Epstein Secrets

e zones in Syria and Iraq, and it has increasingly drawn on Afghan recruits in addition to Arabs. Iran's regional rivals, chiefly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have responded with more direct foreign interventions of their own, most notably in Yemen. The recent embrace of more overtly repressive policies

e Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Organization of American States, and to defend embattled allies like Syria's 8ashar al-Assad. There is also growing replica- tion of what might be called authoritarian best practices, vividly on display in the new Chinese law on nongovernme

Islamic world and accusations about alleged Iranian interference in the domestic affairs of the Gulf States are likely to continue, there are signs the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may be moderating its stance on Iran. Besides speculation that secret talks between the UAE and Iran over an unresolved islands dispute in t

march to regional influence continues apace—in Syria, where it is winning a stunning victory in partnership with Hezbollah and Bashar "the Butcher" al-Assad; in Iraq, where its influence is growing in the wake of America's departure; and even in the Gulf, where some local leaders see the writing on the

orgian Orthodox Church, Ilia II in Tbilisi; meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel; meeting Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayd in the United Arab Emirates; meeting Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Qatar; and meetin

o come home," but "many refugees say they are not ready to return" as long as President Bashar al-Assad "and his government remain in power." While al-Assad "appears to be secure and the big battles have subsided" since protests calling for his ouster, "Syria is a shattered country, with Mr. al-Assad rul