The career of Iraj Masjedi, including his service at Base Ramezan and his promotion to senior adviser to Qassem Suleimani, highlights a cycle of generational change within the IRGC QF, and offers an indication of where to find Iran's future Quds Force leaders.

Iraqi Kurds and Iraqis more broadly can argue about whether Western concerns about Iran’s nuclear program are justified and they can also debate responsibility for the recent tension between Tehran and Washington. Analysts—whether they are in Washington, Jerusalem, or Tehran—largely agree, however, that the Middle East is closer to a major war now than at any time since 2003.

Iran will not respond to "soft power" pressures like sanctions and diplomacy. Its leaders understand only force.

It is highly likely but not inevitable that the Muslim Brotherhood will win the elections to be held in Egypt this coming September.

Step-by-step, Iranian authorities are replicating in Iraq the strategy which allowed Hezbollah to take over southern Lebanon in the 1980s.

In Iraq today, Iran is replicating the methods by which it promoted the rise of Hezbollah in Lebanon in the 1980s, and the United States must develop an effective counterstrategy.

Despite recent setbacks, the United States can still succeed in Afghanistan with President Barack Obama's policy, the military’s strategy, and especially General David Petraeus's leadership.

Who are we fighting in Iraq: domestic insurgents or foreign terrorists?