The American withdrawal, which comes after the administration's failure to secure a new agreement that would have allowed troops to remain in Iraq, won't be good for ordinary Iraqis nor for the region. But it will unquestionably benefit Iran.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davatoğlu, Turkey has pursued a policy of good relations with all its neighbors. Well, almost. If Turkey wishes to join Europe or simply have diplomatic credibility in the region, it must end its occupation in Iraqi Kurdistan now.

This vision of relations will seem palatable to Americans and Iraqis who want to believe that all will be well after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. But the image is a mirage.

If Erdogan believes it is up to any state and any region to choose its own name, then no longer should the Turkish government complain when diplomats and officials speak of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraqi Kurdistan, or even South Kurdistan.

The United States must demonstrate that it is a reliable ally by negotiating the extension of some US military presence in Iraq after 2011.

Upon the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini led Friday prayers at Tehran University. His sermon would carry the weight of an American State of the Union address. With time, Khomeini and his successor Ali Khamenei designated a substitute prayer leader from amongst the regime hierarchy.

General Jassim Saleh’s triumphant march through the streets of Fallujah seemed eerily reminiscent of the Saddam Hussein era, casting a shadow over Coalition Provisional Authority efforts to prepare for the transfer of sovereignty on June 30. Meanwhile, responsible Shi’ite leaders have expressed concern about the intentions of UN envoy Lakhdar...

As the June 30 deadline for the transfer of sovereignty approaches, there are more questions than answers about who will rule Iraq. Dickering for leadership of the interim government continues, and UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi's choice will be certain to displease some inside Iraq. In addition, uncertainties remain about control...