Jonathan Broder
Jonathan Broder writes about defense and foreign policy for Newsweek from Washington. He's been covering national security issues for more than two decades, including 12 years as a writer and senior editor at Congressional Quarterly. Before moving to Washington, Broder spent 20 years as an award-winning foreign correspondent in the Middle East, South Asia, China and East Asia for the Chicago Tribune and the Associated Press. Broder’s writing also has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post and Smithsonian magazine. He's a frequent commentator on foreign affairs for NPR and Al Arabiya TV.
Trump Sanctions Weaken Tehran as Protests Escalate In Iran, Iraq, Lebanon
Economic pain is undermining the Iranian government at home and—for the first time—in two of its most important client states.
How Trump's 'Maximum Pressure' Iran Policy is Leading the U.S. Into War
So far, Trump has held his fire, wary of igniting a much wider Middle East war that some supporters warn could sink his chances for reelection. But analysts say the region is headed for a major conflagration despite the president's restraint.
Benjamin Netanyahu is Playing a Dangerous Game With Iranian Allies
The Israeli leader could spark a wider war that could not only sink his chances for reelection but also endanger U.S. troops in the Middle East—at a time when President Donald Trump is hoping to sit down with the Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani, to negotiate a peace deal.
Iran's Opposition Groups are Preparing for the Regime's Collapse
Many analysts say current tensions could easily escalate into an armed conflict and the collapse of the Tehran regime. That prospect has raised the question of what kind of Iranian government might come next.
Intelligence Experts Question Whether Iran Video is Evidence for War
The State Department believes the video is evidence that Iran was behind tanker explosions, but some experts argue that the video is not sufficient on its own.
Tensions Between the U.S. and Iran Remain High, But Will There Be War?
President Trump and Iranian leaders insist they don't want war. But with a build-up of military might on both sides and increasing economic pressure from the U.S., tensions remain high
Ilhan Omar Is Changing the Conversation About Israel
Democrats are speaking out as never before against Israel's occupation of the West Bank, while Republicans hope to use the partisan revolt to drive a wedge between Jewish voters.
Can Merkel and May Resist Forces They Helped Create?
Britain's Theresa May and Germany's Angela Merkel find themselves on a precipice created by populism. Can the two leaders withstand the forces they helped to create?
Why Trump and Mohammed Bin Salman Need Each Other
The United States has overlooked human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia for more than 70 years, but no president has cozied up to the oil-rich kingdom like Donald Trump—even as he seeks to disengage from the Middle East.
Yemen War Bringing 'World's Worst Humanitarian Crisis'
Besides the tens of thousands killed and wounded, another million people are suffering from cholera in what the WHO called the largest epidemic of the disease in modern history.
Will Moon Jae-in's Matchmaking Finally End Korean War?
With continued denuclearization negotiations on the way, the stakes for South Korea's Moon Jae-in are high.
Syria Braces for Potential War Between Israel and Iran
Skirmishes between Israel and Iran represent a fourth conflict on the blood-soaked battleground of Syria.
Insult Tragedy
Lebanese director Ziad Doueiri makes films sympathetic to all sides in the Middle East conflict, including Israelis. It's not a recipe for big box office back home.
Hit and Missile
In Yemen, Tehran-backed rebels have secretly struck Saudi Arabia dozens of times with long-range missiles—yet another sign that Iran is winning the proxy war over the Middle East.
War With North Korea Might Be Bloodier Than Expected
In one scenario, sources say America would exhaust its stockpiles of smart bombs, possibly after a week of war with North Korea, forcing U.S. warplanes to drop crude gravity bombs on its targets.
Saudi Arabia's Bombs and Yemen's Humanitarian Nightmare
The leading Saudi humanitarian aid official talks to Newsweek about the brutal war in Yemen, its casualties and Saudi relief efforts.
Why Trump Won't Move the U.S. Embassy in Israel
The president appears to be making a wider play toward Middle East peace—but perhaps one that stops short of a Palestinian state.
Why Cyberwar Is Here to Stay
"Zero Days" recounts the first time a country used a cyberweapon for offensive purposes, and the harrowing rise of a new form of warfare.
Why the U.S. Spends More on War Than Diplomacy
The Pentagon has more members of the military serving in marching bands than the State Department has career diplomats.
The 'Inevitable War' Between the U.S. and China
Conditions seem ripe for a military clash between Washington and Beijing over the South China Sea.
Will Orlando Change the Gun Control Debate?
Democrats are pressing ahead with a measure that would ban the sale of a gun to a suspected terrorist.
Why the Iranian Nuclear Deal Is at Risk of Unraveling
Non-nuclear sanctions continue to cripple Tehran's economy and the country's leaders have had enough.
Why the Next Pearl Harbor Could Happen in Space
Forget ISIS—a Chinese or Russian attack on U.S. satellites could cripple American forces before anyone fires a shot.
Dear Barack Obama, Kim Jong Un Wants to Talk
Sources say the strangely coiffed dictator wants to resume nuclear negotiations.
Has ISIS Acquired Qaddafi's Shoulder-Held Missiles?
Probably, U.S. intelligence sources say. And some fear the jihadi group will now target civilian planes.
Rivals Fire Salvos at Trump During Wildest Debate Yet
Republicans Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, John Kasich and Ben Carson meet for the final debate before Super Tuesday.
What China's New Missiles Mean for Aircraft Carriers
A new Chinese missile designed to destroy an aircraft carrier from 900 miles away may demand a change in U.S. military strategy.
Will Obama Bomb ISIS in Libya?
Top military officers want the president to approve limited U.S. military strikes against the group's Libyan affiliate.
Why U.S. Taxpayers Paid Victims of Iranian Attacks
A side agreement to the Iran nuclear deal has reopened wounds for the families of victims and former hostages.
Why Obama Could Lose Big in the Islamic Cold War
As the proxy battle between Iran and Saudi Arabia heats up, the president's foreign policy may suffer.
