Middle East

Machiavelli and our Wars in the Middle East

Riley.C.Murray — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 16:57:45 +0000

Machiavelli and our Wars in the Middle East Riley.C.Murray Tue, 07/20/2021 - 12:57pm

The upcoming twentieth anniversary of the September 11th attacks and the recent passing of former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld require thoughtful attention as the nation completes its final troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, ending the longest war in U.S. history. The war in Afghanistan and the subsequent wars in Iraq and Syria have shaped my generation's cultural image, similar to the Vietnam War's generation. In both instances, the U.S. entered the wars believing its martial superiority ensured victory and ended each war wondering what went wrong.

Six Challenges Facing a Fragile Middle East Amid Coronavirus

SWJED — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 16:38:06 +0000

Six Challenges Facing a Fragile Middle East Amid Coronavirus SWJED Sun, 04/05/2020 - 12:38pm

The COVID-19 pandemic has proven a challenge even for wealthy countries with the most robust health care systems. For the Middle East—a region with no shortage of dangerous pre-existing conditions—it could be far worse. The virus now appears to be spreading to a part of the world where, over the past decade, conflict and displacement have become widespread while effective governance and social cohesion have eroded.

Why the Middle East is Especially Vulnerable to Coronavirus Crisis

SWJED — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 13:59:08 +0000

Why the Middle East is Especially Vulnerable to Coronavirus Crisis SWJED Sun, 03/22/2020 - 9:59am

As the world grapples with the dangerous and evolving coronavirus pandemic, the impact on the most vulnerable populations—the homeless, prison populations, and the impoverished—cannot be overestimated. In the Middle East, a region already ravaged by conflict and suffering from inadequate services and poor governance, the novel coronavirus could have untold consequences.

Amid Red Sea Rivalries, Eritrea Plays for Independence

SWJED — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 09:58:48 +0000

Amid Red Sea Rivalries, Eritrea Plays for Independence SWJED Mon, 03/16/2020 - 5:58am

When Eritrea’s president last month hosted the leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia to discuss “regional cooperation,” that initiative drew few global headlines. Still, Eritrea’s move should be noted by policymakers and others working for stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

Rethinking Media’s Role in Conflict and Peace in the Middle East

SWJED — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 00:13:23 +0000

Rethinking Media’s Role in Conflict and Peace in the Middle East SWJED Sun, 03/15/2020 - 8:13pm

Without question, the role of the media in peace and conflict is becoming ever more important. While terror groups like IS have been proven effective in their use of media for their sinister agendas, has the rest of the world caught up?

The Middle East’s Complicated Engagement in the Horn of Africa

SWJED — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 05:18:09 +0000

The Middle East’s Complicated Engagement in the Horn of Africa SWJED Sun, 02/02/2020 - 12:18am

The Gulf states increased assertiveness in the Horn of Africa has garnered substantial attention of late, particularly the proliferation of military installations and ports and the increase in military and economic aid. Less attention has been paid, however, to the role Middle Eastern countries have played in attempting to resolve some of the Horn’s most intractable conflicts, efforts that in some cases pre-date the more recent security and economic engagements.

Does the Trump Administration’s Israeli-Palestinian Plan Offer a Path to Peace?

SWJED — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 12:33:01 +0000

Does the Trump Administration’s Israeli-Palestinian Plan Offer a Path to Peace? SWJED Fri, 01/31/2020 - 7:33am

Tuesday, at an East Room gathering, President Trump, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, unveiled his administration’s plan to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As promised at the outset of his remarks, the approach represents a vision “fundamentally different from past proposals.” The event itself—with the plan unveiled by U.S. and Israeli leadership—presented a visual that underscored this difference, and the challenge this plan faces if it is to chart a course to peace.

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in 2020: What are the Possible Paths Ahead?

SWJED — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 11:06:32 +0000

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in 2020: What are the Possible Paths Ahead? SWJED Sat, 01/18/2020 - 6:06am

Despite tremendous effort exerted since the 1991 Madrid Peace Conference to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a two-state solution, peace has been elusive. Today, there is a growing feeling among Palestinians, Israelis and the international community that the two-state paradigm may no longer be viable. USIP’s Ambassador Hesham Youssef examines the potential scenarios facing Israelis, Palestinians and the region as the stalemated conflict continues without progress toward two states.

Islamic Republic of Iran’s Strategic Culture and National Security Analysis

SWJED — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 09:59:37 +0000

Islamic Republic of Iran’s Strategic Culture and National Security Analysis SWJED Sat, 01/18/2020 - 4:59am

Iran’s strategic culture and national security outlook is at a critical juncture, where historical nationalism, religion and political ideology are being challenged by modernisation, moderation and pragmatism. As a result, current Iranian national security policies can be analysed as working like a pendulum between supranationalist and realist tendencies.

After the Soleimani Strike, What’s Next for Iraq and the Region?

SWJED — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 23:21:20 +0000

After the Soleimani Strike, What’s Next for Iraq and the Region? SWJED Thu, 01/09/2020 - 6:21pm

With tensions between Iran and the U.S. already simmering, the January 3 U.S. airstrike that killed powerful Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani is sure to have ripple effects across the region. Maj. Gen. Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s Quds Force, coordinated Iran’s military operations and proxies across the Middle East.