Iran has no immediate plans to block the Strait of Hormuz on response to sanctions.
Iran Navy Reassures West It Won’t Block Strait of Hormuz
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Middle East & North Africa
Syria: The End of the Beginning
The bombing that killed Syrian Defense Minister Daoud Rahja may have been the handiwork of defectors from President Assad’s inner circle.
Netanyahu Has Little to Fear From Kadima’s Desertion
Kadima’s fate as a political force in Israel is sealed.
Beyond Libya’s Election
Libya’s transition to democracy will require far more than a peaceful and democratic election. The legitimacy of the elected government depends on its capacity to disarm local militants while ensuring all Libyans’ security, effectively distributing Libya’s petro-wealth and specifying Islam’s role in governance. The resolution of these polarizing and controversial issues — peacefully within the framework of democratic institutions or through continued violence and authoritarianism — will define the post-Gaddafi era in Libya.
A State’s WMD Are Just as Likely to Threaten It as Protect It
States that acquire WMD fail to fully anticipate the dangers of their enemies seizing them.
Widespread Muslim Scepticism of U.S. as Democracy Advocate
Despite continuous assurances that the United States favours democratic rule during the 18-month-old “Arab Spring”, majorities or pluralities in six predominantly Muslim countries see Washington as an obstacle to their democratic aspirations, according to a new survey released here Tuesday.
What’s Worse Than PTSD?
PTSD and moral injury are the first steps to healing from war.
The New York Times Drones on About the Morality of Drones
Killing civilians is hardly drones’ only crime.
The Real Metric for Syria Is Russia’s Realpolitik
A more accurate bellwether of the tide turning in Syria will be if Russia decides it no longer needs President Assad.
Iran Sanctions: War by Other Means
Now that the talks with Iran on its nuclear program appear to be on the ropes, are we on the road to war? The Israelis threaten it almost weekly, and the Obama administration has reportedly drawn up an attack plan. But in a sense, we are already at war with Iran.