The Middle East

This book is a compilation of reports on the Middle East. Chapters 1 and 2 discuss the kingdom of Saudi Arabia's relations with the United States, its stability, and its future trajectory. Iraq's government declared military victory against the Islamic State organisation (IS, aka ISIS/ISIL) in December 2017, but insurgent attacks by remaining IS fighters threaten Iraqis as they shift their attention toward recovery and the country's political future as reported in chapter 3. Chapter 4 provides an overview of Jordanian politics and current issues in U.S.-Jordanian relations. Chapter 5 provides an overview of Lebanon and current issues of U.S. interest. As discussed in chapter 6, Congress has actively engaged on several issues involving Turkey. Chapter 7 identifies the basis in U.S. law for sanctions imposed on Iran, and the nature of the authority to waive or lift those restrictions.