Trying to Head Off War, U.S. Moves Naval Forces Closer to Israel


Trying to Head Off War, U.S. Moves Naval Forces Closer to Israel American officials are sending a signal to Iran and its allies, in the form of two aircraft carrier groups and an attack submarine. By Eric Schmitt With fears rising that a wider war could break out in the Middle East, the United States has steadily been moving Navy forces closer to the area, including two aircraft carrier groups and an attack submarine. And it has not been shy about announcing the details, in a clear effort to deter Iran and its allies from more intense attacks on Israel. Earlier … Continue reading Trying to Head Off War, U.S. Moves Naval Forces Closer to Israel

The Forty-Year War


How America Lost the Middle East By Lisa Anderson May/June 2023Published on April 18, 2023 In March 2023, China’s announcement that it had brokered renewed diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran threw into sharp relief the United States’ rapidly diminishing role in the Middle East. Shortly after President Joe Biden came to office, the United States completed its inept withdrawal from Afghanistan, a country that Washington had spent 20 years trying and failing to bring into the Western fold. Then the president, who as a candidate had cast Saudi Arabia as a “pariah” because of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s alleged … Continue reading The Forty-Year War

Weekend Read: On China and Middle East – Saudi Arabia and Iran


Iran and Saudi Arabia just agreed to restore relations, with support from China but importantly no direct action by them. I am watching China a lot these days because there are economic and political influences that impact Banks, western markets and economic valuations. China just by its size creates impact just with small movements – literally the elephant in the room. It is the more significant with one single authoritarian leader. I am in the camp that says US policy impressing China to become more authoritarian to balance US rhetoric making this a western problem if its own making. So … Continue reading Weekend Read: On China and Middle East – Saudi Arabia and Iran