Tahrir Forum

Saudi Brinkmanship in Lebanon

March 27, 2016

Saudi Arabia’s recent moves against Hezbollah and the Lebanese government could end up weakening its own allies and further destabilizing the Lebanese political arena.

Will Lebanon Face its Immense Climate Change Dangers?

By Rami G. Khouri

March 21, 2016

An eye-opening report on climate change effects in Lebanon reveals the need for government to commit to save tens of thousands of lives and hundreds of billions of dollars over the coming decades, and prevent a further fracturing of society along wealth/poverty lines.

Glimpses into the Layers of War in Syria

By Rami G. Khouri

March 19, 2016

The slow, steady, numbing dehumanization of young Syrians measured in hundreds of thousands of lives is mirrored in similar trends in other countries at war in the Arab region.

Jordan is Sliding Toward Insolvency

By Kirk H. Sowell

March 18, 2016

The latest budget confirms that Jordan is increasingly dependent on public debt and foreign aid to prop up continued spending—especially on energy subsidies.

Time for a Sensible International Effort on Israel-Palestine

By Rami G. Khouri

March 14, 2016

An American-Russian-French-European peace initiative, with the active participation of the moribund Arab League and expressions of support from Iran, Turkey, and other key players, is achievable and worth attempting.

Rereading the Yacoubian Building

By Tarek Osman

March 6, 2016

Alaa Al Aswani’s novel holds up a mirror to contemporary Egyptian society.

Saudi Arabia’s Unholy War

By Nasser Arrabyee

March 6, 2016

Saudi Arabia’s campaign in Yemen has boosted popular support for the Houthis and is fueling greater anti-Saudi sentiment.

The End of American Exceptionalism?

By Rami G. Khouri

March 5, 2016

The world will mostly laugh when the conversation turns to how the United States wants to promote its style of democracy around the world. The democratic practices taking place these days in the U.S. generate no respect at all.

The Great Brotherhood Divide

By Mostafa Hashem

March 3, 2016

Divisions within the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt deepen, creating greater confusion about the state of its affairs and threatening the group’s survival.

A Terrifying Film That We Created, and Can End

By Rami G. Khouri

March 2, 2016

Jordanian Prince Zeid’s powerful cry for the countries of the world to work more seriously to implement existing mechanisms to protect all people from abuse and danger included three important elements.

Hezbollah Is Learning Russian

By Alexander Corbeil

February 28, 2016

Working side-by-side with Russian officers in Syria is sure to improve Hezbollah’s offensive fighting capabilities.

Wars in Arab States? Partition Them!

By Rami G. Khouri

February 28, 2016

Five generations of Arab citizens since 1915 feel they have had absolutely no say in how their future evolved, how their countries were shaped, how their governments were chosen, how their national values and policies were defined, and how public power was wielded, checked, or legitimized.

Tunisia’s Disappointed Hopes

By Khadija Mohsen-Finan

February 25, 2016

Within and beyond the Arab World, many see the Maghreb’s smallest country as a beacon of hope. Tunisians themselves aren’t so sure.

Lebanon Pays the Price of Dysfunctional Governance

By Rami G. Khouri

February 24, 2016

The cost to Lebanon of its dysfunctional governance system is suddenly very high, and so is the usual concern about how the country will fare in the months ahead.

Real Threat to Arab Countries Is from Within

By Rami G. Khouri

February 21, 2016

The real threat to all Arab regimes and governments emanates from their having relied for their “security” or “stability” more on foreign powers or oil income than on the consent, participation, and validation of their own citizens.

Paving the Way for Bouteflika’s Succession

By Riccardo Fabiani

February 18, 2016

In an effort to smooth the way for Bouteflika’s successor, the Algerian elite are taking modest but significant steps to open the political sphere and undertake cautious economic reforms.

Remembering Anthony Shadid

By Rami G. Khouri

February 17, 2016

Our individual humanity, Anthony Shadid’s work still reminds us, is the most powerful force in human history. It is awakening in many parts of the Arab World. I am glad that Anthony had the chance to witness the start of that process.

North Africa’s New Directions

By Francis Ghilès

February 16, 2016

Unsteady leadership in the Maghreb could lead to new problems, both on a local and regional level.

Saudi Arabia’s Problematic Allies against the Houthis

By Neil Partrick

February 14, 2016

Saudi Arabia is supporting an ever wider range of Yemeni actors willing to fight the Houthis, but their political ambitions and regionally limited capabilities are at odds with the kingdom’s interest in a unified Yemen.