Robert M. Danin

Middle East Matters

Danin analyzes critical developments and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

Middle East Matters This Week: Syria Braces for Showdown While Egypt Slowly Forms a Government

by Robert M. Danin Thursday, July 26, 2012
A Free Syrian Army soldier steps on portraits of President Bashar al-Assad at the Bab Al-Salam border crossing to Turkey on July 22, 2012 (Umit Bektas/Courtesy Reuters). A Free Syrian Army soldier steps on portraits of President Bashar al-Assad at the Bab Al-Salam border crossing to Turkey on July 22, 2012 (Umit Bektas/Courtesy Reuters).

Significant Middle East Developments

Syria. Fighting raged today in Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, where troops loyal to the regime and rebel fighters prepared for large-scale confrontation. Rebel forces earlier this week announced a major operation to “liberate” the city from government control. The Syrian army responded by sending thousands of reinforcements and special forces toward the city. As the fighting in Aleppo and other parts of the country intensified, Turkey announced yesterday that its border crossings into Syria would be closed to all but refugees. Read more »

Middle East Matters This Week: Syria’s Defections and Diplomacy, Egypt’s Power Struggles

by Robert M. Danin Thursday, July 12, 2012
Syria's president Bashar al-Assad meets UN Syria peace envoy Kofi Annan in Damascus on July 9, 2012 (Courtesy Reuters). Syria's president Bashar al-Assad meets UN Syria peace envoy Kofi Annan in Damascus on July 9, 2012 (Courtesy Reuters).

Significant Middle East Developments

Syria. UN Security Council members today began discussing a draft resolution on Syria in New York. Russia and the Western nations on the 15-member council have drafted rival resolutions on Syria. Britain, the United States, France and Germany have demanded sanctions against President Assad under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Moscow has vowed to veto any text that includes imposes sanctions or authorizes military intervention. Read more »