Content

MENASource

Jan 3, 2025

Dispatch from Damascus: The challenges of rebuilding are becoming clearer in Syria

By Diana Rayes 

Syrians know they will not get what they need to rebuild as a society with one hand tied behind their backs, Diana Rayes writes from Damascus.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Dec 29, 2024

How Jimmy Carter’s support for human rights helped win the Cold War

By Daniel Fried

By elevating human rights in US relations with the Soviet Bloc, Carter put the United States on offense in the Cold War.

Central Europe Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Dec 24, 2024

Postwar Syria could go wrong in many ways. Here’s how the US can help it go right.

By Thomas S. Warrick

The United States must engage in Syria to head off the potential for chaos, terrorism, and another major Middle East war.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Dec 21, 2024

A US blueprint for Syria’s fragile transition

By Sana Sekkarie

As long as HTS is willing to evolve and accept constructive criticism, the US should engage with the group. Ignoring Syria’s new leaders will not make them go away.

Civil Society Crisis Management

Spotlight

Dec 20, 2024

Latin America and the Caribbean in 2025: Ten predictions to shape the year ahead

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

As we look to 2025, what will define the future of Latin America and the Caribbean? How will the region navigate the changing global economy and the challenges posed by climate change, migration and security? With new leadership in the US, how will Washington engage with the region moving forward? Join in and be a part of our ten-question poll on the future of LAC.

Brazil Caribbean

MENASource

Dec 20, 2024

What will minority and women’s rights look like in the new Syria?

By Sinan Hatahet

After years of conflict and division, there is an opportunity to build a more inclusive and just future that reflects the resilience, diversity, and aspirations of all Syrians.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Dec 18, 2024

What the fall of the Assad regime really means for China

By Jonathan Fulton

Assad’s fall makes the Middle East more complicated for Beijing but does not threaten China’s most important relationships in the region.

China Conflict

MENASource

Dec 18, 2024

The fall of the Assad regime is just the beginning of Syria’s quest for stability

By Amir Asmar

Sectarian divisions and external actors threaten to render the fall of the Assad regime a new phase in Syria’s civil war rather than its conclusion.

Crisis Management Democratic Transitions

Report

Dec 11, 2024

Even in authoritarian countries, democracy advocates are worth investing in

By Fernanda Buril, Nate Grubman, and Patrick Quirk

Case studies in four different regions suggest that using foreign assistance to support actors and organizations advocating for democracy worldwide is an effective strategy, even if the payoff is not immediately apparent.  

Democratic Transitions Elections

UkraineAlert

Dec 10, 2024

Russian victory in Ukraine would spark a new era of global insecurity

By Victor Liakh

If Vladimir Putin's Russia is allowed to claim even a limited victory in Ukraine, it will embolden other authoritarian regimes and plunge the world into a new era of insecurity, writes Victor Liakh.

Civil Society Conflict

Experts