Erdogan tries to juggle Iran, Saudi Arabia amid Qatar crisis

Retired diplomats say Erdogan’s Qatar policy is driven more by his survival instinct than a rational foreign policy and that Ankara has squandered an opportunity to play a positive role in this crisis.

Saudi Arabia

Kurdish independence in Iraq will take more than a referendum

The Kurdistan Regional Government has its work cut out for it to achieve an independent Kurdistan, as its plans would require the cooperation of some unlikely players.

Saudi Arabia

Public fuss over KRG referendum gives way to private nods

The regional players are buzzing after the Kurdistan Regional Government announced it will hold a referendum on independence, and signs point to tacit support from the United States and Turkey.

Iraq

Second-term Rouhani likely to move closer to Russia

Increasing multilateral and bilateral cooperation suggests that Iran and Russia may be on the path of eventually achieving a strategic partnership.

Syria

Rouhani to domestic critics: Peace more daring than war

After the first-ever attack by the Islamic State against Iran, President Hassan Rouhani will have a difficult time pushing for compromise with regional countries and reducing tensions.

Iran

Mixed messages since US-Saudi-Islamic summit prove costly

Is the United States missing an opportunity with Iran in the war against the Islamic State? Turkey, Hamas deal with fallout from Qatar dispute; Al-Monitor had the jump on “secret” US-Russia talks on Syria.

Saudi Arabia

How Moscow-Riyadh rapport fits into the Mideast scene

With all that’s going on in the Gulf right now, some players are re-examining their alliances and shoring up support.

Saudi Arabia

Iran wakes up to Salafi recruitment in Kurdish regions

Will the terrorist attacks in Tehran be a wake-up call about the rise of Salafism in Iranian Kurdistan? And will they be the beginning of a sectarian war at home?

Iran

Road ahead unclear in aftermath of Tehran attacks

After having thwarted numerous plots to strike Iran, the country has finally been hit by its first Islamic State attack; the question now is what Iran may do next.

Saudi Arabia

Iran says IS attackers fought in Syria and Iraq

Iranian authorities linked the Islamic State attackers to a larger cell whose leader was killed by security forces last year.

Saudi Arabia

Hamas could be next victim of Qatari-Gulf brawl

Qatar politely sent some Hamas leaders packing after several nations, including Saudi Arabia, cut diplomatic ties with Doha.

Saudi Arabia

Teaching of gender equality sparks infighting in Iran

Infighting over the implementation of UNESCO’s 2030 education agenda continues in Iran.

Iran