Iraq after the “October protests”: A different country
Popular protests are no new phenomenon in Iraq. But this latest round may transform both the government and the country.
Syria / Iraq / Lebanon
The geopolitics of reconstruction: Who will rebuild Syria?
Rebuilding Syria will not be needs driven, rather the regime will aim to subdue the emergence of meaningful civilian opposition
A framework for European-Russian cooperation in Syria
If European-Russian cooperation is to move forward in Syria both sides need to settle for an outcome that delivers less than what they currently seek
A tribunal for ISIS fighters?
The goal of establishing an international tribunal to prosecute ISIS fighters is gaining momentum in European capitals, however, whether this aspiration can be translated into a credible policy remains to be seen
When Iran goes to Iraq: The significance of Rouhani’s trip
Iranian president Hassan Rouhani's first official trip to Iraq signals the beginning of a new chapter in Iran-Iraq relations, one that rising tensions between Tehran and Washington could complicate.
The price of disengagement: Syria and the Brussels III conference
At the Brussels III fundraising conference, the question of how to help civilians without legitimizing the ascendant Assad regime looms large.
In legal limbo: EU returnees in the post-ISIS era
European governments are avoiding international obligations to take their own citizens back. And the Trump administration has noticed.
The economic war on Syria: Why Europe risks losing
Sanctions can never be ‘smart’; new EU and US measures on Syria are only likely to strengthen the regime, not weaken it
What Europe should do about Syria
European states pushing to re-engage must not offer Assad cost-free re-legitimisation
Warsaw ‘Iran’ summit: What lies beneath
ECFR experts share their insight into the manouevres around next month’s US-Poland summit. What does it mean for the JPCOA, and what steps should European countries take in response?