With a little imagination, the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 might have been prevented. Islamist suicide terrorists had used cars, trucks, and boats to deliver bombs. Why not jet planes? The proper authorities could have taken precautions. But they didn't.

With a little imagination, the pandemic that originated in China in 2019 might not have been so devastating. The Spanish flu killed millions in 1918. Wasn't a similar outbreak likely within a century or so – either due to natural causes, carelessness, or mischief? The proper authorities could have stocked adequate supplies of personal protective equipment, and formulated plans to mitigate the economic damage that such a health crisis would ignite. But they didn't.

Continue to the full article  |  More articles

After the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, President George W. Bush drew a line in the sand. "Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make," he said. "Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists."

Since then, some nations have fought with us, putting lives on the line. Some have offered moral support. But a few have aided and abetted the terrorists.

We distinguished among them. Until we didn't.

For 37 years, under Republican and Democratic administrations alike, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Continue to the full article  |  More articles

What a marvelous time to be America's enemy! Despots, dictators, and other assorted villains are gloating.

I'll give you two examples. Alluding to last week's assault on the Capitol – a shameful episode that President Trump recklessly and irresponsibly encouraged – Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, tweeted: "Have you seen the situation in the U.S.? This is their democracy and this is their election fiasco. Today, the U.S. & 'American values' are ridiculed even by their friends."

Then, referring to the mass uprisings against his oppressive regime 12 years ago, the theocrat added: "The US wanted to start a civil war in #Iran in 2009, & God has afflicted them with the same predicament in 2021."

Continue to the full article  |  More articles

The challenges facing what we used to call, with pride and confidence, the Free World are daunting. Illiberal authoritarians of various stripes are increasingly assertive and audacious.

In response, Americans and Europeans should be working more closely and cooperatively than ever. They're not.

The explanation commonly given: Relations between President Trump and his counterparts across the pond have been strained. He hasn't shown them the respect they deserve. They've not concealed their disdain for him.

Continue to the full article  |  More articles

In early 1979, I was sent to Iran to report on the rebellion then underway. I was woefully ignorant of Iranian history, politics, and theology. But older, more experienced colleagues in the journalistic, diplomatic, and intelligence communities also misunderstood would become known as the Islamic Revolution.

So, it was with both curiosity and pleasure that I've been reading "The Last Shah: America, Iran and the Fall of the Pahlavi Dynasty" an enlightening new history by Ray Takeyh, the Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Continue to the full article  |  More articles