Middle East

The Kurdish Dilemma: Counterterrorism and Realpolitik in Iraq

By Wladimir van Wilgenburg

Increased calls from the Iraqi army to the United States to provide promised F-16 fighter jets and Apache helicopters are aimed at destroying the Iraqi offshoot of al-Qaeda in Sunni heartland of Iraq. However, the Iraqi army’s fight against Sunni insurgents rather than increased border protection raises worries among Kurds that the Iraqi army could […]

Third Eye Blind: The State of the Egyptian Media

By Mohamed Selim

Consensus is nonexistent in contemporary Egypt. Politicians, academics, and activists comprise the actors in a perpetual tragedy, a circular argument filled with nonsensical disagreement and contention over ulterior motives and selfish pecuniary advantages.

Syria: Is the Revolution Finished?

By Frederic C. Hof

Homs, the mother of the Syrian revolution, has fallen. US officials agonize over material support to armed rebel nationalists, while Iranian officials proclaim victory. Lakhdar Brahimi, a tireless advocate for a negotiated political transition, steps aside.

Hagel’s Meeting with GCC Defense Ministers: How to Measure Results

By Richard LeBaron

In a significant policy speech in Manama in December, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel was in full reassurance mode, letting our Gulf allies know that the United States was committed to their security and would maintain a strong military presence in the Gulf for a long time to come.

Yemen Policy Initiative Briefs Incoming US Ambassador to Yemen

On May 14, the Yemen Policy Initiative chaired by Danya Greenfield hosted a private briefing for the incoming US ambassador to Yemen, Amb. Matthew Tueller. The group discussed the challenges facing Yemen and the role the United States should play in helping the transition proceed. In particular, group members underscored the need for  increased US […]

Egypt 2014: Debunking the Neo-Nasserist Myth

By Amr Hamzawy

Amid the grating cries of today’s agents of darkness, who propagate the fascist slogan “you are either with us or against us,” who serve our “sultan,” and not surprisingly buy into the deal of “obedience to the government for protection and profits;” amid the voices that justify injustices and violations of human rights and freedoms, […]