Middle East/North Africa
Risks of Climate Change in MENA
Climate change poses grave macroeconomic risks for nations and regional financial firms in MENA. Greater investment in sustainable infrastructure and awareness of climate issues will be imperative to mitigate the
Three hard lessons for Syria from Lebanon’s civil war
While the prospect of all-out war in Lebanon is unlikely, the country’s own experience might draw some important lessons on how Syria’s conflict may eventually end. A day before the
The deceptive nature of Israel-Turkey relations
Although Israeli-Turkish political ties are fragile at best, the two countries have continued to enjoy increased bilateral trade ties. Within the rarefied circle of international relations, that Turkey and Israel
Are Turkey and Russia headed for confrontation?
Turkey shoots down a Russian fighter jet. Sam Leonard explores what this means for the future of Turkish-Russian relations in this GRI Guest Post. The news this morning that Turkey
What the Paris attacks mean for Syria
Just over a week after coordinated ISIS attacks in Paris, the dynamics of the Syrian war are poised for change. Militarily, change will only come modestly – but confidence-building measures
Elections for Iran’s Assembly of Experts
The debate over Velayat-e Faqih (guardianship of the jurisprudent) and proper government according to Shi’a Islam is being highlighted by current events in Iran and Iraq. The way things play
Threats to Tunisia’s emerging democracy
Last week, 31 parliamentary deputies of Tunisia’s ruling party Nidaa Tounes resigned, granting a parliamentary majority to the Islamist party Ennahdha and threatening the stability of the emerging democracy. While Tunisia
Salafi Shake-Up: ISIS encroaching on the House of Saud
Friday night’s terrorist attacks in Paris moved up the timeline of this showdown between ISIS and the House of Saud, making it vital for the West, particularly the US, to
Big win for AKP in Turkey, but future is uncertain
In a shock to many pollsters, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) regained its parliamentary majority, lost in the June elections, with a vote of 49.5% and 317 seats in
Oman’s path to Iran
Through economic ties and a careful, long-standing diplomatic posture, Oman has become a key player in the Middle East. Over the last weekend of October, an International trade exhibition was
