Policy Analysis

Satloff: Obama Administration to Test Iran with 'Grand Deal'

Assumptions about who will be the future ruler of Saudi Arabia -- the world's largest oil exporter and self-declared leader of the Islamic world -- need to be revised after the sudden resignation of one of the royal family's senior-most members. Today's surprise announcement that Interior Minister Prince Ahmed bin

In September 2012, anticipating nationwide local elections in 2013 (later rescheduled) and a presidential election in 2014, members of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) held internal voting to determine who will guide them through the coming transition. Results from the convention, which were strongly influenced by Prime Minister

So far, the Obama administration has chosen the wrong way to influence Egypt's new Islamist leaders.

The emir of Qatar, Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, recently became the first head of state to visit Gaza since it came under the control of Hamas in 2007. In an email interview, Simon Henderson, director of the Gulf and Energy Policy Program at The Washington Institute, discussed the Qatari leader's visit.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.