Policy Analysis

To combat the effects of the regime’s destabilizing activities in eastern Syria, the United States can focus on supporting local Arab tribes.

Italian-Egyptian relations are once again at a low point, this time for the detention of Egyptian citizen Patrick Zaki—a student of an Italian university—and the question of what role foreign powers in general, and Italy in particular, can play in stopping human rights abuses in Egypt.

The history of Iraq’s political parties helps contextualize why Iraq’s current political scene is so fragmented, and what remains missing.

Russian-Turkish compromise in Syria puts Syrian Kurds in a dangerous position.

Iraqi Kurdistan's Komal party faces a difficult dilemma as it seeks a more reformist direction.

The concept of the civilizational state helps explain how Iran is challenging the liberal international system and weakening Iraqi sovereignty.

The United States needs to restore emphasis on its values in order to combat critical media narratives and a growing appreciation for China.

The talks, which resumed in April in secret sessions, have made progress toward an agreement. But many are concerned that delays and unreasonable demands have turned the talks into theater among regional parties vying for power.

Moroccan responses to normalization with Israel are split along two opposing narratives, although popular resistance to normalization is unlikely to cause any real change.

As international support lags and the situation in al-Hawl and the surrounding areas deteriorates, repatriation and humanitarian assistance are increasingly vital.

As India seeks to grow in its self-reliance, developing more balanced relations with the Gulf will strengthen ties while helping to balance against Chinese influence in the region.

Iran is building military, social, and economic influence among eastern Syrian tribes, which are poised to invade SDF-controlled regions in the event of a U.S. withdrawal.

Recent protests in Daraa demonstrate that Assad’s hold over regime-controlled areas are not as total as they appear.

Algeria's divided Hirak movement needs greater unity in order to strengthen real, democratic institutions.

A village of women in Eastern Syria are upholding the core political beliefs of the Kurdish minority there.

Regardless of the Biden Administration's stance on Iran and Hezbollah, sanctioning corrupt politicians in Lebanon is a good call.

Turkey is making overtures for rapprochement with Egypt. How will Sisi respond?

Shifts in African continental politics and U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty in Western Sahara are components of a deepening rift between Morocco and Algeria.

If Washington hopes to encourage a change in human rights issues in Egypt, it should prioritize constructive engagement with Egypt and refrain from numerous critical public statements, unless it is willing to back them with action.

The pope's visit in Iraq highlights Iranian-back militias' failure to successfully depict themselves as saviors of Iraqi Christians.