Posts From Chris Solomon

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Middle East/North Africa Security

50 years after the Battle of Karameh, Jordan faces new uncertainty

Fifty years ago, an armed confrontation between Israel, Jordan, and Palestinian guerrillas created a new phase of Middle East diplomacy and conflicts. What does the battle’s legacy tell us about Jordan and its place in the troubled region today?

Guest Post Middle East/North Africa Security

Interview: Prospects for investment in Syria’s reconstruction

With ISIS seemingly on the retreat, what can we expect security risks in Syria to look like in 2018? GRI asked Syria expert Rasmus Jacobsen – co-founder and head of analysis for Atlas Assistance, a Beirut-based risk management company – to weigh in.

Middle East/North Africa Politics

Ten political parties to follow in the Middle East and North Africa in 2018

Amid continued turmoil in the Middle East, here are the players to watch in 2018 – and why.

Middle East/North Africa Security

After IS, Iraq looks to Jordan

In anticipation of the collapse of the Islamic State, Iraq is looking to Jordan as a source of renewed trade and opportunities for Anbar province.

Middle East/North Africa Politics

Will the Iraq-U.S. relationship survive the Trump era?

Iraq is at an important crossroads in the fight against the Islamic State. With aggressive posturing between the incoming Trump Administration and Iran, pressure will increase on Iraqi Prime Minister

Middle East/North Africa Politics

Interview with Dr. Joshua Landis: The Syrian regime in 2017

Global Risk Insights spoke with Dr. Joshua Landis on what is ahead for Syria’s government in 2017 after the fall of Aleppo.

Middle East/North Africa Politics

Why the future of Arab left-wing nationalism matters

The United States is about to adopt a realpolitik foreign policy in the Middle East. This will mean relying on one of the oldest ideologies in the region.

North America Politics

Syria will define the future of Hillary Clinton’s uneasy presidency

Despite tightening polling, Democrat Hillary Clinton is still favored to win the U.S. presidency—an already uneasy presidency that is likely to be defined by an even more unstable Syria.

Asia Pacific Middle East/North Africa Security

Does China’s Silk Road lead to Damascus?

The People’s Republic of China continues to expand its influence in the Middle East. Syria’s long term bilateral ties with China brings about questions on how China’s ambitions might play

Middle East/North Africa Politics

Iraq reimagined: An alternative history of Saddam Hussein and the Arab Spring

This piece imagines an Iraq where Saddam Hussein was still in power in 2016. What if President Bush had allowed his red line to be crossed? How would Saddam’s response