An Iranian naval destroyer test-fires a missile in the Persian Gulf. Ebrahim Noroozi / IIPA / Reuters
Uri Friedman, The Atlantic: The U.S.-Iran Conflict That Never Happened
One upside of talking to enemies
We have just witnessed one of the most consequential weeks for U.S.-Iran relations since diplomatic ties were broken in 1980, amid the Iranian hostage crisis. Last week began as it ended: with the release of captives. U.S. sailors were seized and set free; international sanctions against Iran were lifted in recognition of Iran dismantling most of its nuclear program; and a prisoner exchange occurred. The events seemed to bridge some international divisions, but they also resurfaced a bitter divide in the United States over one key question: What’s the best way to deal with enemies?
Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- January 20, 2016
Why we fight about Iran -- Max Fisher, VOX
Iran's Treatment of U.S. Sailors and Contempt for International Agreements -- Seth Cropsey & William Luti, RCD
What Has Worked Against ISIS? Nothing -- Peter Van Buren, Tom Dispatch
Why there are no good policy options on Syria -- Anna Newby, Brookings
Turkey in conflict: How Kurds' gains in Syria have pushed both sides to dig in -- Dominique Soguel, CSM
North Korea: The Outlier in U.S. Policy -- Rodger Baker, Stratfor
Reform uncertainty in Vietnam after PM left off leadership nominations -- Martin Petty, Reuters
A New Dawn for Taiwan and China -- Bloomberg editorial
And then there is Libya -- Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post
Egypt: who's afraid of January 25? -- Ahmed Aboulenein, Reuters
Brussels loses patience with Rome -- di Kay Wallace, La Repubblica
Europe: From Muddling Through to Stuck in the Mud -- Andy Langenkamp, The Compass
Central America's Gangs Are All Grown Up -- Douglas Farah, Foreign Policy
Oil below $30 fans wipeout fears among U.S. shale survival artists -- Terry Wade and Anna Driver, Reuters
Tech’s ‘Frightful 5’ Will Dominate Digital Life for Foreseeable Future -- Farhad Manjoo, NYT