Breaking the Israeli-Palestinian Log Jam
Discussing the current impasse in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, a recent leader in the Jerusalem Post put Israel’s dilemma in a nutshell. “The real problem is that Israel lacks a clear…
How Many Foreign Fighters in Syria?
It is estimated that a number between 27,000 and 31,000 foreign fighters have been flocking to Iraq and Syria since the breakout of the war in 2011. An updated assessment…
The War Criminals of Syria
“It is difficult to deny that Russia is partnering with the Syrian regime to carry out war crimes.” This is the charge laid by the British ambassador to the UN,…
Mosque in Iran Makes Your Jaw Drop
Shah Cheragh is a funerary monument and mosque in Shiraz, Iran. It translates to “King of the Light” and it’s easy to understand why. The jaw-dropping interior of this structure…
Why Learn Dialect before Standard Arabic
One of the most common questions asked by learners of Arabic is ‘should I learn Modern Standard Arabic or a dialect first’? Dialect of course refers to any of the many…
Plans for Redrawing the Middle East
This article first published by GR in November 2006 is of particular relevance to an understanding of the ongoing process of destabilization and political fragmentation of Iraq, Syria and Yemen.…
Driving out Islamic State from Libya: What Lies Ahead?
Libyan forces with US air support are driving out Islamic State fighters in Libya. Still the oil-rich nation is deeply divided by rival factions and armed militias.
Finding Ways to Fight Women’s Exposure to Violence in Arab World
It should now be beyond dispute that gender-based violence is a critical human rights issue– possibly the most important human rights challenge of our time. There is a great deal of…
Remember Syria’s President Adib Shishakli
Nearly 52 years ago, a Syrian political leader hiding in exile was killed in the heart of Brazil. As Syria watchers continue to monitor and understand the country’s grinding civil…
Can Syria Avoid Disintegration?
On September 10, 2016, after mammoth negotiating sessions held in Geneva, the USA and Russia announced that agreement had been reached on a cease-fire in the Syrian civil war, to…