Top Features
Strategic Reset
A new four-point strategy for Iraq and the Middle East from Brian Katulis, Lawrence J. Korb, and Peter Juul.
Contain and Engage
Joseph Cirincione and Andrew Grotto outline five options and an effective strategy for resolving the nuclear crisis with Iran.Other Middle East Features
November 6, 2008
Multitasking in the Middle East
The challenges from Iraq and Afghanistan to Israel and Iran are interconnected. Obama needs a comprehensive approach.
October 24, 2008
The contributions of Iran
FEW COUNTRIES were as helpful to the United States in its early involvement in Afghanistan as Iran. Yet after the fall of the Taliban, the US failed to capitalize on the possibilities of that strategic relationship. Now coalition and Afghan troops are losing ground against the same insurgents they confronted in 2001, in a war that the United States is unlikely to win unless it rethinks its relationship with Iran.
October 21, 2008
Dealing with Iraq
Brian Katulis and Peter Juul outline four reasons why Americans need to debate the proposed U.S.-Iraq security agreement.
September 26, 2008
New Provincial Election Law Passes in Iraq
The law is one small step forward in Iraq’s political transition, write Brian Katulis and Peter Juul, but there still many more ahead.
August 14, 2008
Jordan Reaches Across the Divide
Iraq will need its neighbors’ support to achieve progress and stability; King Abdullah’s visit is a crucial first step.
July 29, 2008
Moving Beyond the Carter Doctrine: The U.S. Military Presence in the Persian Gulf
In the nearly three decades since the United States declared its vital interests required U.S. military forces to maintain security in the Persian Gulf, the American military footprint—and engagements—in this volatile region have multiplied. As military planners and political decision-makers look beyond the region’s current crises, what will America’s longer-term security posture be in the Gulf? Lawrence Korb, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and former assistant secretary of Defense, makes recommendations in "Moving Beyond the Carter Doctrine: The U.S. Military Presence in the Persian Gulf," a new report for The Century Foundation.
May 30, 2008
America’s Dangerous Blind Spot in the Middle East
Iraq’s evolving relationship with Iran reshapes the regional landscape in the Middle East, threatening U.S. interests, observes Brian Katulis.
May 28, 2008
A New Tack Toward Tehran
The IAEA confirms that Iran still won’t come clean on its nuclear activities. More action is needed, writes Andrew Grotto.
May 13, 2008
An Unlikely Threat to Democracy
When Turkey's chief prosecutor brought a lawsuit this spring asking the country's Constitutional Court to close down its governing political party, he set in motion a dangerous chain of events that could undue years of political and economic progress in Turkey.
May 13, 2008
Interactive Map: What Are You Paying for the War?
See how much taxpayers in each state could now be paying based on the president's new request to fund operations in Iraq through the end of the year.
May 5, 2008
The Perils of Unconditional Engagement
Whether or not to engage Hamas is a question of whether engagement would help moderate the organization or improve Hamas’ chances of dominating the Palestinian political scene.
April 30, 2008
Arab Unity: Now Is the Time for New Policies
The United States has a window of opportunity to show leadership in the Middle East, writes Amanda Rios.
April 30, 2008
The United States Can Do More for Iraqi Refugees
Iraq’s displaced population is the primary threat to the country’s future stability, write Brian Katulis and Peter Juul.
April 16, 2008
Fixated on Tactics: Iraq War Supporters Lack Strategies
Defending tactics for an open-ended military commitment in Iraq exposes proponents of “strategic patience” to the folly of their own arguments, writes Peter Juul.
April 11, 2008
Strategic confusion
Misunderstanding Iran's role works to increase its influence in Iraq, write Brian Katulis and Matthew Duss.
April 11, 2008
Post-Annapolis: U.S. Needs a Comprehensive Strategy
Moran Banai and Mara Rudman outline next steps for the United States in Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking six months after Annapolis.
April 9, 2008
Iran’s Special Groups: The Latest “Stay the Course” Excuse
U.S. forces are threatened by various Iran-backed groups in Iraq, says Gen. Petraeus. Does he include those groups that we also support?
April 9, 2008
Conflating Al Qaeda in Iraq and Osama bin Laden’s Transnational Network
Gen. Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker insist on directly linking Al Qaeda in Iraq with Osama bin Laden, observes Peter Juul.
April 8, 2008
Hazy Iraq Benchmarks: Political Success Requires Implementation
Petraeus claims “surge” is fostering Iraqi reconciliation, yet by his own benchmarks this is fiction, write Brian Katulis and Peter Juul.
March 26, 2008
Resurging Iraqi Violence: Shi’a Civil War Only One of Many
Latest outbreak of fighting among Shi’a rivals is emblematic of multiple conflicts still raging across the country, writes Brian Katulis.
March 21, 2008
Israel and India: New Allies
Bruce Riedel looks at the growing ties between Israel and India in today's Middle East Bulletin.
March 19, 2008
Background Basics: Iraq's Groups and Regional Actors
Many groups influence the dynamics of the War in Iraq, both within and outside of the country. CAP has a primer for following the groups in the news.
