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Future of Iraq Taskforce

Jun 6, 2017

The Role of Decentralization in Combatting Extremist Influence in Iraq

By Todd Diamond

Many governance experts see decentralization as a potential model to mitigate political and sectarian challenges in Syria, Libya, and Iraq and improve livelihoods in those countries by restoring basic services to local populations. But in countries with a long history of absolute control, central government officials frequently resist any reforms seen as weakening their influence, […]

Iraq

New Atlanticist

Jun 6, 2017

Pence Affirms US Commitment to NATO, Collective Defense

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Transatlantic Alliance Front and Center at Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Leadership Awards US Vice President Mike Pence affirmed the United States’ support for NATO and its commitment to the collective defense of the Alliance at the Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Leadership Awards reception in Washington on June 5. “Our commitment [to NATO] is unwavering,” Pence said.  The […]

New Atlanticist

Jun 5, 2017

70 Years Later, George C. Marshall’s Values Are Still Relevant

By Stephen R. Grand

It may be an awkward moment for a birthday, but the Marshall Plan turned seventy on June 5. Designed to give Europe a hand up rather than a handout following the devastation of World War II, the Marshall Plan became the cornerstone for the emergence of a US-led, rules-based order that has enhanced Europe’s and […]

European Union International Organizations

MENASource

Jun 5, 2017

How Will the Rift with Qatar Play Out?

By H.A. Hellyer

Early on Monday morning, a coordinated isolation of Qatar took place in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, and beyond. While it began with Bahrain severing ties, the power behind the moves was clearly Saudi Arabia, with strong Emirati backing. The isolation was rather complete: Riyadh, Manama, and Abu Dhabi requesting all Qatari nationals to depart […]

Saudi Arabia The Gulf

IranSource

Jun 5, 2017

Rouhani’s Electoral Victory and Political Challenges

By Farhad Rezaei

By any measure, President Hassan Rouhani reelection with 57 percent of the vote compared to the 37 percent for his opponent, Ebrahim Raisi, was a major triumph. More to the point, the ballot represented a clear choice between two visions of Iran. Rouhani and his moderate followers want Iran to normalize relations with the United […]

New Atlanticist

Jun 2, 2017

May’s Lead Slips in the Polls Days Before UK Election

By John Roberts

With polls showing a narrowing margin between UK Prime Minister Theresa May and Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, the British general election to be held on June 8 is starting to look quite interesting. The idea that May would secure a landslide victory—one so prominent when she unexpectedly called the election five weeks ago—now seems […]

United Kingdom
Fighters of the Syrian Islamist rebel group Jabhat Fateh al-Sham cheer on a pick up truck near the wreckage of a Russian helicopter that had been shot down in the north of Syria's rebel-held Idlib province, Syria August 1, 2016. REUTERS/Ammar Abdullah

SyriaSource

Jun 2, 2017

What Is the Future of the Moderate Opposition?

By Hosam al-Jablawi

Since the Assad regime’s victory in Aleppo, the battlefield has moved to Idlib province, where armed groups opposed to Assad are battling for influence and a say in the future of the area. The first upshot of that struggle was that the extremist group Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (formerly the Nusra Front) ousted several moderate Syrian […]

Syria

Trade in Action

Jun 2, 2017

TRADE in ACTION – June 2, 2017

By Global Business & Economics Program

This week in TradeinAction: The 43rd G7 Summit has come to an end and President Trump and leaders around the world left the summit with key unresolved differences on trade, climate change, and defense, especially after the United States has announced to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Here are the 5 main takeaways you should know about. United States: Current chief […]

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business

NATOSource

Jun 2, 2017

Meeting the Russian Hybrid Challenge: A Comprehensive Strategic Framework

By Franklin D. Kramer and Lauren M. Speranza

Hybrid challenges continue to threaten security across the Euro-Atlantic community.

Cybersecurity European Union
Protesters carry opposition flags as they march along a street during an anti-government protest in the rebel-controlled area of Maaret al-Numan town in Idlib province, Syria March 25, 2016. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi

SyriaSource

Jun 2, 2017

Idlib Is Becoming a Collective Home for the Opposition, Including Non-Syrian Jihadists

By Saleem al-Omar

The convoys of rebels arriving one after the other in Idlib, such as those coming from Hay al-Waer in Homs and the Damascus suburb of Qaboun, will not be the last. The regime has succeeded in turning Idlib into a hope for the remaining Syrian opposition as they are driven out of other areas. Turkey […]

Syria
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