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From perspectives on Nixon, Kissinger and the Shah to the current nuclear stand-off, the four books in this feature offer the latest scholarship on US-Iranian relations.
The disaster in Syria epitomizes the destructive effects of the sectarianization of regional geopolitical battles and the use of the popular Arab uprisings for otherwise geopolitical ends.
The Obama administration has to contextualize its potential strike in Syria by formulating its military objectives within a political framework that aims to stop the vicious mayhem engulfing Syria.
Bashar al-Assad and his circle will continue to refuse any Syria that is not theirs. There is no daylight for diplomacy here. A plausible scenario involves a war of multiple phases lasting years.
Any question about whether the west should intervene in Syria is a fairly moot point when considering history. Although it may not be immediately recognisable, we have been intervening for some time.
Iran’s influence on the Arab world is waning. The regime faces increasing domestic and international pressures, and is looking for a game changer. This is why a military strike on Iran must be avoided.
The launch of missiles and public provocation against Israel give Hizbollah, Iran and Syria much prestige without risking any significant retaliation due to the current election season.
Relations with a post-Assad Syria remain uncertain. Should Islamic militants play a role in a new order, they would likely be suspicious of the West, and deeply resentful of US support for Israel.
Looking ahead there are two major concerns for Lebanon. Firstly, if a new government cannot kick start the ailing economy and publicly support the Lebanese people by providing much needed water and electricity projects, then Hezbollah’s influence will grow, as Iranian money will finance vital social programmes, as witnessed already in the south of the country.
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