The Clause That Could Scupper the Iran Nuclear Accord

A little-acknowledged provision of the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program explains jockeying by the US and the Islamic Republic over the modalities of a US return to the deal from which President Donald Trump withdrew.

The Clause That Could Scupper the Iran Nuclear Accord

Biden Is Targeting Longstanding Alliances with Israel and Saudi Arabia to Curry Favor with Iran

The Biden administration’s targeting of the US’s longstanding alliances with Israel and Saudi Arabia in order to placate Iran is not only immoral but disastrously counterproductive.

Toward a Palestinian State? The US Confers Legitimacy on the Palestinian Authority and Hamas

Since taking office, the Biden administration has been in direct contact with Palestinian Authority leaders, encouraged and assisted by Israeli leftists who want to bring a Palestinian state into existence as quickly as possible. The Israeli government is not in the picture except in one regard: the administration is pressuring PM Netanyahu to enable Palestinian elections not only in the West Bank and Gaza but also in East Jerusalem, which would prove to the world that Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is no longer valid.

Joe Biden’s Foreign Policy: A Preliminary Assessment

The Biden administration’s foreign policy is rapidly coming into view. Despite rhetoric designed to mollify Middle Eastern allies, the trajectory of decisions clearly favors a return to the Obama policy of elevating Iran at the expense of Israel and Sunni states. More broadly, key moves weaken the US stance against China while ensuring domestic turmoil. American allies will have to adjust to a period of American weakness and possibly even betrayal.

President Biden, Assure Decency Toward Israel when Reengaging with Institutions

President Joe Biden regards himself as a champion of decency. He is equally committed to reengaging with international institutions. Assuring decency toward Israel in United Nations fora would be a good way to demonstrate both.

Must Restoring the US-Europe Alliance Be at Israel’s and Sunni Arab States’ Expense?

The United States does not have to appease the Europeans over Iran in order to cement the trans-Atlantic alliance. Instead, it should press the Europeans to increase their military spending to merit the close relationship, especially in the face of a Russia that poses a greater threat to Europe than it does to the US.

Saudi Arabia Is Sending Joe Biden Mixed Messages

Saudi Arabia appears to be drawing lines in the sand as the kingdom prepares for a new era in relations with the US once President-elect Joe Biden assumes office in January. The kingdom is seemingly signaling that it is willing to go only so far to get off on the right foot with the Biden administration.

Biden’s Approach to the Indo-Pacific

While the new US president is likely to reverse many of Donald Trump’s foreign policy decisions, one area likely to remain untouched is the US approach to the Indo-Pacific region. Joe Biden will push for a reinvigorated set of alliances and building of confidence in US power among China’s neighbors. The nascent Trumpian Indo-Pacific strategy will take final shape under Biden.

Cautious Optimism in Ramallah Regarding Biden

The Palestinian Authority (PA) has a long wish list for the Biden administration, but its initial approach will be restrained and realistic. It is understood among the Palestinian leadership that the new administration will not address the Israeli-Palestinian issue in the short term. Regardless, Israel must establish reliable channels to President-elect Biden, and the sooner the better.