Center for Middle East Policy

I'm skeptical that this will generate a significant shift in the US position on Iran...O'Brien has solid credentials and a reputation for responsible, centrist positions. And I'm not sure how much any of the men in these positions have really mattered when it comes to shaping the president's instincts on high-profile policies.

The president is more combative on Twitter than he is to initiating military action...He has an excellent political radar and he recognizes that there is no appetite among Americans for another costly protracted military intervention in the Middle East.

[T]here is zero likelihood that an attack of this nature and this precision was undertaken without the assent and awareness of Iran’s senior leadership.