Stay Updated

Content

MENASource

Dec 1, 2022

Rebel infighting foreshadows the next phase of the Syrian conflict

By Malik al-Abdeh and Lars Hauch

The resultant clashes would probably have been largely ignored as just another chapter in the endless saga of rebel factionalism. However, when Hayat Tahrir al-Sham directly intervened, the issue attracted considerable attention beyond the microcosm of Syria’s armed opposition landscape.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Nov 22, 2022

The Sudanese Bar Association drafted a transitional constitution. How can it be improved?

By Nasredeen Abdulbari and Mutasim Ali

The initiative demonstrates the importance of professional institutions and trade unions in bringing political organizations together and restoring the democratic transformation process. However, there are key issues that require further discussion and inclusion in the draft constitution.

Africa East Africa

MENASource

Nov 16, 2022

The UAE just received twenty drones from Turkey. What’s the backstory?

By Ali Bakir

On September 21, Turkey reportedly delivered twenty of its Bayraktars to the UAE. A senior Turkish official confirmed that his country had delivered some drones and that Abu Dhabi was indeed seeking more.

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

MENASource

Nov 15, 2022

A moment of opportunity: Can the UN’s new special representative for Libya break the country’s cycle of devolution?

By Emadeddin Badi

After two months into the job, Abdoulaye Bathily may be quickly realizing that Libya’s war never abated, and that it is now simply fought by other means in the halls of the United Nations and corridors of foreign capitals.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

Nov 14, 2022

How a former al-Qaeda affiliate became an existential threat and a wake-up call for the Syrian opposition

By Ömer Özkizilcik

The entry and forced withdrawal of Afrin city by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) shook local dynamics and may ultimately serve as a wake-up call for the Syrian opposition.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Nov 10, 2022

How OPEC+ oil cuts accelerate China’s push for multipolarity in the Middle East

By Ahmed Aboudouh

The OPEC+ decision to cut oil production creates momentum and encourages China to accelerate the exploitation of the multipolar moment rising in the Middle East.

China East Asia

MENASource

Nov 7, 2022

Iraq lacks strategy on many governance fronts. It’s never too late to rectify this unforgivable deficiency.

By Abbas Kadhim

Post-2003 Iraq has shown a gross lack of strategy on many governance fronts. It’s never too late to rectify this unforgivable deficiency.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Nov 4, 2022

Iraq has a new government. The United States would benefit from broad engagement with all Iraqi stakeholders.

By C. Anthony Pfaff

Such an approach will typically yield modest results, but these results can accumulate and place the United States in a better position.

Iraq Middle East

Event Recap

Nov 3, 2022

Turmoil and transition: Iraq twenty years after the invasion

By Madeline Hart and Nour Alhajjeh

An Atlantic Council conference on Iraq's security, environment, economy, and democratic institutions brought together high-level officials from across the region and the United States to explore innovative solutions.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Nov 2, 2022

Experts react: Bibi is back—back again for now

By Daniel B. Shapiro, Barbara Slavin, Mark N. Katz, Richard LeBaron, Thomas S. Warrick, Jean-Loup Samaan, Shalom Lipner, Carmiel Arbit, Ali Bakir, David Daoud, Andrew L. Peek, Ariel Ezrahi, Yulia Shalomov, Jonah Fisher

We asked our experts to weigh in on what's in store for Israel's democracy, its ability to balance opposing domestic forces, and its relations with regional partners.

Elections Israel