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MENASource

Feb 24, 2022

Syria has a water crisis. And it’s not going away.

By Aurora Sottimano and Nabil Samman

The current water crisis wasn’t entirely unexpected. Profound changes to Syria’s hydrology have been taking place for decades due to mismanagement, climate change, economic growth, intensified water use, and heightened competition for water across international boundaries.  

Energy & Environment Middle East

MENASource

Feb 23, 2022

China and Russia are proposing a new authoritarian playbook. MENA leaders are watching closely.

By Ahmed Aboudouh

It’s on major Western democracies to make democracy appealing again by aggressively filling the gaps China and Russia exploit to make the world more accommodating to their political models and the new trend of rising authoritarianism.

China East Asia

MENASource

Feb 17, 2022

Will Libya have two prime ministers again?

By Karim Mezran

This political upheaval is the main reason why there is, at least in the short term, a low probability for an armed confrontation to erupt in Libya.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

Feb 17, 2022

Algeria’s fate is tied to the Ukraine crisis. Will a war extinguish hope for the country’s popular movement?

By Andrew G. Farrand

In light of its recent history, Algeria is one country whose fate could swing substantially based on Russia’s actions in eastern Europe.

Middle East North Africa

Event Recap

Feb 14, 2022

Moving the Arab population from ‘job seekers’ to ‘job creators’: How governments are promoting and supporting entrepreneurship

By Hezha Barzani

On February 7, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a virtual event on “Developing ecosystems: How Middle East governments drive entrepreneurship.”

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Feb 10, 2022

A perpetrator of Syrian crimes against humanity went free in France. Here’s why it shouldn’t happen again

By Michel Duclos

If the scope for changing the course of events in Syria is limited, it’s honorable to take a stand against the abominable crimes of the Bashar al-Assad regime. It would be a great pity for France to be seen as a safe haven for Assad’s accomplices.

Europe & Eurasia France

MENASource

Feb 8, 2022

The politics of early recovery aid in Syria. Is it actually reconstruction aid?

By Samy Akil and Dr. Karam Shaar

The stakes remain high and immediate action is needed to avoid further suffering and enrichment of the regime from aid. This can only be achieved with a grand vision by the Biden administration to resolve the conflict that remains vague to date.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Feb 3, 2022

Iraq is forming a new government. But getting there will be complicated.

By Abbas Kadhim

Whatever the outcome of the ongoing negotiations, the prospects of the next Iraqi government will depend on the conditions of intra-Shia relations.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Feb 3, 2022

China may now feel confident to challenge the US in the Gulf. Here’s why it won’t succeed.

By Ahmed Aboudouh

Despite China’s growing aggressive approach towards the United States in the region, it has no detailed plan to execute it successfully.

China East Asia

MENASource

Jan 27, 2022

China is trying to create a wedge between the US and Gulf allies. Washington should take note.

By Jonathan Fulton

Recent events indicate that leaders in Beijing are no longer satisfied with the logic of strategic hedging and are pursuing a more muscular approach to the Gulf.

China Middle East