Ruairidh Brown
Does military intervention against Iran contradict Trump’s America First ideology? Ruairidh Brown argues it, in fact, is a textbook case of Trump’s Machiavellian philosophy Read more
John Chin
Bashar Assad is ousted in Syria; Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis weakened in ongoing conflicts. All this has significantly weakened Iran’s 'axis of resistance'. John Chin and Mary Urso argue that the crisis of Iran’s regional proxies is leading Iran to strengthen cooperation with a global network of autocracies Read more
Ãœmit Seven
Syrian refugees face multiple challenges in returning to their homeland. The threat of violence may have ended, but the destruction of infrastructure, along with social and economic instability, make return unlikely. Ãœmit Seven shows how prolonged displacement has led many Syrians to rebuild their lives elsewhere. Many, he argues, have created a 'pragmatic home' in host countries Read more
Maissam Nimer
The sudden collapse of the Assad regime could result in Syrian refugees being pressured into returning. But Maissam Nimer and Susan Beth Rottmann say refugee returns must be voluntary, dignified, and sustainable – not driven by political agendas. Given Syria's shattered infrastructure, instability, and limited opportunities, 'safety' means more than simply the absence of violence Read more
Loqman Radpey
In a rapidly changing political environment, the fate of Kurdistan is now shaping the future of the Middle East. Turkey’s century-long repression of the Kurds, argues Loqman Radpey, is now posing a critical dilemma: either embrace de jure recognition of Kurdistan and Kurdish rights, or risk escalating tensions and instability Read more
