Tahrir Forum

Until now, most of the external actors involved in Libya relied on a Cold-War “zero sum game theory”, based on the dichotomic vision amicus/hostis (friend/enemy) of classical realpolitik. It is time this changes.

The End for Netanyahu?

By Dan Perry

September 19, 2019

After a murky election Netanyahu might be out and Gantz might be in, but it is Lieberman who is set to be kingmaker.

Reconstruction as a political-economy issue: The case of Syria

By Samir Aita

September 18, 2019

There can be no meaningful separation between state-building, peace-building, and revival at the end of a conflict, especially as post-conflict state institutions are the only apparatus which can be somewhat directly or indirectly accountable toward their populations for the management of the country.

Kushner’s New Plan for Palestine

By Robert Mason

September 18, 2019

The “Deal of the Century” is quickly shaping up to be the “Deception of the Century” and here’s why.

An Iran Strategy Worth Fighting For

By Robert Mason

July 24, 2019

U.S. and Saudi confrontations with Iran are causing proxy-warfare in weak or failing Arab states and escalating tensions in the Gulf, but there might still be a chance for diplomatic progress with the right combination of measures targeting Gulf-specific, regional, and international issues.

Civil Marriage in Limbo

By Sarah El-Richani

June 23, 2019

In Lebanon, the recurring debate around civil marriage highlights the sectarian-patriarchal grip on personal status affairs and the state itself.

The Juggernaut’s Achilles Heel

By Dahlia Scheindlin

June 20, 2019

The US may have recognized Israel’s 1981 annexation of the Golan Heights, but the Golan Druze, like East Jerusalem Palestinians, continue to reject Israeli citizenship and civic participation. If Israel is now empowered to annex parts of the West Bank, will Palestinians there break the pattern and embrace citizenship if offered?

Here We Go Again

By Allison Hodgkins

June 18, 2019

In a right-wing power-play Avigdor Lieberman has forced Israelis back to the polls, but the former defense minister may not be in as strong a position as he reckons.

Saudi Arabia’s Moment in the Sun

By Juergen Braunstein and Oliver McPherson-Smith

May 19, 2019

Although cooperation with China can help Saudi Arabia boost production of solar power, global trade dynamics may complicate the kingdom’s renewable energy goals.

Netanyahu’s Masterful Gaslighting

By Allison Hodgkins

April 16, 2019

The recent Israeli election showed Bibi to be the king of Israel and a master of the status quo.

A Different Kind of Rationality

By Maysam Behravesh

April 9, 2019

Iran continues its military presence in Syria even after the fight is won—a move which is underpinned by the Islamic Republic’s core deterrence and defense foreign policy against possible Israeli or US military action.

Syria and Regional Food Security

By Hadi Fathallah

March 16, 2019

Syria and its neighbors all have a vested interest in resuming agricultural trade to increase food security across the region.

Russia’s Eye on Syrian Reconstruction

By Samuel Ramani

March 7, 2019

Russia is primed to benefit economically from an influx of foreign investment in Syria, but an emerging rivalry with China and Iran for contracts could erode its long-term leverage.

The Dream of a City

By Ellen R. Wald

March 5, 2019

Will Neom, the Saudi leadership’s new “city of the future,” become a reality?

The EU-Arab Summit: A Chance to Reset Relations with the Arab World?

By James Moran

February 17, 2019

With EU and Arab League leaders set to convene a landmark summit for the first time in Sharm El-Sheikh this February, the stakes are high to agree on key issues, including migration, counter-terrorism and steps to end the war in Yemen.

Preserving Kurdish Autonomy

By Pinar Tank

February 15, 2019

Divisions among the states vested in Syria are opening possibilities for Syria’s Kurds to secure greater protection for their autonomy.

Civil Society for the Displaced

By Shaden Khallaf

January 29, 2019

To meet the challenges of massive human displacement in the Middle East and North Africa, civil society actors need a common platform where they can advocate. The MENA Civil Society Network for Displacement or CSND sets out to be that.