Middle East

The End of Operation Iraqi Freedom and DoD's Future in Iraq

With President Obama's announcement ending U.S. combat operations in Iraq, the U.S. military takes on a new role in Iraq.

Unanswered Policy Questions on U.S. Troops

CFR President Richard Haass identifies questions that remain following the end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq and a renewed focus on Afghanistan is announced in President Obama's Oval Office speech.

President Obama's Address on the End of the Combat Mission in Iraq

President Barack Obama's address from the Oval Office on the end of combat operations in Iraq and American security priorities.

Great Decisions 2010 Fall Updates: Global Financial Crisis

Fall 2010 Updates provide up-to-date news about Great Decisions 2010 articles.

Why Najaf Matters in Post-War Iraq

Michael Rubin writes how, due to the Shiite majority in population in Iraq and key parts of the Muslim world, the U.S. should direct diplomatic efforts to Najaf, one of the holiest cities in Shiite Islam.

Obama Is on Track with Iraqi Troop Withdrawal

Lawrence Korb and Laura Conley write about how the drawdown of U.S. troops is proof that the United States is meeting its commitments to the Iraqi government, but major challenges lie ahead for the Iraqi government and people.

Coordinated Bloodshed

This Economist article reports on at least 21 explosions in Iraq on the morning of August 25th in which at least 56 were killed and around 300 injured. The Economist interprets these attacks as the Al-Qaeda's response to draw down of American troops.

Iraq: ‘Mission Accomplished' Mark II

Anthony Cordesman writes about how the end of combat operations do not signal the end of U.S. involvement in Iraq, assessing what needs to be done in the future.

Winning the Peace in Iraq

With “combat” operations in Iraq ending and the drawing down of American troops to 50,000 by the end of August 2010, Max Boot and Jeane J. Kirkpatrick explain their views of the role the U.S must still play in Iraq's future.

Five Myths About the Iraq Troop Withdrawal

Kenneth M. Pollack, director of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy, uses the Iraq troop withdrawal as an opportunity to look back at what has been achieved as well as look forward to how much is left to be done.

A Shift in Arab Views of Iran

Among the results of a recently published poll of Middle Eastern countries is a shift in opinion of Arab countries from rejecting an Iranian nuclear program to having a positive perception of it.

Iran's President Unveils New Long-Range Drone Aircraft

Iran unveiled its newest a long-ranged unmanned bomber, amidst a series of announcements about new Iranian military advances.

Great Decisions 2010 Fall Updates: Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution

Fall 2010 Updates provide up-to-date news about Great Decisions 2010 articles.

Great Decisions 2010 Fall Updates: The Persian Gulf

Fall 2010 Updates provide up-to-date news about Great Decisions 2010 articles.

Great Decisions 2010 Fall Updates: Global Crime

Fall 2010 Updates provide up-to-date news about Great Decisions 2010 articles.

Great Decisions 2010 Fall Updates: Special Envoys

Fall 2010 Updates provide up-to-date news about Great Decisions 2010 articles.

Book Review: The Ghosts of Martyrs Square

In the fallout from the Rafiq Hariri assassination, FPA contributor Maurice Obeid reviews an account by Lebanese journalist Michael Young of Lebanon's long struggle with itself - and Syria.

U.S. Mideast Envoy Seeks Direct Peace Talks

This Time Magazine article reports how the U.S Special Envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell is trying to reach an agreement for direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians by September 1st while on a quick visit to the region.

Dealing with Iran: "Missed Opportunities" and "Holding Contradictory Ideas at the Same Time"

How can we move the U.S.-Iran dialogue beyond the current mutually recriminatory stalemate?

Obama: Iranians May Be Impervious to Sanctions

The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg analyzes recent comments by President Obama on the U.S. strategy to force Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program through sanctions.