Content

New Atlanticist

Dec 5, 2024

Could Syria’s rebels take Damascus?

By Qutaiba Idlbi

Controlling Aleppo was a big deal for the Syrian rebels, and taking Hama was an even bigger achievement. But Damascus remains the real prize.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Dec 5, 2024

A ceasefire happened in Lebanon, but Israel seems to have missed the memo

By Nicholas Blanford

Within hours of the 4 a.m. ceasefire coming into force, Israeli troops inside Lebanon opened fire at vehicles as tens of thousands of Lebanese who had earlier fled the fighting attempted to return to their homes.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Dec 5, 2024

What does Turkey gain from the rebel offensive in Syria?

By Ömer Özkizilcik

The rebel offensive took many by surprise, but analysts familiar with the situation in Syria were aware that the rebels were prepared to launch it by mid-October.

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Dec 4, 2024

Rich Outzen joins The iPaper to discuss Turkey’s role in Syria

Conflict Middle East

New Atlanticist

Dec 4, 2024

To help Georgians, the West must drive a wedge between Georgia and the Russia-China-Iran camp

By Maia Nikoladze

Despite strong support among Georgians for their country to join the European Union, the governing Georgian Dream party has taken big steps to break with the West in favor of the “axis of evasion.”

China European Union

In the News

Dec 3, 2024

Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on effectiveness of US Treasury Iran oil sanctions

By Brenda Shaffer

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

Dec 3, 2024

With Trump back, King Abdullah is thinking about ‘Jordan First’

By Aaron Magid

The Hashemite king is again looking to adopt a “Jordan First” policy despite domestic outrage over US support for Israel’s war in Gaza.

Economy & Business Middle East

New Atlanticist

Dec 2, 2024

In its final days, the Biden administration should take this step to support Syrian victims

By Mohamad Katoub, Alana Mitias

The outgoing administration could direct up to $600 million in forfeited funds to support victims in Syria—but time is running out.

Conflict Human Rights

In the News

Dec 1, 2024

Rich Outzen joins i24 to discuss the new US Administration’s likely Middle East policy toplines

Conflict Middle East

MENASource

Nov 27, 2024

What Congress has in mind for the future of the Abraham Accords

By Adam Kozloski

The National Defense Authorization Act has become one of the most potent legislative vehicles for policy related to national security.

Defense Policy Middle East

Experts