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The Maghreb

The Conflicting Moroccan Responses to Normalization with Israel

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

Apr 12, 2021

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Sadik Rddad

Understanding Moroccan “Normalization” with Israel

The recent rapproachement between Morocco and Israel can be partly understood through Morocco’s long history of relations with its Jewish minority.

Mohamed Chtatou

After Two Years of Algeria’s Hirak, What Has Been Accomplished?

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

Ahmed Marwane

How Morocco’s Diplomatic Efforts in Africa Are Shaping the Region

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.

Samir Bennis

Biden in the Maghreb: An Opportunity to Support Change

The Maghreb region should be considered as an area where Biden can exercise more independence in formulating new policies and promoting values of democracy and good governance.

Syria

Iran’s Growing Network of Influence among Eastern Syrian Tribes

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.

Haian Dukhan
Ammar Alhamad

Jinwar Women’s Village: Carving a Progressive Enclave Amid Syria’s Civil War

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

Kenneth R. Rosen

Daraa protest Syria 2021

Protests in Daraa, Syria Undermine Assad's Narrative of Victory

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

Oula A. Alrifai
Aaron Y. Zelin

Iraqi Society

Iraqi Early Elections: The Will of Iraqis and Opportunities for the International Community

The international community should push for free and fair elections in Iraq as a way to diminish the influence of armed militias on Iraqi politics.

Mar 26, 2021

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Alfadhel Ahmad

Pope Francis departs an airplane

The Pope, Iraq, and the Iranian-Backed Iraqi Militias

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

Phillip Smyth

The Rwanga Awards: Promoting Private Enterprise in Iraq

Societal transformation in Iraq requires motivated, capable young people who can redefine the status quo in their country.

Abdulsalam Medeni

Maps & Graphics

Uprising or Election: What Kind of Change Do Iraqis Want?

New polls show that Iraqis want institutional change, but they are losing faith in elections as a real means towards reform.

Munqith Dagher

The Pope’s Visit to Najaf: Reflecting on Iraq’s Legacy of Religious Divisions

Given our perpetual crises, we Iraqis rarely look back. But unless Iraqis collectively understand the past and decide how to avoid repeating its mistakes, we are bound to pay these crimes forward as we have in the past.

Bilal Wahab

Lebanon

Combatting Corruption for the People of Lebanon

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

Mar 26, 2021

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Makram Rabah

The Mediterranean and the Middle East

Turkish-Egyptian Relations after Erdoğan’s Sacrifice of the Muslim Brotherhood

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

Maged Atef

The EastMed Gas and Philia Forums: Reimagining Cooperation in the Mediterranean

Arab and Mediterranean countries with common interests are creating new shared tools that can be used to combat Turkish and Iranian influence in their regions.

Rauf Baker

U.S.-Egyptian Relations

How Can Washington Constructively Engage Cairo on Human Rights?

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.

Haisam Hassanein

Half of Egyptians Value U.S. Ties, But Few Want Normalization with Israel

Egyptians show support for compromise with Qatar but not with Iran or its proxies.

Mohamed Abdelaziz
David Pollock

What to Expect from Cairo’s Strategy with the New U.S. Administration

Sisi may need to respond to U.S. pressure over human rights issues, but he knows that Biden will not willingly damage relations with Egypt.

Maged Atef