Content

Issue Brief

Dec 10, 2025

Middle powers’ game-changing rivalries in Africa

By Rama Yade

As traditional powers retreat, middle powers like Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Indonesia are stepping into Africa with ambitious investments and strategic outreach. Their growing presence is transforming alliances, competition, and development across the continent.

Africa
Middle East

Inflection Points

Dec 9, 2025

Dispatch from Doha: A tale of two Trumps (constrained vs. unleashed)

By Frederick Kempe

The Trump administration's recently released National Security Strategy is a stark departure from its predecessor during Trump's first term.

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Dec 9, 2025

Is India losing clout in the Gulf?

By Jean-Loup Samaan

Until recently, Indian officials were careful not to pressure their Gulf partners on policies that ran counter to Delhi’s interests.

India
Middle East

MENASource

Dec 9, 2025

Western policy must include Iran’s neglected peripheries

By Rob Macaire

Now is the time for Western and regional policymakers to form a clear-eyed view of how they should engage with Iran’s minorities.

Iran
Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2025

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: No Stabilization in Gaza Without Dismantling Hamas

By Atlantic Council

Conflict
International Security Assistance Force

MENASource

Dec 8, 2025

States shouldn’t waste the chance to establish a Syria Victims Fund

By Kate Springs, Celeste Kmiotek

A centralized fund would better support victims of international law violations in Syria, who face unique challenges.

Democratic Transitions
International Norms

MENASource

Dec 7, 2025

Syria’s civil society must take center stage in reconstruction

By Tara Kangarlou and Merissa Khurma

One year since Bashar al-Assad’s fall, Syria stands to have the most potential to showcase how local ownership can accelerate reconstruction.

Civil Society
Middle East

MENASource

Dec 7, 2025

One year after Assad’s fall, here’s what’s needed to advance justice for Syrians

By Elise Baker and Ahmad Helmi

The second year of a post-Assad Syria requires structural reform, victim-centered leadership, and international reinforcement.

Democratic Transitions
International Norms

MENASource

Dec 3, 2025

All West Bank annexation proposals are illegal—and put core international principles at risk

By Elise Baker

States agreed to respect territorial integrity because they knew the deadly consequences of wars of aggression and annexation.

International Norms
International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Dec 1, 2025

How Syria’s grassroots civil peace committees can help prevent intercommunal conflict

By Gregory Waters and Kayla Koontz

Syria’s local civil peace committees offer an important model for dealing with the country’s deeply rooted social divisions.

Civil Society
Crisis Management

Experts

Events