Is Iran Making The Same Mistakes in The Arab World That Pakistan Once Made in Afghanistan?

Is Iran Making The Same Mistakes in The Arab World That Pakistan Once Made in Afghanistan?

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations: Lessons learned the hard way  Throughout the Cold War period, the phenomenon of ethnic Pashtun nationalism on either side of the Durand Line led to Pakistan developing an intense suspicion of multiple Afghan governments in Kabul. The Durand Line which itself is a legacy of British imperial rule in south Asia remains the internationally…

The Houthis and War in Yemen

The Houthis and War in Yemen

1. History of the movement, structure, and ideology History The movement of Ansar Allah (Supporters of Allah), also known as the Houthis, is a paramilitary group of Zaidi Shi’ites, acting in Yemen. This is one of the moderate streams of Shia Islam, which has more than 10 million followers around the world and accounts for…

Eagle-Meets-Bear and the Syria Tug-of-War

Eagle-Meets-Bear and the Syria Tug-of-War

Ahead of the Eagle-meets-Bear Trump-Putin summit on July 16 in Helsinki, Syria-centered spin has gone into overdrive. Unknown sources have leaked what is billed as President Trump’s alleged Syria deal discussed with Jordan’s King Abdullah. Trump would “allow” Damascus, supported by Russian air power, to regain its territory along the borders of Jordan, Israel and Iraq….

Saudi Arabia Attempts a Political Comeback in Lebanon

Saudi Arabia Attempts a Political Comeback in Lebanon

After months of keeping a low profile, following the unexpected resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and his ambiguous stay in Riyadh in November, Saudi Arabia is attempting yet again to intervene in Lebanese politics. Longstanding relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia suffered a serious blow following Hariri’s surprise resignation while in Riyadh in…

Iran is Fighting Tooth and Nail for Its Positions in Iraq and Syria

Iran is Fighting Tooth and Nail for Its Positions in Iraq and Syria

The fact a couple Russian military advisors together with dozens of Syrian soldiers have recently perished in the Deir ez-Zor area indicates the United States together with its allies carries on with preparations to cast a decisive blow in southwest Syria, aimed at cutting off Iranian forces from their allies. Damascus has this far been…