Middle East

Iran
commentary
Iran's Network of Fighters in the Middle East Aren't Always Loyal to Iran
Becca Wasser @Becca_Wasser, Ariane M. Tabatabai @ArianeTabatabai
May 21, 2019
The Washington Post Monkey Cage Blog
Iran's nonstate partners are emerging as central players in the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, and may be a driver of further escalation. But how involved is Iran with these proxy groups?
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Iran
commentary
The U.S. and Iran: Beyond the Rhetoric
Ariane M. Tabatabai @ArianeTabatabai
May 17, 2019
Haaretz
Since the United States withdrew from the nuclear deal with Iran, tensions between the two countries have increased. Washington has stepped up pressure on Tehran in the hopes of reopening negotiations or ushering in the regime's collapse, while inside Iran, President Rouhani is facing pressure to retaliate.
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The Islamic State (Terrorist Organization)
commentary
We're Just Beginning to Grasp the Toll of the Islamic State's Archaeological Looting in Syria
Fiona Greenland, Oya Topçuoğlu, Tasha Vorderstrasse, James V. Marrone
May 15, 2019
The Conversation
During the Islamic State's rise, looted artifacts were said to be a significant source of income for the group. But no one had identified the value, using empirical data and systematic calculations, of the artifacts that were known to exist in Syria's archaeological sites. Until now.
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Nuclear Deterrence
commentary
Can Anyone Save the Iran Nuclear Deal Now?
Ariane M. Tabatabai @ArianeTabatabai
May 10, 2019
New York Times
Europe faces mounting pressure from both Tehran and Washington regarding the Iran nuclear deal. European countries could take steps to signal their commitment to upholding the deal, but doing so may alienate the United States.
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Iran
commentary
U.S., Iran Must Both Tread Lightly with Tensions Running So High
Ariane M. Tabatabai @ArianeTabatabai, Becca Wasser @Becca_Wasser
May 9, 2019
The Hill
Tensions between the United States and Iran have increased, raising concerns that they may be headed for war. But conflict is not inevitable. The United States and Iran could seek to re-establish communications channels, as well as look for available off-ramps to de-escalate tensions and keep the slightest misstep from spiraling into an all-out conflict.
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Refugees
commentary
Syrian Refugees Won't Be Going Home Any Time Soon
Shelly Culbertson @SC_Culbertson
Apr 19, 2019
The National Interest
Active fighting in Syria is dwindling. But Syria remains divided in a frozen conflict and empty peace, unstable and unlikely to attract the investment in reconstruction, public institutions, job creation, and local reconciliation efforts needed to motivate Syrians in large numbers to return home.
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Syria
commentary
Economic Sanctions and Carpet Bombing Are Similarly Ruinous
James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins
Apr 15, 2019
The Hill
For American policymakers, economic sanctions are too often the soft choice between doing nothing and taking effective but risky or expensive action. Yet, before they inflict years, perhaps decades of impoverishment and worse on entire populations, they should ask if their efforts are likely to succeed and are worth punishing an entire people.
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Iran
commentary
The U.S. Designated the Revolutionary Guards as a Terrorist Group. What Happens Next?
Colin P. Clarke @ColinPClarke, Ariane M. Tabatabai @ArianeTabatabai
Apr 11, 2019
Foreign Policy
The U.S. designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization was meant to serve America's interests by isolating Iran. Instead, it may increase the likelihood of a tit-for-tat escalation that will require significant resources to avoid a broader regional conflagration.
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Syria
commentary
The Syrian Civil War Is Coming to an End
Howard J. Shatz @HowardJShatz
Apr 8, 2019
Newsweek
Coalition forces have driven ISIS from its final patch of territory in Syria. But the bigger challenge will be ending the ongoing civil war and rebuilding Syria to bring home millions of refugees and internally displaced people. This means creating a state that can provide safety, security, and opportunity that forestalls further rebellion and devastation.
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Libya
commentary
Is an Escalation Imminent in Western Libya?
Nathan Vest
Mar 27, 2019
RealClearWorld
The Libyan Civil War has largely been contained to pockets of violence. Prolonged battles decimated cities such as Benghazi, Derna, and Sirte, but the majority of the country has been spared large-scale destruction. However, that could change soon.
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Refugees
commentary
Economic Burden or Opportunity? How Syrian Refugees Can Contribute to Local Economies
Fadia Afashe, Louay Constant
Mar 25, 2019
The SASA Post
The influx of refugees escaping the war in Syria has placed an enormous economic burden on the countries that host them. Despite the challenges, host countries have an opportunity to capitalize on the presence of refugees to grow their own economies for the mutual benefit of all.
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Afghanistan
commentary
Trump's Latest Move on Afghanistan Is a Repeat of Obama's
James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins
Mar 11, 2019
The Hill
So far, both Presidents Obama and Trump have chosen “not to lose” in Afghanistan. As time goes on and the American public's patience grows shorter, this choice becomes more difficult.
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Refugees
commentary
Jobs Can Improve the Lives of Syrian Refugees and Their Host Communities—and Support Stability in the Middle East
Shelly Culbertson @SC_Culbertson, Krishna B. Kumar @kbkumar_
Mar 11, 2019
Foreign Policy
Host governments, international development agencies, and donor countries like the United States could take several steps to improve Syrian refugee employment. This would increase self-reliance among Syrian refugees and ease pressures on host communities.
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Iran
commentary
Can the U.S. Attain Foreign Policy Goals with 'Maximum Pressure' Campaigns?
Ariane M. Tabatabai @ArianeTabatabai
Mar 6, 2019
Foreign Policy
The Trump administration's record in two of today's most pressing nuclear nonproliferation challenges, North Korea and Iran, highlights the potential dangers of a “maximum pressure” strategy.
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Peacekeeping and Stability Operations
commentary
Don't Rush Into Afghan Peace
James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins
Mar 1, 2019
The Wall Street Journal
The Trump administration has reportedly offered to withdraw forces from Afghanistan if the Taliban stops fighting and opens negotiations with the government. If the Taliban agrees to a cease-fire and wider negotiations, it will be an accomplishment to celebrate. But it will be only the first step on a long and difficult road to peace.
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Iran
commentary
Behind the 'Surprise' Resignation of Iran's Foreign Minister
Ariane M. Tabatabai @ArianeTabatabai
Feb 26, 2019
Foreign Policy
Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister, announced his resignation after a nearly six-year tenure. His resignation has sparked as much controversy as his tenure, one dominated by overtures to the West and resulting tensions at home. Although his departure will likely be felt most acutely in Europe, it may have a deeper impact in Tehran.
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Iran's Network of Fighters in the Middle East Aren't Always Loyal to Iran

