Iran News Roundup 01/10
Hooman Majd, Vali Nasr, Bret Stephens, and Hillary Mann Leverett discuss the effects of sanctions, the probability of negotiations, and the likelihood of war on Fareed Zakaria GPS. Chinese foreign minister rejects Iran sanctions as Europe and Japan move forward China’s vice foreign minister Cui Tiankai, responsible for U.S. relations, repudiated the idea of sanctioning Iranian […]
A Critical Decision in the Midst of the New Administration
Obama has taken office. His first day was filled with phone calls to the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Israel and the president of the Palestinian Authority. It is evident that Obama is making an early effort to deal with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, an effort that was lacking in the administration of George. W. Bush. Yet, […]
“Rx to Obama: Real Change Now in the Middle East” Capitol Hill Briefing
Yesterday, at the Council for the National Interest Foundation‘s Capitol Hill briefing entitled “Rx to Obama: Real Change Now in the Middle East,” a panel of speakers added their voices to the swirling controversy over Dennis Ross’ alleged appointment as Middle East envoy in the Obama administration. During the briefing, Eugene Bird, President of CNI […]
Update: Dennis Ross to serve as MidEast “Ambassador at Large”; or is he?
It seems that Dennis Ross’ role in the Obama administration will not be confined to the Iran portfolio as had earlier been suspected. Bloomberg, AP and others are reporting that Ross will be in charge of the entire Middle East, acting as sort of a “regional Secretary of State.” No word yet on who will […]
Something wicked this way comes…
Last week the Washington Post ran an OpEd by two former Senators, Chuck Robb (D-VA) and Dan Coats (R-ID). In it, they endorsed sustained aggressive action in future U.S. dealings with Iran, saying that Iran must be prevented, using any means necessary, from not only obtaining nuclear weapons, but even “the ability to quickly assemble a […]