US Interest Wanes in the Mission that Remains in Iraq

Charles W. Dunne

"After the March 2003 invasion of Iraq by United States and coalition forces, a short but sharp war, and the declaration of “Mission Accomplished” aboard an American aircraft carrier, Iran felt isolated and encircled on all sides by US might. Not so today...Iran views 2010 as a year of opportunity: to make sure a friendly Shiite government continues to hold the reins of power in Baghdad, and to progressively shunt aside the US as the country’s chief power broker. If anyone should feel strategically encircled at this point, it is the US. The problem is, Washington doesn’t seem to realise it yet."

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'Blockade' and 'Embargo' Have Different Meanings

Dr. Graeme Bannerman

"Israel and Egypt have a right to embargo trade with Gaza...A blockade is totally different. A blockade is closing to international commerce by military force the coast of another entity... A blockade is an act of war rather than merely exercising one's own prerogatives... International ships that attempt to enter the sea around Gaza are entering a war zone. They are blockade runners. Blockade runners have historically been treated harshly."

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United States Will Pay a Heavy Price for the Gaza Flotilla Incident

Ambassador David Mack 

Israel’s administration of the blockade and specifically its military action of May 31 are undermining strategies that are designed to protect real interests affecting US national security.  This will continue into the future, as this incident is likely to be followed by more international efforts to run the blockade.

As the US Plans Its Exit, the Iraqis Find Reason to Worry

Charles W. Dunne

‘What does the US want from Iraq?” This was the question of a university educator during a large gathering of Iraqi politicians, students, journalists and activists we met during a 10-day trip to Baghdad and Kurdistan sponsored by Washington’s Stimson Centre earlier this month.

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The Turkey-Brazil-Iran Nuclear Deal : Another Missed Opportunity?

Gonul Tol

Do the United States and some European states really believe there is more to gain from a sanctions regime than what could be the first step of many in coercing Iran to negotiate over its nuclear program?  Like it or not, Turkey and Brazil have succeeded where the five permanent members of the UN Security Council had failed, and some European states are starting to publicly recognize this reality.