Rana Abtar

Rana Abtar
Arab World US Ambassador to Sudan John Godfrey (Asharq Al-Awsat)

US Congress Supports Sudanese in their Democratic Aspirations

The US House passed a resolution condemning last October’s military coup in Sudan and calling for restoring the country’s constitutional leaders. The bill…

Rana Abtar (Washington)
Interviews Jim E Risch, US Senator for Idaho

Senator Risch to Asharq Al-Awsat: Biden Should Strengthen Partnerships to Confront Iranian Threats

Prominent US congress members have welcomed President Joe Biden’s trip to the Middle East. Wide criticism leveled against the Biden administration for its…

Rana Abtar (Washington)
World An Iranian soldier stands next to “Shahab-3” missile during a rally marking Jerusalem Day in Tehran, Iran, on April 29, 2022. (EPA)

US Congress Calls for Boosting Regional Defense Against Iran

A group of bipartisan US lawmakers introduced legislation on Thursday to integrate regional countries' air defense systems to thwart Iran's threats. The …

Rana Abtar (Washington)
Arab World Leaf addressing the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee. (Screengrab)

Washington Rules Out Lifting Sanctions against Assad Regime

Barbara Leaf, US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, has ruled out any normalization with the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. …

Rana Abtar (Washington)
World A view shows traffic on Azadi street in Iran's capital Tehran, April 20, 2021. (AFP)

US Senators Introduce Legislation Calling Out Iran-China Ties

US Republican Senators introduced on Tuesday a bill to call attention to Iran’s ties with China by prohibiting any deal with Iran until the regime terminates…

Rana Abtar (Washington)
Arab World Protesters march during a rally against military rule following the military coup in Khartoum, Sudan. January 24, 2022. Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah/File Photo

Nominee for US Ambassador to Sudan Considers Applying Individual Sanctions

Nominee for US Ambassador to Sudan John Godfrey said that resuming paused development assistance to the African country is predicated on a credible civilian…

Rana Abtar (Washington)
World US Intelligence: IRGC to Escalate Attacks in Case of Sanctions Waivers

US Intelligence: IRGC to Escalate Attacks in Case of Sanctions Waivers

A US top official said Iran would increase its targeting of Americans and US allies as a result of the Biden administration’s significant sanctions relief and…

Rana Abtar (Washington)
Arab World Congressmen Upset over 'Assad's Wealth Growth' despite US Sanctions

Congressmen Upset over 'Assad's Wealth Growth' despite US Sanctions

The US State Department estimated the wealth of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family at $1 to $2 billion, despite the imposed sanctions. The…

Rana Abtar (Washington)