Last Monday the Iranian Intelligence Ministry announced that it had "thwarted" a planned terrorist attack on Tehran that would have been one of the "biggest" the country has ever experienced. They claimed that the attack, which was supposed to happen on the anniversary of the death of Khadijah, Muhammad's first wife (which is a minor … Continue reading Did Iran foil a “major terrorist attack” last week?

My latest piece for LobeLog takes a look at the global oil market and events in Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

Fallujah officially belongs to Iraq again, per the Pentagon: Iraqi security forces have "100 percent control" of Fallujah, located 40 miles west of Baghdad, Pentagon officials said. Fallujah was the first city taken over by ISIS in January 2014. "I congratulate Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi and the Iraqi people for their progress in freeing the … Continue reading Liberating Fallujah, or whatever’s left of it

The Turkish President eats a little crow.

Jeremy Corbyn is to blame for Brexit, naturally, because it's always a good time to punch hippies.

Hopefully this will be the last you hear from me on Brexit except insofar as it impacts US foreign policy and/or the parts of the world I usually cover. The truth is, while I knew the referendum was happening and I'd read enough about it to be basically informed, I haven't been keeping a close … Continue reading Was anything about the “Leave” campaign not a con?

So, Brexit. How about that?

Early vote counts show Brexit doing a lot better than most people (me included) expected that it would. And, uh, the markets are reacting just a little bit: Also, Lindsay Lohan would like to help explain to voters why they should vote to stay in the EU. Sure, they've already voted, but you have to … Continue reading Wheeeeeeee, Brexit edition

As one Libyan government looks set to drive ISIS out of Sirte, the stage may be setting for a resumption of the civil war.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is, as you know, up for reelection next year. There are many reasons to think that, barring some unforeseen security and/or economic crisis between now and the election, Rouhani shouldn't have a particularly difficult time winning another term. For one thing, inertia is on his side. Rouhani is the seventh president … Continue reading Rouhani’s toughest opponent?