Developments over Syria following recent collaborations between leaders of the United States and Russia have gained significant momentum. This also signals a decreasing Iranian role and a prelude to further setbacks for Tehran. An hour long phone call last Tuesday between US President Donald Trump … [Read more...] about ANALYSIS: The ball is rolling in Syria, against Iran
Ankara
How To Address Iran’s Aggressive Contributions To Middle East Turmoil
For years, Iran’s nuclear program has been in the international spotlight, leading to a highly controversial and flawed global pact aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. That pact, known as The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, hasn’t reined in Iran’s belligerence. Instead, Iran’s … [Read more...] about How To Address Iran’s Aggressive Contributions To Middle East Turmoil
Iran in Crisis
The recent dust storms that wreaked havoc in southwest Iran signaled only one of the many crises the mullahs are facing less than three months before critical elections. Tehran has been hit with severe blows during the Munich Security Conference, contrasting interests with Russia, the recent … [Read more...] about Iran in Crisis
Iran Sabotages a Syrian Ceasefire
By Heshmat Alavi Despite the boasted rhetoric about the agreement reached in the Astana talks over the Syria ceasefire, this latest stage unveiled the limits involved parties face in bringing an end to the six-year war. Even Russia’s chief negotiator at the discussion reached the point of … [Read more...] about Iran Sabotages a Syrian Ceasefire
Astana Talks: Why Iran and Russia differ on Syria?
By Heshmat Alavi Monday, 23 January 2017 With a new administration under Donald Trump taking the helm in Washington, Iran has shown its concerns by opposing any participation by the United States in upcoming Syrian peace talks scheduled for today in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. “We have … [Read more...] about Astana Talks: Why Iran and Russia differ on Syria?
Iran’s strategic defeat in Syria before Astana talks
By Heshmat Alavi The war in Syria has reached a major turning point. The Iran-Russia honeymoon is over, and Moscow is warming relations with Ankara. Reports indicate the two coordinated airstrikes targeting Daesh (ISIS/ISIL) and other terrorist groups. Such a turn of events has even been described … [Read more...] about Iran’s strategic defeat in Syria before Astana talks
Iran Threatens the Syria Ceasefire Effort
By Heshmat Alavi Following nearly six years of bloody warfare and an atrocious takeover of Aleppo by the Russia-Iran-Assad axis, the world has finally reached a relatively reliable settlement in this war-ravaged country. Unfortunately, Iran continues to pose a serious threat to this yet shaky and … [Read more...] about Iran Threatens the Syria Ceasefire Effort
How Iran Got Stuck in the Syria Quagmire
By Heshmat Alavi Iran, known for its unbridled sectarian meddling in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon, is currently facing an unwanted quagmire and dead-end in the Levant. We cannot limit Iran’s role and its meddling across the Middle East to 2016 alone. There is an ongoing war in the region, … [Read more...] about How Iran Got Stuck in the Syria Quagmire