Why’s Iran So Desperate for Europe to Save the Nuclear Deal?

Why’s Iran So Desperate for Europe to Save the Nuclear Deal?

Iran’s insistence that Europe do more to preserve the nuclear deal suggests that it’s worried about becoming too strategically dependent on Russia in the coming future and is anxious to find a “balancing” partner before that happens. Iranian President Rouhani is in Europe trying to get the three relevant signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal…

Pakistan’s Financial Crisis Puts China’s Belt and Road on the Spot

Pakistan’s Financial Crisis Puts China’s Belt and Road on the Spot

Increased Pakistani dependence on China to help it avert resorting to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avoid a financial and economic crisis spotlights fears that the terms of Chinese investment in massive Belt and Road-related projects would not pass international muster. Concerns that China’s US$ 50 billion plus investment in Pakistani infrastructure and energy,…

Over the Persian Gulf, Dark Clouds have Gathered Once Again

Over the Persian Gulf, Dark Clouds have Gathered Once Again

Last week, the US State Department said that Washington will attempt to persuade its allies to stop purchasing oil from Iran completely by early November. Reportedly, negotiations are already underway with representatives from India and China. Afterwards, Iranian President H. Rouhani said that he considers the USA’s wish to stop Iranian oil exports is not…

Why Saudi Arabia’s Powerful Crown Prince Still Needs His Father

Why Saudi Arabia’s Powerful Crown Prince Still Needs His Father

A year after King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud made his son Mohammed bin Salman crown prince, the 32-year-old remains dependent on his father’s legitimacy and credentials to be the heir apparent. Prince Mohammed has polarized the House of Saud more than any figure in more than half a century. Last summer, the king removed…