Pentagon says confronting Iran now tops terrorism concerns

As the Pentagon shifts its focus from terrorism to competing against China and Russia, the US military will also look to counter nations that are deemed hostile, such as Iran.

Syria

Abbas' diplomatic turn puts Washington in the rear-view mirror

The Palestinian leadership appears to have decided to direct its diplomatic efforts toward the United Nations and The Hague now that the United States has openly displayed its bias in favor of Israel.

Israel

Democrats draw red line on Trump’s new Syria policy

Congressional Democrats are fuming over the Donald Trump administration’s plan to use US military forces in Syria as a curb on President Bashar al-Assad and Iran.

Syria

Ankara might be awaiting Russian OK for Afrin operation

Although Turkey keeps signaling an imminent operation against Afrin in northern Syria, it appears Moscow hasn’t yet given the green light.

Syria

Syrian opposition iced out of White House

The Donald Trump administration held off on the opportunity to talk to Syrian opposition officials in town this week even as it outlined a tougher stance against Bashar al-Assad.

Syria

Tillerson says US troops to stay in Syria; US huddles with allies over Sochi

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the US military will stay in Syria to prevent the return of the Islamic State, deter Iran and bolster post-war diplomatic efforts.

Syria

Will Erdogan defy Russia, US over Afrin?

Turkey’s plan to launch an operation to take Syria's Afrin faces major difficulties, yet if Erdogan succeeds even partially it will boost his image at home.

Syria

Defiant Palestinians boycott US projects, products

US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has prompted various Palestinian boycotts of US-funded projects and programs.

Palestine

Iraq backs off plans to double number of US-trained counterterrorism forces

With all of Iraq now liberated from the Islamic State, the elite Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service is shifting its focus away from large-scale battles.

Iraq

Why protests won’t change Iran’s foreign policy

The recent wave of unrest in Iran is unlikely to change the calculations that underpin the Islamic Republic’s foreign policy.

Russia

Netanyahu’s shortsighted Mideast policy

Israel prefers to ignore the changes surrounding it, such as threats by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to cancel the Oslo Accord and Iran’s change of stance on the Arab Peace Initiative.

Palestine

Jordan tones down rhetoric in response to US move against UNRWA

Amid US threats to cut funding for UNRWA, Jordan appears to have opted for quiet diplomatic engagement with the United States rather than a confrontational approach.

Palestine