While the war in Ukraine continues to make front-page news, a historically troubled region of the world offers its usual array of intrigue and challenges to America’s strategic interests. Cole Bunzel, a Hoover Institution fellow who studies the Islamic Middle East, gives an update on the latest developments in Iran (deal or no deal), Syria (Russia’s presence), Israel (trouble in all directions), Saudi Arabia (chilled U.S. relations), as well as the ISIS caliphate (who’s in charge?).
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Authorities should view the end of UNIFIL not as a prelude to a security vacuum, but as a chance to establish a workable U.S.-led transition mechanism that brings in Arab, European, and international partners, with the ultimate goal of helping Lebanon exercise full sovereignty over its territory without the support of foreign forces.
September 16, 2026
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My first full week of work on Policy Planning began on Monday, September 10, 2001. And that first day did go smoothly.
September 11, 2026
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Jina Mahsa Amini’s death continues to inspire Iranian women’s outrage over their stolen liberty.
September 16, 2026
