The Latest Breaking News from Jon Alterman

Trump Tests Whether Bulldozer Can Also Be Peacemaker

President Donald Trump has vowed to be a peacemaker in his new term, but his aggressive early actions threaten to alienate US friends in a way that could hinder his ambitions, experts say.

International Business Times · Jan 21, 2025

Trump is dedicated to isolationism – but is Syria’s future too important to ignore?

Concerns that US’s hands-off approach could leave the country open to a return to civil war or a resurgence of Iran

The Guardian - US · Dec 11, 2024

Despite Strikes, US Still Faces Threats From Iran-backed Forces

US military action has so far failed to halt attacks by Iran-backed groups on Washington's forces in the Middle East and shipping in the Red Sea, with the threats persisting despite recent heavy air strikes.

International Business Times · Feb 7, 2024

Biden wants a two-state solution for Israeli-Palestinian peace. Is it still possible?

Biden is calling for a two-state solution for Israeli-Palestinian peace. But the long-discussed framework is increasingly unpopular in the region. Here are some of its challenges — and alternatives.

WEKU · Oct 27, 2023

Biden leaves for Israel, scraps Jordan visit after summit with Palestine, Egypt leaders cancelled

U.S. President Joe Biden, on October 18, left the White House for a quick trip to Israel to show solidarity with the people of the country in the aftermath of the terrorist attack by Hamas.

The Hindu · Oct 18, 2023

Biden accused of betrayal of Khashoggi over push to deepen Saudi ties

Activists and Democrats condemn rapprochement – aimed at heading off China – with ‘autocratic, sociopathic government’

The Guardian - US · Oct 7, 2023

Analysis: Renewed Saudi-Iranian ties, brokered by China, force new calculations in Mideast

BEIRUT — The surprise announcement of a resumption of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, thanks to a deal brokered by Beijing, underscores regional governments’ interest in a de-escalation of tensions — and China’s willingness to wield its economic clout to achieve it.

Los Angeles Times · Mar 15, 2023

Iran-Saudi Arabia deal casts China in unfamiliar global role

An agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to re-establish diplomatic relations has cast China in a leading role in Middle Eastern politics — a part previously reserved for longtime global heavyweights like the U.S. and Russia

The Independent UK · Mar 13, 2023

Biden's Middle East Trip Pits Human Rights Against Realpolitik

U.S. officials want to reset relations with Saudi Arabia and Israel amid rising gas prices and new security challenges

Reason · Jun 21, 2022