The Gulf and sectarianism
How sectarian agendas shape the politics of the Middle East
Iran
A Westphalia moment at Geneva?
The most problematic component of political and strategic competition in the MENA region has been the cultivation and manipulation of sectarian agendas. The Geneva meetings over Iran's nuclear programme, however, may prove to be the beginning of the end to the region’s most troublesome conflict
French resistance to a deal with Iran: un petit problème?
Fingers are pointing to the French for stalling a joint statement between the E3+3 and Iran over its nuclear programme. But there's still room to remain positive about the pace at which diplomacy can come to fruition in these talks
Assessing the talks with Iran: a step towards pragmatism
There has been consensus amongst the negotiators that the discussions had been positively led by Iran in a very different manner than previous talks. The key message from these rounds of talks is that the Iranian team provided details for their proposal rather than a vague or impractical framework
On Iran, Obama’s bigger challenge is with his allies
There is a tantalising prospect that the Iranian regime could become a partner to the US, rather than a rival. But when it comes to the Middle East, Obama’s thorniest problems come not from his enemies, but from his friends
Syria: the view from Iran
This essay forms part of an eight-part ECFR series exploring the regional responses, dynamics and ramifications of the Syrian uprising and civil war. These…
Seven takeaways from the Gaza ceasefire
Did Israel's “Operation Pillar of Defense” change the politics of the Middle East? Who are the winners and losers of the Gaza conflict – and what's next after the Israel-Hamas ceasefire?
Time to grow up: what Obama’s re-election means for Europe
Europe needs to take more responsibility in its neighbourhood
Morsi goes to Tehran, and Egypt gets its mojo back
Cairo and Tehran are talking to each other: Iran because it is increasingly isolated, Egypt because it is attempting to reclaim the mantle of regional leadership. Is this an example of Egypt's new foreign policy under Mr Morsi?
Iran nuclear talks succeed just by continuing
The best outcome for E3+3 negotiations is a partial enrichment freeze. Short of that, more talks will at least avert military action.