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MENASource

Aug 4, 2022

Russia is forming an alliance of pariah states in the Middle East. It might put Israel in an awkward situation in Syria. 

By Ksenia Svetlova

For lack of other options, Russia is opening to Iran and is preparing to establish a new alliance of pariah states with the Islamic Republic—to the detriment of Jerusalem.

Europe & Eurasia Israel

MENASource

Jun 21, 2022

This organization is helping Syria’s LGBTQI community. Here’s how.

By Jennifer Bailey and Francois Zankih

Guardians of Equality Movement and other organizations and groups like it are a promising indicator for renewable development.

Human Rights Middle East

MENASource

Mar 24, 2022

Action must be taken to award reparations to victims of Russian war crimes

By Jomana Qaddour, Celeste Kmiotek

The international community is overdue for an overhaul of the legal tools accessible to victims of state-sponsored crimes in the twenty-first century. Perhaps justice mechanisms for Ukraine and Syria can stymie such impunity once and for all.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Mar 18, 2022

ISIS has a new leader. It’s important to understand their operational capacity.

By Orwa Ajjoub

The attack on al-Sina’a prison and other similar attacks reflect its operational capacity and the future threat it will pose to the region.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Mar 9, 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine happened because the world gave Vladimir Putin a free pass in Syria

By Marwan Safar Jalani

Now that the world can finally—albeit belatedly—see Vladimir Putin for what he is, Syrians hope that the world views their plight for democracy and freedom in Syria with more solidarity.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

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 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

Jan 21, 2022

The Biden administration’s Syria policy sets a path towards disengagement. Here’s why it’s problematic.

By Abdulrahman al-Masri, Reem Salahi

It appears that the Joe Biden administration isn’t only deprioritizing Syria due to a cramped foreign policy agenda, but more clearly pronouncing a lack of strategic interest and an official approach of disengagement.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Dec 17, 2021

2021: A year in the Middle East

By Holly Dagres

2021 was a year full of impactful elections, historic anniversaries, and new challenges for the Middle East and North Africa.

Iran Iraq

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Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, the Atlantic Council works with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.