Writers

Chris Mansur

Saudi Arabia & Islamic State: Between Iraq and a Hard Place

Saudi Arabia Flag - cc Nicolas Raymond

Though the Saudi government may have been amenable to the rise of ISIS back when the militant group was seen as curbing Iranian influence in the region, recent developments in Iraq have likely changed a few minds in the Kingdom.

Eliminating the Scourge of Islamic State in Iraq

Blackhawk Helicopter in Iraq, CC US Army

Winning against Islamic State hinges on political reconciliation – not only between the Sunnis and Shiite in Baghdad, but Washington and Tehran as well.

The US & Syria: Beyond the Red Line

US President Obama

President Obama’s ‘red line’ seriously restricted his administration’s room for maneuver in responding to the strategic imperatives on the ground in Syria.

Egypt: A Coup by any Other Name Still Brings Chaos

Brotherhood

Although Egypt’s first democratically elected leader displayed an authoritarian streak, Morsi’s undemocratic ouster sets a dangerous precedent in Egypt’s early experiment with constitutional democracy. Rather than rejoicing over the ouster, Egyptians should be cautious of the ideological divide that is polarizing the country and creating policy deadlock. 

The MENA Revolutions: Then and Now

Arab Spring

Is there a reason for pessimism over the uprisings that swept through the MENA region beginning in 2010?

The Search for a New Equilibrium in US-Pakistan Relations

Political map of Pakistan

Here's why Pakistan is still an important piece of the puzzle for American foreign policy in the region.

Oil, Guns, and Military Bases: The US in Africa

USAC logo

Examining the long-term strategic ramifications of America’s military presence in Africa.

Syria: Not another Libya

Demonstrators protest against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad after Friday prayers in Sermeen

The Assad regime’s persistent use of deadly force to crush a 16-month uprising by Syrian rebels is now expected to continue without foreign intervention, leaving many observers wondering why the same NATO coalition that was willing to enforce a UN-approved no-fly zone in Libya is unwilling to follow the same course of action in Syria.

Israel and Iran: Growing Tensions

Growing Tensions Between Iran and Israel

Iran’s nuclear program has put it on a collision course with the United States and Israel as both countries reject Iran’s insistence that the program is for peaceful civilian purposes.

The Egyptian ‘Democratic Revolution’ Myth

Egypt Arab Spring democratic revolution

The remnants of the old authoritarian order are still in place in Egypt. Despite frustration and impatience by Egyptians, the military council that is in charge in Egypt has delayed the transfer of power to a democratically elected civilian ruler.

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