Content

SouthAsiaSource

Feb 18, 2021

The republican system is our only clear pathway to long-term peace in Afghanistan

By Omar Sadr

The prospect of a political settlement with the Taliban is testing Afghanistan’s nascent democracy more than ever before in the last eighteen years. Indeed, the country’s hard-won republican system, which the Taliban opposes in favor of a narrow Islamic Emirate, is currently facing an existential threat. It must be protected and strengthened at all costs.

Afghanistan
Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Feb 18, 2021

Israel’s upcoming election: A referendum on the handling of the coronavirus

By Shalom Lipner

March 23 will see Israelis trek to the polls—for the fourth time since April 2019—after the close of an election campaign that has, thus far, entertained discussion of little else other than the coronavirus and its ramifications.

Israel
Middle East

SouthAsiaSource

Feb 17, 2021

Eight reasons why the United States should promote Kashmir peace talks now

By Yelena Biberman

The time is ripe for Kashmir peace talks, and the Biden administration, with Secretary Blinken at the helm of foreign affairs, can play a constructive role in bringing India to the table. Why should the United States promote the Kashmir peace process? What could it realistically do?

Civil Society
Human Rights

Event Recap

Feb 17, 2021

Event recap | Data-informed nutrition policy and practices

By the GeoTech Center

An episode of the GeoTech Hour where panelists discuss challenges and opportunities for data-informed nutrition solutions, and how a multisectoral approach can improve global health.

Climate Change & Climate Action
Inclusive Growth

BelarusAlert

Feb 17, 2021

Soviet-style Belarus dictator goes back to the future

By Vladislav Davidzon

Belarus dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka's recent People's Assembly was a Soviet-style affair designed to help him reclaim leadership of the country following six months of nationwide pro-democracy protests.

Belarus
Civil Society

MENASource

Feb 17, 2021

Responding to Iranian proxies in Iraq: Lowering the cost of accountability

By C. Anthony Pfaff

Rather than being faced with doing nothing, leaving, or being kicked out, such a joint approach can make the US the more attractive partner, undermine Iran’s ability to control the narrative, and improve prospects for future security cooperation.

Iran
Iraq

BelarusAlert

Feb 17, 2021

Innovative opposition defies Belarus dictator Lukashenka

By Brian Whitmore

The adaptive tactics of the Belarusian street, combined with the emergence of dissident security service veterans, illustrate that the Lukashenka regime and its Kremlin allies have lost the initiative.

Belarus
Civil Society

BelarusAlert

Feb 17, 2021

Exploring Belarusian civil society

By Andrew D’Anieri

For more than six months, Belarus has been rocked by an unprecedented wave of pro-democracy protests. This brief guide aims to introduce some the NGOs active in Belarus as the country seeks historic change.

Belarus
Civil Society

MENASource

Feb 17, 2021

What it takes for MENA to be the next leading venture capital opportunity

By Amjad Ahmad, Christopher Schroeder, and Allison Holle

Investing in venture capital in the Middle East is not merely an opportunity to gain financial dividends, but also to impact the lives of hundreds of millions of people by adding value and creating local wealth that can then address manifold social challenges. This will allow talent to rise and strengthen the ecosystem further.

Economy & Business
Middle East

Arab Spring

Feb 17, 2021

Ten years ago, Libyans staged a revolution. Here’s why it has failed.

By Borzou Daragahi

Ten years on, it’s important to dispel myths about why Libya went so wrong so as not to draw the wrong lessons.

Middle East
North Africa