Scholars, advocates, and activists seeking to make the U.S. a more responsible global partner.
Middle East & North Africa
In Tehran, All Eyes on North Korea

In Tehran, All Eyes on North Korea

by , | May 14, 2013

North Korea’s nuclear weapons and Iran’s purported nuclear ambitions are the subject of constant speculation by Western pundits. However, the connection between the two is often overlooked. Although Northeast Asia and the Middle East are home to different geopolitical realities, the resolution of tensions on the Korean peninsula will almost certainly influence calculations made in Washington and Tehran regarding the Iranian nuclear program.

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The U.S. and Chemical Weapons: No Leg to Stand On

The U.S. and Chemical Weapons: No Leg to Stand On

by | May 2, 2013

If, as alleged, the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons, it would indeed be a serious development, constituting a breach of the Geneva Protocol of 1925, one of the world’s most important disarmament treaties, which banned the use of chemical weapons. However, U.S. policy regarding chemical weapons has been so inconsistent and politicized that the United States is in no position to take leadership in response to any use of such weaponry by Syria.

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R.S. Zaharna

by | Apr 24, 2013

Dr. R.S. Zaharna is a professor in the School of Communication at American University whose research focuses on Arab cultural communication patterns, intercultural and international public communication, and public diplomacy.

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Stephen Zunes

Stephen Zunes

by | Apr 24, 2013

Stephen Zunes, a Foreign Policy In Focus columnist and senior analyst, is a professor of Politics and chair of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of San Francisco. He is the author, along with Jacob Mundy, of Western Sahara: War, Nationalism, and Conflict...

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Ian Williams

Ian Williams

by | Apr 24, 2013

Ian Williams is a senior analyst whose work has written for newspapers and magazines around the world such as the Australian, The Independent, New York Observer, The Financial Times and The Guardian.

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