It's the Tribes, Stupid!The kinship of tribes is key to building stability and establishing a balance of justice in areas like Iraq and Pakistan with both eroding and nascent political institutions. November 28, 2007 | America Holds the Key to Mideast PeaceAnatol Lieven: I put the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into perspective and I argue that the greatest hope lies in American patriotism and the extent to which the US establishment takes the threat of Islamist terrorism seriously. …More November 20, 2007 | Saudi Arabia: More Terror Sponsor Than Strategic PartnerDespite sporadic condemnation of terrorism by King Abdullah, Saudi Arabians make-up the bulk of the foreign fighters in Iraq and provide the lion’s share of terrorist finances, write Nick Fielding and Sarah Baxter for the …More November 20, 2007 | Emerging Global Finance Giants: The New Power BrokersThe McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) report for October 2007 explores the rise of petrodollar investors, Asian central banks, hedge funds, and private equity funds as the “new power brokers,” so called because of the increased …More November 9, 2007 | Turkish Invasion of Iraq Would Set a Dangerous PrecedentAnkara’s belligerence threatens Iraq’s fledgling democratic institutions, and encourages other neighbors such as Iran and Syria to settle disputes within Iraqi territory, writes Jamaa Alatwani for the Iraqi newspaper Kitabat. …More November 8, 2007 | Survey Shows 52% of Americans Support an Attack Against IranZogby International publishes results of the latest telephone poll conducted on key current issues. After tensions have risen to an all-time-high between the United States and Iran, the poll shows 52% of those surveyed …More November 5, 2007 | Iraqi Refugees: Open Western Doors to the Most VulnerableJan Bittner: The West must acknowledge the disastrous dimensions of the Iraq refugee crisis. First, the most urgent needs must be addressed; second, prospects for the refugees must be developed in the region. The most vulnerable refugees need shelter in the West. …More October 31, 2007 | Going to Annapolis: The ChallengeColette Avital: For the Annapolis peace conference to be successful, the outcome must focus on the substance of a permanent peace. A mechanism of negotiations should be set in motion for the issues of borders, refugees, Jerusalem, and security, among others, and the peace process should be accompanied by tangible measures on the ground. …More October 30, 2007 | Inside Iraq: Dangerous Allies
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