Viewpoints

Viewpoint
IraqRegional Relations and Geopolitics
Russian Gains Are American Losses in the Arab World
Oct 30, 2018Imad K. Harb
Putin’s assessment of a receding American international influence paves the way for an even larger Russian role in the Arab world.
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Saudi ArabiaJustice, Equality, and Human Rights
The Latest Example of Erratic Saudi Foreign Policy
Aug 9, 2018Imad K. Harb
Once again, impulsive, ill-advised, and harmful foreign policy decisions are negatively impacting Saudi Arabia’s global standing. The kingdom has expelled the …
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LevantConflicts and Conflict Resolution
The Raging—and Surprising—Battle for Southern Syria
Jul 5, 2018Radwan Ziadeh
The Syrian regime began its assault on the southern city of Daraa toward the end of June, assisted as elsewhere in Syria by Russian warplanes and Iran-supporte…
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IranConflicts and Conflict Resolution
A Crack in the Russian-Iranian Alliance in Syria?
May 23, 2018Joe Macaron
In a rare instance since the Russian intervention in Syria in September 2015, the policy differences between Moscow and Tehran have become public. This raised …
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IranConflicts and Conflict Resolution
A Dangerous Israeli-Iranian Escalation in Syria
May 11, 2018Joe Macaron
In the most dangerous escalation since the establishment of the Golan Heights ceasefire line in 1973, Israel and Iran exchanged fire in southwestern Syria unde…
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LebanonIdentity Politics and Sectarianization
Lebanon’s Elections Provide No Serious Change
May 10, 2018Imad K. Harb
Lebanon has just finished a feverish election campaign for its 128-seat Chamber of Deputies. This round followed a nine-year period in which this basic democra…
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EgyptConflicts and Conflict Resolution
Deploying Arab Forces in Syria is not Advisable, nor Possible
May 10, 2018Radwan Ziadeh
Over the last few months, President Donald Trump has made announcements that regional states should bear more of the burden of ridding Syria of the so-called I…
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LevantJustice, Equality, and Human Rights
Mohammed bin Salman Is Wrong on Palestine
May 2, 2018Imad K. Harb
Critics allege that impetuousness and impatience are driving Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s actions and statements. What could also be drivi…