Middle East

The Truth of the Islamic State’s Governance

By Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently

By building its own state, the Islamic State (ISIS) seeks to make a mark for itself by transforming from a group of gangs roaming the desert to a modern state larger than Great Britain that extends across Iraq and Syria. It has possession of major sources of funding from both its manufacturing and underground resources, […]

Younis Joins NPR to Discuss the Lessons We Have Learned from the Iraq War

By Nussaibah Younis

Will Turkey Accelerate Granting Citizenship to Syrians after the Failed Coup?

By Hosam al-Jablawi

Early this month, a speech by Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan announcing an initiative to grant citizenship to Syrian refugees caused widespread controversy in Syrian and Turkish circles alike. Recent events in Turkey may have accelerated the program, with the government now taking tangible steps towards the initiative, particularly as relates to prominent Syrian artists […]

Will Erdoğan’s Crackdown After Failed Coup Chill Turkey’s EU Dream?

By Mitch Hulse

In the wake of an attempt by factions of the Turkish military to oust Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan from power on the night of July 15, foreign policy experts point to increasing instability and a tightening authoritarian grip as core barriers to the resumption of Turkey’s European Union accession negotiations. “There will be no […]

Besieged Syrians Defy Hunger and Death with Makeshift Innovations

By Hosam al-Jablawi

Thousands of Syrians in besieged areas across the country from all sides of the conflict fight daily to secure a livelihood and fulfill their basic needs using makeshift means, some which stand out for their spirit of innovation. Whereas some fortunate areas have been able to overcome the blockade through autonomous production initiatives and establishing […]

Sowing Hope and Weeding Out Siege Profiteers

By Annia Ciezadlo

BEIRUT – In Madaya, a mountain village nestled between Damascus and the Syrian-Lebanese border, windowsills used to blossom with roses, jasmine, and the scented geraniums that people might once have used to flavor a delicate syrup for sweets. But now, instead of flowers, the windows are overflowing with cucumbers, tomatoes and zucchini.