The deal marks a turning point in Middle Eastern politics, but China may find its role undermined by failures in implementation. China’s role in the Saudi-Iranian deal is momentous. However, Beijing may find that its relations in the region are undermined by failures in its implementation. Last Friday marked a …
Read More »An Egyptian plan for Syria: ‘Arab forces’ on the border and Iran out
Arab states pursuing reconciliation with Syria aim to achieve what was unachievable during the war: Breaking Syria’s alliances and placing Arab troops on Syrian soil. After the devastating earthquake that shook Syria and Turkiye on 6 February, Damascus has found itself at the center of unprecedented regional diplomatic activity. Egypt …
Read More »Iran finalizes deal for Russian Su-35
Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby warned that the Su-35 would ‘significantly strengthen Iran’s air force relative to its regional neighbors’ The Islamic Republic of Iran finalized a deal for the purchase of Su-35 fighter jets with the Russian government, according to state media reports on 11 March. The deal between Russia …
Read More »US congress votes against ending occupation of Syria
Around 900 US troops remain illegally stationed in Syria, controlling large swathes of the country’s oil-rich regions A War Powers Resolution that would have ended the US army’s illegal occupation of Syria was struck down late on 8 March by the House of Representatives in a 103-321 vote. The bill, …
Read More »Will Pakistan defy US sanctions to complete ‘Peace Pipeline’ with Iran?
Pakistan risks major financial setbacks if it fails to construct its part of a gas pipeline with Iran. Islamabad must follow India’s lead in resisting US sanctions to secure vital national energy supply. Islamabad has formed a diplomatic channel to convince Washington to ease sanctions on Iran, which would finally …
Read More »Battles Flare Around Bakhmut, But Western Think Tank Says Russia’s Drive May Be Stalling
Russian fighters said they are continuing their assault on Bakhmut, but Ukrainian military commanders claim they are inflicting heavy losses on the invading forces and at least one influential think tank says advances by Kremlin-linked mercenaries appear to have stalled around the Donetsk region city. The Ukrainian military asserted on …
Read More »Silent in Ukraine: Weapons Perpetuate, Do Not End Wars
As is the case of long wars, the warring parties and their affiliated media in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have painted each other using uncompromising language, making it nearly impossible to offer an unbiased view of the ongoing tragedy that has killed, wounded and expelled millions. While it is understandable that …
Read More »Iran-Saudi Rapprochement: Signs of Waning Influence of USA in the Region
The Iran-Saudi Arabia rapprochement has wide reactions. An NBC report — What does the Iran-Saudi Arabia truce mean for Washington’s standing on the global stage? (March 11, 2023, NBCNews.com) — said: As some world leaders hailed the restoration of ties between long-standing enemies Iran and Saudi Arabia, there were growing …
Read More »Is a Breakthrough in Yemen Imminent?
U.S. and international officials have expressed cautious optimism for a breakthrough in the long-running civil conflict in Yemen between the Iran-backed Houthi movement and the forces of the UN-recognized Republic of Yemen government.The restoration of a truce, which has mostly held since its formal end in October, appears increasingly likely, …
Read More »Experts react: Iran and Saudi Arabia just agreed to restore relations, with help from China. Here’s what that means for the Middle East and the world.
Can the bitter gulf across the Gulf finally be bridged? On Friday, long-standing regional adversaries Iran and Saudi Arabia made a big announcement: They will reestablish diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by China. Below, Atlantic Council experts share their insights on the breaking news and its significance for one …
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