Iraq, Iran, and the spectre of US sanctions
European governments must seek to dissuade the US from using Iraq as a new battlefield in its struggle with Iran.
Iran
Reformists are dispirited and hard-liners resurgent ahead of Iran’s election
Some elected officials in Tehran are concerned that the security forces are gaining too much control over the political decision-making process. But reformists have been stymied by missteps of their own, as well as by US policy.
A chance for leadership: German foreign policy after the killing of Qassem Soleimani
Germany will need to do some serious soul-searching if it is to effectively de-escalate the Iran crisis and revive the damaged nuclear agreement
Europe’s new gamble: Dispute resolution and the Iran nuclear deal
The dispute resolution mechanism presents the E3 with risks but it could also buy them time to keep the nuclear deal on life support until the US presidential election in November
After Qaboos: The future of Oman and Gulf geopolitics
The fractious context of the Gulf means Oman’s new ruler could soon find himself seeking to emulate his predecessor and championing regional diplomatic dialogue
A call for increased European de-escalation efforts in the Middle East
Prominent Europeans call for increased European de-escalation efforts in the Middle East
Soleimani strike: Loosening future restraints on military action?
The drone strike against Soleimani marks a novel shift in targeted killing, dangerous to the global order
Crisis in Iran will drive wedge between Europe and Washington
The assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani is a turning point for relations between the United States and Iran. It also pulls U.S. allies in Europe deeper into uncharted waters, and threatens to leave European forces on the ground caught in the crossfire of escalation between Tehran and Washington.
What a Corbyn government could mean for the Middle East
Dramatic shifts are on the horizon for British policy on Israel-Palestine and Saudi Arabia, should Corbyn win power this week
After the Iran protests: How Europe can keep diplomacy alive
Washington will use the recent unrest to argue against Europe engaging with Tehran. Europeans, led by Emmanuel Macron, must lead the efforts for détente.