An Expiry Date for Despots?

A new wave of Arab uprisings suggests that the authoritarian bargain of the past may be collapsing.

After the Lebanon Protests: Between the Party of God and Party of the People

Lebanons protesters succeeded in one of their demands: the resignation of the countrys embattled Prime Minister. After the seismic protests, what is the best way forward?

How Deep Is Anti-Iranian Sentiment in Iraq?

A regular survey of experts on matters relating to Middle Eastern and North African politics and security.

Is This the Arab Spring 2.0?

Nearly a decade after the Arab Spring fizzled, a new wave of protest has swept over the Middle East and North Africa. What is different this time, and will the protesters get what they want?

When Knowledge is Powerless

Measures against Arabs and Muslims mean they cannot share their insights on a region the West considers vital.

No Country for Poor Men: How Lebanon’s Debt Has Exacerbated Inequality

After Lebanons civil war ended in 1990, it began rapidly expanding the public debt. This debt has exacerbated widening socioeconomic inequalities, now threatening the countrys stability.

Iraq Is Currently Being Shaken by Violent Protests

Spot analysis from Carnegie scholars on events relating to the Middle East and North Africa

Turkey on a Tightrope

Ankara is dealing with the United States and Russia, but what is defining this treacherous triangle?

Much More Than a Border

Albukamal and Qaim lie on a Syrian-Iraqi boundary that has had regional implications for decades.

Amid Global Economic Uncertainty, What Do You Anticipate Will Be the Trend in Oil Prices in the Coming Year?

A regular survey of experts on matters relating to Middle Eastern and North African politics and security.

How Likely Is It That the United States Will Begin Backchannel Talks With the Houthis?

A regular survey of experts on matters relating to Middle Eastern and North African politics and security.

Your Poison, My Profit

In an interview, Makram Ouaiss says Lebanese politicians may provoke a new trash crisis to reach their favored waste solutions.

Recent Official Figures Suggest That 32 Percent of Egyptians Live in Poverty. What Are the Likely Impacts of This?

A regular survey of experts on matters relating to Middle Eastern and North African politics and security.

Quieting the Home Front

Saudi Arabia has used a variety of means to neutralize domestic opposition to the war in Yemen.

Where the Periphery Dominates

After the defeat of the Islamic State, the balance of power in Iraqs Nineveh Governorate is changing.

Mismatched Expectations: Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood After the Arab Uprisings

Though the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran share ideological commonalities and points of political convergence, several impediments stand in the way of deeper ties between them.

Does Muqtada al-Sadr Pose a Threat to Iran’s Influence in Iraq?

A regular survey of experts on matters relating to Middle Eastern and North African politics and security.

What Book on the Broader Middle East, New or Old, Do You Recommend As Summer Reading?

A regular survey of experts on matters relating to Middle Eastern and North African politics and security.

Trapping Trump?

The hardliners on the nuclear deal with Iran are leaving the U.S. president with one option, namely war.

The Iran Deal is Working. Here’s How We Know

Wasta Rule

The Islamic State’s governing system in Syria looks a great deal like that of the Assad regime

Looking Beyond Mosul

Once the Islamic State is defeated, Iraq will have to mend a divided society

Looking Beyond Mosul

Once the Islamic State is defeated, Iraq will have to mend a divided society

Looking Beyond Mosul

Once the Islamic State is defeated, Iraq will have to mend a divided society