Syria: Towards a Political Solution
An end to the bloodshed may necessitate talks with the regime
Middle East and North Africa
Jordan – no longer boring?
For so long a reliably boring country in the middle of a tumultuous region, there are signs that Jordan may soon become lively as demands for political reform and the wider impact of the Arab Awakening begin to reach Amman.
European Foreign Policy Scorecard 2012
Instead of helping to solve the world’s problems, Europe is now a problem itself
Egypt’s popular putsch
It is too early to write off Egypt's revolution. Unlike in the past, politics is now a live issue across the country, and that popular force is a difficult one to control or stop, and even the steps that have been taken now seemed impossible just over a year ago.
Iran: the year of living dangerously
The European decision to tighten sanctions against Iran is correct. Careful, balanced and measured pressure on Tehran is necessary as we face a particularly dangerous year for relations with the Iranian regime.
Assad’s continued defiance in the face of growing isolation
Are the days of the Syrian president numbered? Despite popular opposition and growing international isolation, Assad's eventual demise is by no means assured.