Geopolitics

By David Apgar U.S. war policy against the Islamic State (IS) has it backwards. Roughly speaking, the goal of the United States is trying to eradicate the jihadist group in Iraq with ground support from the Iraqi army, while merely seeking to contain it in Syria with pinprick …

By Vladi Vovcuk ISIS has issued the first version of a new propaganda magazine written in Russian. The new magazine was named “Istok” (the source) and it targets would-be Islamic State jihadis from the Caucasus. The first issue of the magazine, purportedly released this week by ISIS’ media wing Al Hayat, …

Faisal J. Abbas The two recent attacks on mosques in eastern Saudi Arabia can’t be labeled as anything but evil acts of terrorism. Now, such a classification seems obvious to most of us, as there isn’t a term that is more expressive to describe these ideologically-driven, murderous attacks …

By Maria Dubovikova Russia’s recently declared decision to lift the embargo on S-300 deliveries to Iran has a particular meaning and puts Moscow in the face of hard decisions to be made. The term “S-300” – referring to long-range surface-to-air missile systems that have been in service since …

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said Sunday that Iran is the only country interfering in the Middle East’s affairs. Jubeir, who was speaking at a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, also said that the Islamic Republic is supporting terrorism. The minister added that his country will …

By Christiane Hoffmann Der Spiegel In an interview with SPIEGEL, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif discusses his optimism that a deal will be reached over Tehran’s nuclear program. But he warns this does not mean the country is seeking rapprochment with the West. Mohammad Javad Zarif, 55, …

The momentum towards the beginning of the Egypt-led coalition operations in Libya are gaining steam: Two weeks and counting down according to some Arab officials with the launch of full-blown air sorties and special operations to enhance General Khalifa Haftar’s Operation Dignity.  Significantly, in eight months of fighting, …

What kind of role will Russia play in the region after NATO troops have left, and to what extent does the Soviet invasion of the 1980s still shape local attitudes? True to the ‘X factor’ of Afghanistan’s nebulous, twisting history, it took a relic of the Soviet fishing …

While the war in Yemen remains inconclusive, Saudi Arabia is escalating its intervention in Syria. Unlike the Yemeni theater, where the Saudis are the largest military force, the Syrian battleground will be more complex for Riyadh. The Saudis will be partnering with Turkey, and Riyadh and Ankara are …