Iraqi Elections and Maliki’s Gamble
Fears stemming from the radicalization of Iraq’s Sunni population—and Iraqis’ disillusionment with politics—could propel Maliki into an unpopular third term.
Middle East and North Africa
Peace Is Man-Made
As long as key international stakeholders play a constructive role in the new round of peace negotiations and let go of their misconceptions about Abbas and Netanyahu, a two-state solution is still a viable option
Why Europe should step up its efforts in Libya
European support for Libya is difficult because of a deteriorating security situation and lack of clear institutions, but it would have an important impact on the region
Boost the momentum with Iran – don’t slow it down
The next few months will present some of the biggest, and at times unexpected, challenges for those advocating a political solution addressing Iran’s nuclear programme.
The 1,001 lives of al-Qaeda in Iraq
The violence of recent events that have struck Iraq over the course of recent weeks poses questions not only about Iraq’s continuing transition but also about al-Qaeda’s ascendancy in the country
Seven reasons why the Arab uprisings are eclipsing Western values
The Arab awakening is about people claiming democratic rights to emancipate themselves from the traditional influence of the West, rather than trying to join it. Instead of being a region mired in the past, the clash of modern practices in the Arab world might offer some lessons for the future world order.
Making the most of Geneva II
The Geneva II conference on Syria will finally convene in Switzerland next week. Prospects for an immediate or dramatic breakthrough are decidedly bleak, yet that should not be the bar against which the merits of convening Geneva II should be measured.
Syria’s uprising within an uprising
The Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS), a transnational ultraconservative Islamist group has been a thorn in the Syrian revolution since its inception in April 2013. The group is at the centre of a new round of infighting in rebel-held Syria.
A new constitution will not solve Egypt’s problems
Next week Egyptians will vote in a referendum on a new constitution. Few people doubt that the constitution will be approved, but there is more at stake in the vote than merely adopting a new legal framework for the country.
Judging the Arab Spring
How to assess whether a post-revolutionary country is actually heading somewhere positive? Tunisia struggles onward, Libya pursues its own unique post-revolutionary path but Egypt’s democratic regression is truly worrying