Middle East politics
The region, one of the cradles of civilization, is going through a turbulent period of historic realignment. Its powers are vying for political, military, economic and religious dominance with local players and outside actors. Armed conflicts, mainly civil wars, are challenging the permanence of states whose borders were drawn arbitrarily in the early 20th century, after the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire.
Reports on Middle East politics See all →
Seen from Israel: The game-changing UAE deal
The recent normalization of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates came as a shock to many, dispelling the mythical belief that solving the Palestinian issue was a prerequisite to any new peace deal. Like other Gulf states, the UAE has felt threatened by Iran, and sees Israel as a counterweight. Other Arab countries may follow its lead, while Turkey and Iran bide their time before choosing a response.
Iranian terrorism, Lebanese tragedies and hope
In their struggle to oppose a corrupt, Iranian-backed government, the Lebanese have received little help from the West. In the aftermath of the explosion of August 4, more than financial assistance will be needed. Peace will remain elusive as long as the United States and Europe tolerate Iranian interventions in ...
Turkey’s decisive entry into Libya’s civil war
The militias of Tobruk-based warlord Khalifa Haftar failed to take the capital of Libya and are being pushed out from the western part of the country, where there are strategic oil fields. Turkey’s intervention played a decisive role in this military outcome. As other external powers engaged in Libya consider ...
Relevance beyond the crisis: Ethiopia under strain again
Ethiopia’s Nobel Peace Prize-winner prime minister has made headway implementing his ambitious political reform and development agenda. However, the global pandemic put the changes on hold and the country’s political and economic outlook has darkened considerably.
Iraq’s new prime minister: What lies ahead (Part 2)
During his first month in office, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi has laid out a bold agenda on Iraq’s economy and security. But finding success will be much more challenging. Al-Kadhimi must keep Iran-backed militias at bay, while managing the future presence of U.S. troops and the lingering threat of the Islamic State. ...
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More Disruptions
Expanding state
A trend toward increased government influence in economies and personal life is curbing growth, and freedom, in many Western countries. The outsized role of government results in misplaced incentives, overregulation – which restrains markets and competition – and irresponsible budgetary ...
Russia resurgent
Russia’s incursion in Ukraine raised alarm about a new Cold War, deepened with the intervention in Syria and allegations of meddling in U.S. elections. But the Kremlin’s new assertiveness is largely defensive, while Ukraine’s emergence as a nation-state undermines Moscow’s ...
