MENASource

The Importance of Local Knowledge in Syria

By Faysal Itani

A US policy that does not account for the attitudes and aspirations of Syrians—both civilians and fighters—cannot achieve its goals of sustainable political transition and countering religious extremism. Yet policy-makers have paid little attention to these local factors, preferring a top-down approach to the conflict that focuses on geopolitical calculation and diplomacy.

Top News: Lebanon Marks Devastating Milestone With Millionth Refugee

By MENASource

The number of Syrian refugees who have fled to Lebanon officially topped one million on Thursday, highlighting the growing humanitarian catastrophe caused by Syria’s civil war and the huge burden placed on its poorly prepared neighbors.

Top News: Egypt Vows to Pass Anti-Terrorism Law after Cairo University Blasts

By EgyptSource

Senior Egyptian ministers said they would pass legislation on Thursday “connected to confronting terrorism,” in a statement released hours after three explosions killed two people in Cairo.

Syria’s Economic Glory Days are Gone

By Mohsin Khan and Svetlana Milbert

As the Syrian conflict enters its fourth year, the humanitarian costs continue to rise almost exponentially. The reported death toll from the civil war stands at more than 146,000, with more than 6.5 million displaced persons. Children have not been spared in the process.

Ajnad Misr Claims Responsibility for Cairo University Blasts

On Wednesday, three bombs went off at Cairo University, killing at least two, among them a police officer, and wounding five. The consecutive blasts were detonated remotely. Militant group Ajnad Misr (Soldiers of Egypt) claimed responsibility for the blast in a statement shared on Twitter, as pointed out by the Long War Journal’s David Barnett.