Tag "Iran"
Iran – Taliban Relations: What to Expect
On October 4, less than two months since the Taliban takeover of Kabul, leaders of the group met with members of the Iranian delegation in order to discuss trade and business relations. The Iranian embassy in Kabul was one of few to remain operational. Historically, Iran has been considered among the Taliban’s bitter enemies. However, the current developments are indicative of Iran’s commitment to realpolitik.
China in a post-US Afghanistan: A paradigm shift in foreign policy?
China’s long-standing policy of non-interference is challenged by the cruel geopolitical realities and developments in the country with which it shares its smallest border. The U.S. military withdrawal, coupled with Afghanistan’s seizure by the Taliban, have marked a major turning point, presenting China with both opportunities and challenges. It seems Beijing can no longer afford to stay away from the region.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe: Anglo-Iranian Relations and Hostage Diplomacy
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was detained by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in March 2016, marking the start of a five year ordeal which only now seems to have any prospect of ending.
The early dilemmas of Biden’s foreign policy towards the Middle East and the Iranian factor
During his first speech on foreign policy earlier in February, President Biden announced his decision to terminate US support for Saudi Arabia’s military operations in Yemen. Suspending offensive aid for the Saudi-led coalition, the recently-elected President decided to reverse one of the last foreign policy moves of Trump’s administration, by lifting the designation of Yemeni Houthi as a terrorist group.
Alex Saab and the State of Corruption in Venezeula
The Venezuelan government of Nicolás Maduro has been accused of turning a blind eye to or engaging actively in corruption for both the personal enrichment of state officials and as part of sanction-dodging efforts. Among other individuals linked to corruption by the Maduro government, in June 2020 Colombian national Alex Saab was arrested in Cape Verde in connection with an Interpol Red Notice concerning money laundering. Now, 6 months after his arrest, it seems likely that he will be extradited to the US. How significant is Saab to the Maduro government and what impact might his extradition have?
MENA Power Brokers: Esmail Qaani
Under Qaani the Qods Force will continue Iran’s strategy, but their activities are likely to be more careful, restrained and in line with mainstream policy. How will this affect the Middle East?
NATO’s Afghanistan Withdrawal: Regional interests and civil war fears
A deal has been recently struck in US-Taliban peace talks and progress towards long term peace seems increasingly possible. However, with a likely NATO withdrawal and recent election results, there continues to be a substantial risk to the country’s security and the likelihood of descent into civil strife.
Saudi Aramco: Risks to Potential Investors
Saudi Aramco is now the world’s largest and most profitable company – valued at $2 trillion company. 1.5% of its stakes went public and are considered an attractive investment. However, multiple risk factors remain.
Will Drones Push the Middle East Past the Point of No Return?
Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) or drones, both armed and unarmed, have altered how states and insurgents conduct warfare in the Middle East.
Houthi threat to Saudi Arabia’s oil industry
The increasing missile, drone, and naval capabilities of the Houthis make the Saudi oil industry vulnerable to attack.
