Washington Watch Articles From 2015
Obama Won, So Did Netanyahu
For the past several weeks, considerable attention was paid to the number of Democratic senators announcing their support for the Iran deal. The number needed to insure that the deal would go through was 34.
Finding a Way Forward for Syria
A flurry of recent bilateral and multilateral discussions involving Americans, Russians, Saudis, and others have provoked speculation that there may be a renewed push for negotiations to end the conflict in Syria.
CVE in the US: More Harm Than Good
Congress is currently considering legislation that would create a whole new bureaucracy within the Department of Homeland Security to deal with "countering violent extremism" (CVE).
A US-Iran Realignment Is Not in the Cards
With the conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between the P5+1 and Iran, some are panicking in despair, while others have visions of a dramatically realigned Middle East.
Deal or No Deal
Here in Washington and across the Middle East, many are holding their breath awaiting news of the outcome of the P5+1 negotiations with Iran: some, in hopeful anticipation; others with a sense of dread.
If the US Wants Arabs as Partners, We Must Treat Them As Such
Arab leaders cautiously welcomed the P5+1 framework with Iran.
An Ugly Week in Washington
If "l'affaire Netanyahu" weren't bad enough, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell added insult to injury when he announced that early next week he will move for a vote on a bill requiring the White House to secure Congressional review and approval of any agreement concluded between the P5+1 negotiators and Iran.