Viewpoints

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SyriaConflicts and Conflict Resolution
The Failure of Syria’s Constitutional Committee
Nov 16, 2021Radwan Ziadeh
In October 2019, Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres enthusiastically welcomed the creation of Syria’s Constitutional Committee that would…
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SudanDemocracy and Governance
Military Takeover in Sudan: The Writing Is on the Wall
Oct 25, 2021Imad K. Harb
We have seen this before: military officers in the Arab world not quite enamored with sharing power with civilians—let alone ceding it to them peacefully—show …
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IraqDemocracy and Governance
Elections in Iraq: Getting Closer to Democracy?
Oct 6, 2021Rend Al-Rahim
Iraq’s parliamentary elections, set for October 10, 2021, represent the sixth national poll since 2003. Iraqi President Barham Salih described them1 as “critic…
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LebanonDemocracy and Governance
No Rest for the Weary: Lebanon’s Miqati Must Hit the Ground Running
Sep 10, 2021Imad K. Harb
Najib Miqati, the billionaire tasked over a year ago with forming the Lebanese government, has finally finished putting it together, but not before President M…
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IraqIdentity Politics and Sectarianization
Time to Address Impunity in Iraq
Jun 4, 2021Abdulwahab Al-Qassab
On May 26, Iraqi security forces arrested General Qasim Muslih, commander of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Anbar province, basing their action on…
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Palestine/IsraelDemocracy and Governance
The Palestinian Elections: Process, Mechanics, and Importance
Apr 29, 2021Hanna Nasir
President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree last January to hold elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), the presidency of the Palestinian Authori…
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The Arabian Peninsula and The GulfDemocracy and Governance
Arab Public Opinion on National Security and Foreign Intervention
Nov 17, 2020Joe Macaron
The Arab League celebrated its 75th anniversary this year in the midst of regional politics that have never been more polarized, with continuous foreign interv…
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LebanonDemocracy and Governance
Lebanon Chooses a Prime Minister, Thwarting the Protesters Again
Aug 31, 2020Imad K. Harb
Imad K. Harb writes that Lebanon’s new and largely unknown prime minister-designate, Mustafa Adib, is relatively inexperienced in politics. Nevertheless, his c…