Middle East Watch
The Middle East sits at a strategic crossroads, connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia. Ongoing challenges, including Iran’s nuclear program; Saudi-Israeli normalization; rapid population growth; conflict and upheaval in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan; and a changing climate are shaking geopolitics far beyond these sun-scorched lands.
In this space, we will chronicle and assess the events that are shaping the region as well as discuss what role America and its allies should play in the twenty-first century.
The High Stakes of U.S.-Iran Talks
Should diplomacy collapse, Washington and Jerusalem would be positioned to justify military action against Iran as a last resort.
Stories from Middle East Watch
Gaza After Hamas
Without a reformed Palestinian Authority presence in Gaza, Hamas will continue to rule the Strip.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Vision Collides With Middle East Reality
Trump might defy the odds and secure a lasting resolution to the Israel-Palestine problem. But the odds are not in his favor. Nor is historical precedent.
Israel’s Nightmare: Iran Now Has a ‘Drone Aircraft Carrier’
Iran’s deployment of a new drone carrier should be seen as the first in a series of steps forward for its navy.
Can Post-Assad Clashes In Syria Be Stopped?
Finding common ground with Turkey will be critical to Syria’s transition. Security continues to deteriorate in northeast Syria as ongoing clashes threaten the country’s transition towards an era of stabilization...
The Houthis Have Paused Attacks—For Now
While the Gaza ceasefire has temporarily halted the Yemeni rebel group’s attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea, they still pose a growing problem for regional security. While the...
Trump and Erdogan Have The Chance To Reset U.S.-Turkey Relations
Washington will need Ankara if it wishes to wind down conflicts in Syria and Ukraine. After Donald Trump declared victory on November 5, 2024, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was...