Saudi Arabia’s dialogue with Iran reflects the Kingdom’s uncertainty about the U.S. role in ensuring the security of the Persian Gulf. Talks between the two traditional adversaries have made progress on relatively manageable issues, including the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. U.S. officials are hoping that the talks could advance a political …

Clashes on Afghanistan’s border with both Pakistan and Iran signify an end to the relative wary regional calm that has prevailed since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul. Pakistan perceives that the Taliban de facto authorities of Afghanistan are sympathetic to Pakistani militants that threaten Pakistan’s stability. Any tensions …

The Wagner Group, a Russian private military contractor (PMC) that has been active from Syria to Ukraine, has continued to branch out globally, deploying troops to numerous countries in North and sub-Saharan Africa. Russia uses the Wagner Group in Africa to help achieve its foreign policy objectives and gain access …