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Iraqi Militias

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Iraqi Militias Are Developing Local Funding Sources for Social Activities

Iran-backed militias in Iraq are using fraudulent loans to bankroll their community activities, drawing into question their adherence to Islamic laws and mores.

Jun 9, 2021

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Sadiq Hassaan

Perspectives on Iraqi Society

Pushing for Reforms from Iraqi Kurdish Ruling Parties

If the Biden administration is serious about addressing human rights violations, it should push for a more democratic, free, and just government in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Diliman Abdulkader

Iraqi Protestors: On the Iraqi State and the Arrest of Muslih

Protestors in Iraq are using the "Who Killed Me" hashtag to call out militia influence in the Iraqi government and demand greater protection for demonstrators.

Azhar Al-Rubaie

The Impact of Gender Violence on the US-Kurdish Alliance

Violence against women and other social issues in the KRI require multifaceted, international solutions, and the United States stands to benefit from supporting these solutions.

Ruwayda Mustafah

Syria

Unity Begins and Ends with Education Initiatives in Northern Syria

For years, progressive education has been a cornerstone in the Autonomous Administration in Northeastern Syria. It is now one of several components hampering regional unity.

Jun 7, 2021

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Kenneth R. Rosen

Failing Regional Administration and COVID-19 in Deir al-Zour

Statistics show that both the Damascus government and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria are failing to effectively combat COVID-19 in Deir al-Zour.

Omar Abu Layla

Preparing for Iranian Expansion in Syria after a Nuclear Deal

The United States should capitalize on closer ties between its regional allies to combat Iranian expansionism, with a special focus on Syria.

Ammar Al-Musarea

The Dangers of the United States Ignoring Intra-Kurdish Dialogue in Syria

The United States' approach to intra-Kurdish dialogue requires a profound understanding of regional history and dynamics, without which it risks further complications and difficulties in Syria.

Azad Ahmed Ali

The Assad Regime Is Using ISIS to Justify its Activities in Eastern Syria

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

Ishtar Al Shami

Afghanistan

Afghan militia fighters survey a valley in Kunar province

What Next for Afghan-Based Terrorist Groups?

The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan could mean heightened activity from terrorist organizations other than the Taliban.

Jun 8, 2021

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Thomas Parker

The Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

U.S.-Egyptian Rapprochement after Gaza Ceasefire: Media Responses and Repercussions

While media responses to U.S. rapprochement with Egypt and Egypt's warming towards Hamas differ, it is clear that Sisi has used the Israel-Hamas ceasefire to his advantage.

Mohamed Abdelaziz

Don’t Let Iran’s Regime Win the Battle for Hearts and Minds in Gaza

The United States should address Iranian soft-power expansion in Gaza when approaching Israeli-Palestinian issues.

Kasra Aarabi

A State in Collapse: A Series on Crises and Solutions in Iraq

A State in Collapse: Mapping Iraq’s Economic Woes

Poverty, unemployment, and a lack of local industry continue to plague Iraq's economy, and the resulting public unrest could be dangerous.

Farhad Alaaldin

A State in Collapse: Iraq’s Security and Governance Failures

Unregulated weapons, corruption, and mismanagement are pushing Iraq's political system towards potential collapse.

Farhad Alaaldin

An Iraqi member of a Shia PMF militia

Iraq at a Crossroads: Radical Reforms to Avert State Collapse

Without radical reform, Iraq faces potential dissolution and geographic fragmentation in the case of an increasingly likely economic crisis.

Farhad Alaaldin

Economic Diversification in the Gulf

Dubai's The Gate complex in the Emirati financial center

The Stalling Visions of the Gulf: The UAE’s Vision 2021

Internal competition and unnecessary megaprojects are drawing attention away from the human capital and technology expertise needed for the UAE to transition away from oil.

Frédéric G. Schneider

Concept art of the Saudi NEOM project

The Stalling Visions of the Gulf: The Case of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 repeats old mistakes of relying heavily on new megaprojects and ignoring regional advantages in research and education.

Frédéric G. Schneider