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MENASource

Apr 3, 2025

In the thorny world of intra-Afghan talks, new challenges and opportunities emerge

By Omar Samad

Even with Taliban rule, Afghan dialogues have seen a boom in recent months. Their focus are as expansive as the diverse range of perspectives participating in them.

Afghanistan Middle East

MENASource

Apr 3, 2025

Washington halted the Iraq-Iran electricity waiver. Here is how it’s perceived by Washington and Baghdad. 

By Ahmed Tabaqchali, C. Anthony Pfaff

By making Iranian energy more costly, the United States hopes to incentivize Iraq to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependency on Iran.

Energy Markets & Governance Iraq

MENASource

Apr 2, 2025

​Libya’s political deadlock endures. There is a case for Trump and Meloni to challenge the status quo.

By Yaseen Rashed

The political crisis in Libya is one that the US and Italy may be uniquely postured, and incentivized, to quell.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

Apr 1, 2025

The only viable solution: an independent Syria, not a Turkish protectorate

By Gallia Lindenstrauss

After a risky bet on the Syrian opposition, Turkey is weighing where to place its bets between dueling visions for the new Syria.

Middle East Security & Defense

MENASource

Apr 1, 2025

Israel is making a miscalculation in southern Syria. Here is why.

By Ömer Özkizilcik

Israel’s approach in southern Syria risks deepening sectarian divisions, eroding the Druze community’s standin, and fueling broader instability.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Mar 31, 2025

Western sanctions against Damascus must evolve—Just as Syria has

By Sinan Hatahet

The US can play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of Syria's recovery by shifting its approach from maximum pressure to calibrated influence.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Mar 27, 2025

Öcalan’s call for disarmament: A new hope for Kurdish peace

By Hanar Marouf

Complexities of reintegrating PKK fighters, navigating Syrian conflict, and addressing Turkish military activity pose significant hurdles.

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

MENASource

Mar 25, 2025

After proxies and nuclear program threats, Iran may turn to terror abroad

By Alex Plitsas

Iran could turn to transnational terrorism as threats mount of Israeli strike on Tehran’s nuclear facilities, after a weakening of its numerous proxies since the Gaza war.

English Iran

MENASource

Mar 25, 2025

Dispatch from Bekaa: Inside the sectarian skirmishes on the Syria-Lebanon border

By Nicholas Blanford

Local Shia tribesmen have battled an assortment of Sunni jihadist militias and the new Syrian security forces dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

English Lebanon

MENASource

Mar 20, 2025

Netanyahu’s Shin Bet shakeup moves Israel closer to chaos

By Shalom Lipner

With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu determined to quash dissent within the nation's civil service, Ronen Bar’s days seem numbered.

Israel Middle East
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Experts

Staff

Sarah Zaaimi

Deputy Director, Communications

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management