March 19, 2008
Background Basics: Key Middle East Countries
A look at regional actors gives a more complete understanding of the issues in play in Iraq and the solutions needed.
March 19, 2008
Diplomatic Surge Needed
Five years into the Iraq war, Sen. Casey writes that comprehensive regional diplomacy will best stabilize Iraq and help ensure its security.
March 18, 2008
Facing Extremism
Too depressingly familiar: eight young people killed, along with the gunman who ended their lives. Many more injured. As is the intent of such extremists, he took aim not only at innocent civilians, but also at the heart of future security and hope for Israelis and Palestinians: a negotiated two-state resolution to their conflict. Ensuring that he does not achieve this broader objective will require a renewed commitment by all involved, including the United States.
March 11, 2008
The Iraqi Refugee Crisis by the Numbers
The United States is offering minimal help to the 4 million refugees displaced by fighting in Iraq. It’s time to ramp up our efforts.
March 11, 2008
BBC Poll Offers Odd Frame to the Issue of Iran Nukes
The headline from the press release of a new BBC World Service poll reads Declining Support for Tough Measures against Iran’s Nuclear Program: Global Poll. This poll is flawed and should be interpreted with caution.
March 5, 2008
Forward from Gaza: How the U.S. Can Lead
Middle East Bulletin interviews former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Egypt Daniel C. Kurtzer about the U.S. role in the Middle East.
February 28, 2008
The Collapsing Myth of the Surge
Sunni militias demand more power, and Shi'a political divisions impede nationwide power-sharing deals, writes Brian Katulis.
February 22, 2008
Will Iran Ever Address Key Issues?
New report shows Iran is willing to explain many lingering issues, but not the most sensitive ones relating to alleged weapons-related activities.
February 13, 2008
Awakening to New Dangers in Iraq
Report shows that sahwa groups, a central “success” of the surge, have exacerbated existing political divisions and fomented new political cleavages.
February 11, 2008
Iraq's Displacement Crisis and the International Response
Experts discuss ongoing efforts, urge better cooperation, and press for more assistance and responsibility for the crisis and its response.
February 4, 2008
The Surge Isn't Working: Pulse on Iraq
CAP documents the growing consensus among experts that the unsustainable surge has failed to meet its primary objectives.
January 24, 2008
Think Again: Fool Me 936 Times
The Bush administration’s 935 demonstrably false statements in the lead up to Iraq should give reporters pause when covering Iran.
January 24, 2008
Clock Ticks on Two Time Bombs: Attacks in Iraq Raise Questions about Surge
Police chief murder and attacks against Sunnis undermine President Bush’s claim that the surge in Iraq has “worked.”
January 15, 2008
The Cost of The Next 10 Years in Iraq
Iraqi defense minister asks for a long-term commitment, and Sec. Rice applauds Iraqi government on law full of loopholes and caveats.
January 11, 2008
The First Leg of Bush’s Middle East Trip: Initial Steps in the Right Direction
The first leg of Bush's Middle East trip suggests he is taking steps in the right direction, writes Moran Banai.
January 11, 2008
Tangled Tapes: Spliced Video Gives False View of Hormuz Incident
President Bush brandishes misleading video of Iranian actions in the Straits of Hormuz amid his Middle East Trip, writes Joseph Cirincione.
January 8, 2008
Bush's Middle East Trip is Better Late than Never
The president leaves for the Middle East today to follow up on Annapolis, address regional security, and improve relations with regional allies.
January 8, 2008
Setting U.S. Policy on a Better Course
Middle East Progress provides insight into what the president can do to keep momentum going on peace talks and stabilization.
December 14, 2007
Nuclear Meltdown: Rebuilding a Coherent Policy Toward Iran
CAP brings in two authors on recent books about Iran to suggest a new policy for the United States in light of the new NIE report.
December 7, 2007
Iraq’s Displacement Crisis Requires More Effort from the United States
CAP holds conference to address the growing humanitarian crisis of Iraqis displaced by the war.
December 7, 2007
Public Opinion: Public’s Antiwar Stance on Iran Likely to Strengthen
Polls show a public against military action against Iran even before the new intelligence estimates, despite administration efforts to garner support.
December 6, 2007
The Road from Annapolis: Many Tasks Ahead in Quest for Amity
December 5, 2007
Lies, Damn Lies, and Pentagon Statistics
December 3, 2007
This Week in Congress: 12.03.07 – 12.07.07
From the energy bill to FISA and the defense authorization, CAP provides you with resources to say on top of the week on the Hill.
November 26, 2007
Making Annapolis Work: Middle East Summit Requires Follow Up
Brian Katulis and Mara Rudman on the most inclusive official international gathering on Middle East peace in years.
November 16, 2007
A Report Half Empty: Iran Needs to Level with the IAEA
The International Atomic Energy Agency deserves more answers from Iran on its nuclear development program, argue Joseph Cirincione and Andrew Grotto.
November 5, 2007