All Policy Analysis by Simon Henderson

While international concern has focused on the strategic Strait of Hormuz and Iranian threats against U.S. Navy ships, tension is growing on the streets of Bahrain.

Threats by Tehran to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz may be bluster, but they also represent a bigger policy challenge to the United States.

A new gas field in the eastern Mediterranean will likely confirm the region's huge new energy potential but could lead to a diplomatic crisis between Cyprus and Turkey.

The death of Kim Jong-il provides an opportunity for Washington to organize a show of disapproval for North Korea's nuclear and missile proliferation.

To be more effective, U.S. policy intended to encourage reform in Bahrain should be part of a common approach with allies, especially Britain.

In Washington, concern is mounting that Iran's potential for troublemaking will now be countered by Saudi actions, which may escalate rather than quiet regional tensions.

The debate over whether to sanction the Central Bank of Iran must consider the effectiveness of such action and the consequences for the world economy.

The Bahrain government needs to act speedily on the findings of the inquiry into this year's troubles to avoid even bigger problems.

The latest IAEA report should serve to shift the public debate from whether Iran is developing a nuclear weapon to how to stop it.

Saudi Arabia has announced a series of eagerly expected changes forced by the recent death of Crown Prince Sultan, the heir apparent and long-serving defense minister.

The discovery that Syria may have tried to build a centrifuge plant is reawakening concerns about the extent of the regime's nuclear ambitions and the proliferation of crucial technology by Pakistan.

In the wake of Sultan's death, Prince Nayef is almost certain to insist that he be chosen as the next heir apparent.