Anticipating Policy Options for Addressing U.S. Arctic Hurdles

The Policy Currents Podcast

Measuring Wellbeing to Help Communities Thrive

Impact Dashboard Helps Local Regulatory Services Deliver Value

Improving Access to Early Childhood Education

Addressing the Invisible Wounds of War

Middle East

Iran's Network of Fighters in the Middle East Aren't Always Loyal to Iran

The U.S. and Iran: Beyond the Rhetoric

We're Just Beginning to Grasp the Toll of the Islamic State's Archaeological Looting in Syria

Can Anyone Save the Iran Nuclear Deal Now?

U.S., Iran Must Both Tread Lightly with Tensions Running So High

Syrian Refugees Won't Be Going Home Any Time Soon

Economic Sanctions and Carpet Bombing Are Similarly Ruinous

The U.S. Designated the Revolutionary Guards as a Terrorist Group. What Happens Next?

The Syrian Civil War Is Coming to an End

Is an Escalation Imminent in Western Libya?

Economic Burden or Opportunity? How Syrian Refugees Can Contribute to Local Economies

Trump's Latest Move on Afghanistan Is a Repeat of Obama's

Jobs Can Improve the Lives of Syrian Refugees and Their Host Communities—and Support Stability in the Middle East

Can the U.S. Attain Foreign Policy Goals with 'Maximum Pressure' Campaigns?

Don't Rush Into Afghan Peace

Behind the 'Surprise' Resignation of Iran's Foreign Minister

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