Tag Archives: Iraq

The Middle East Is Watching Iran’s Nuclear Program

Iran tests a long-range Shahab-3 missile at an unspecified location in September 2009 Will Iran’s uranium-enrichment work, which has provoked much alarm that Tehran could be seeking to build nuclear weapons, trigger a nuclear-arms race in the Middle East? So … Continue reading

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After Elections, Iran Remains A Major Player In Iraq

On March 7, millions of Iraqis “made their mark” and participated in the country’s second, generally fair and democratic post-Saddam Hussein parliamentary elections — an event that is exemplary for Iraq’s Arab and Iranian neighbors. Among the good news was … Continue reading

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Iran’s Fears And Hopes As Iraqis Vote

Imagine the following: The de facto independent Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq declares independence, secedes from Iraq, and inspires Kurds in Turkey and Iran to join a “Greater Kurdistan.” Shi’ite Arab parties in Iraq follow suit and found a … Continue reading

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Turkey: An Important Regional Player

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On February 16, U.S. President Barack Obama called his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to affirm the new U.S. administration’s support for Turkey’s “leading role” in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and the Caucasus. Iraq … Continue reading

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Iraq More Democratic Than Iran

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Whatever one may think about the U.S. motivation behind the overthrow of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003 and the post-invasion violence, destruction, and chaos, at least in terms of free and fair elections, Iraq today is far more democratic … Continue reading

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Threatening Ethnic Conflicts in Iraq, Turkey, Iran

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Occasionally, I have heated discussions with my Turkish and Kurdish friends. Most of those from Iraq’s Kurdistan region, emboldened by the region’s semi-independence from Baghdad and its current relative stability, warn that it would declare independence if things fall apart … Continue reading

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Nothing Simple About Disbanding Iranian Rebel Camp in Iraq

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Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who has found himself sandwiched between the demands of an influential neighbor, Iran, and the presence of a large occupation force of mostly U.S. soldiers, assured Iranian leaders during a recent visit to Tehran that … Continue reading

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