Policy Analysis

In times of conflict, being impartial does not necessarily translate into neutrality; silence in such circumstances may signify taking a side. This is indeed the Shi’ite clergy’s narrative about the violence in Syria.

How America's first foray into the modern Arab world can help solve its current entanglements.

Israel's non-strike against Iran means it is keeping its options open while avoiding once-familiar tensions with the United States.

Convincing Hamas to contain Gaza's increasingly violent jihadists will likely require international pressure on the group's backers in Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar.

Although Syria has long been a vexing policy issue for the United States, intervening after the election to help end the Assad regime should not be a difficult decision.

The Islamic Republic's terror plots may look bumbling today, but what about tomorrow?

With 2013 looming as a decisive year in Iran's nuclear efforts, the next administration will likely accelerate both sanctions and the diplomatic process to create greater clarity before resorting to force.

Turkey's ties with the Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq have reached a level unimaginable a few years ago. From rapidly growing business and oil deals to numerous high-level diplomatic visits, Ankara is in the midst of an unprecedented rapprochement with the Iraqi Kurds, one that has come largely at

As Ankara's longstanding Kurdish conflict continues, its neighbor's breakup could create unexpected allies.

Hezbollah's days of dominating Lebanon are likely numbered, and the militia's recent behavior suggests that it sees the writing on the wall.

Although both Washington and Tehran deny reports that they have agreed to bilateral nuclear negotiations, the rumors will prompt fresh debate about what concessions the United States can or should make.

Neither candidate recommended a way to address the country's increasing radicalism and instability. How well do they really understand the problem?

The Qatari ruler's trip further demonstrates his country's growing diplomatic profile.

Washington has the means of finding and assisting Syrian opposition factions that meet important political and military benchmarks, despite the risks involved.

Concerns have risen in Bahrain following a lethal clash between police and Shiite demonstrators.

Of the six segments in Monday night's presidential debate on foreign policy, two will be focused on the Middle East. Robert Satloff poses a dozen questions for consideration.

A mix of both defensive and offensive capabilities is needed in the Persian Gulf to counter the substantial Iranian rocket and missile threat.

Online forums offer a great deal of information about the small but growing jihadist role in the Syrian conflict.

If the Iranian nuclear program is not stopped by sanctions, military threats, other means of pressure or diplomacy, Israel will return to the point of decision beginning in the spring -- and accompanied by Netanyahu's public commitment.

Hizbullah has significantly expanded and institutionalized its drug trafficking enterprises to the point where the group may soon raise more money through cross-border illicit narcotics activities than all its other funding streams combined.