Topic: The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
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Iran fires at US drone: the top 3 pressing questions
Iranian military forces fired at a US Predator drone for the first time ever earlier this month, the Pentagon acknowledged this week. It’s a revelation that has raised a host of questions for the US military. Here are the top three.
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Why no safe zone in Syria, yet? 5 complications
The flood of Syrian refugees entering Turkey – as many as 5,000 a day for the last 10 days – has ratcheted up the pressure for a safe zone’s creation. But a safe zone is complicated and carries many risks.
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Opinion: Gaza flotilla: Why the blockade makes sense for Israel
Until Hamas accepts Israel’s right to exist and stops launching rocket attacks, Israel may have to continue the Gaza blockade.
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America's new 'dual track' approach to Iran nuclear program
At first, the US said, the new push for sanctions on Iran was a rebuff of a fuel swap deal. But now, it says, both the sanctions and the deal should try to address the Iran nuclear program.
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The Vote
James Jones apologizes for Jewish jokeJames Jones, national security adviser, told a Jewish joke last week to kick off an address. But apparently not everyone was amused – and by Monday, an international incident was born.
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Israeli settlements standoff with US: Netanyahu fails to defuse tensions
Two weeks after Israeli settlements touched off unusually high tensions with Israel's closest ally, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads home from Washington without a resolution.
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Iran protests: Is Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei winning?
With Iran protests largely shut down, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has declared "victory." But as Iranians evaluate the past year during Norouz celebrations this weekend, he knows he's lost legitimacy, say close observers.
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After Iraq election, fragile democracy faces the real test
Sunday's Iraq election saw good turnout despite scattered violence. But with no party powerful enough to rule alone, the tough task of coalition building begins for the nascent democracy.
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Is China warming up to more Iran sanctions?
China has publicly maintained its preference for pursuing talks with Tehran over new Iran sanctions. But it has also quietly accepted two international slaps of Iran over the past week.
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Terrorism & Security
Russia suspends Iran arms sale following Israeli PM's visit to MoscowRussia decided to delay the delivery of S-300 air defense missiles to Iran a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The delay is expected to further strain relations between Moscow and Tehran.
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Up next: 'Al Qaeda in Palestine'?
A new report by a pro-Israel think tank warns that radical groups in Gaza may execute a major attack to secure an alliance with Al Qaeda. But a full-blown franchise is unlikely.
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Does Iran play role in Yemen conflict?
Surge of fighting with Yemen rebels has raised concern about a proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which has been drawn into the conflict.
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Explosive Gaza report is back before UN Security Council
US says Security Council is wrong venue for taking up Gaza report suggestions of Israeli war crimes.
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Fearful of Iran's influence, Saudi king reaches out to Syria
Saudi Arabia, a close US ally, has switched from a policy of isolation toward engagement. Some hope the warming could bolster US Middle East peace efforts.
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What's behind string of terror plots
Arrests in separate terror plots in Springfield, Ill., and Dallas Thursday followed the indictment of Najibullah Zazi for plotting an attack in New York. Experts say the cases highlight the danger of domestic terrorism.
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US Persian news service provides critical link
US government-run broadcast enjoys new popularity as Iran blocks other media.
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Will Syria play key role in Obama's Mideast peace efforts?
US envoy Mitchell was in Egypt Thursday, and arrives in Damascus Friday. Syrians hope for a new rapprochement under an Obama administration.
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Shooting of two soldiers in Little Rock puts focus on 'lone wolf' Islamic extremists
Did alleged attacker Abdulhakid Mujahid Mohammed act on his own, or was he a trained jihadist?
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How far will Obama's words of respect carry US-Muslim relations?
A new tone can defuse 'residual anger' among Muslims over the Iraq war, but it's likely to hit its limits in dealing with Iran.
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Ahead of summit, Obama and Netanyahu press different agendas
When the leaders meet Monday, the US will push for progress toward a Palestinian state, while Israel will ask for a harder line on Iran.
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Obama administration pursues two-state Mideast solution
The president will meet with three leaders from the region in coming weeks. Meanwhile, special envoy George Mitchell finds it tough going.
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Why Syria and Saudi Arabia are talking again
It's about Iran, Iraq, and Israel. The two foes planned to meet in Riyadh Wednesday to solidify Arab unity amid regional volatility.
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US officials weigh Iran's nuclear weapons capability
Defense Secretary Gates said Tehran was not close to having a bomb. A new report in which senior advisers to Obama participated urges further sanctions.
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Obama redefines war on terror
The president focuses on Al Qaeda and on repairing America’s image in the Muslim world.
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Opinion: As Islamists exploit financial crisis, Lebanon stands fast
Its economy has thrived thanks to sound fiscal policy.
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How a murder investigation could snarl Mideast peace
Syria is the prime suspect in former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination. But many say an international tribunal could cause it to turn away from engaging with the West and Israel.
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U.S. shifts 'hearts and minds' fight
Instead of trying to explain America, it promotes alternatives to extremism.
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