What we see in Syria now illustrates the inability of global leaders to lead and offer strategic vision of engagement with each other that would enable a more constructive and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. Not only does this harm great power interests but with a look at the ever worsening humanitarian crisis in and around Syria it also makes a mockery of the values they purport to defend.
Middle East and North Africa
Commons vote on Syria is a first step in the right direction
Military action, limited or otherwise, is not the answer to the much more fundamental problems that the region faces and poses. It is likely not even part of that answer. The quicker we move beyond the narrow debate over military responses to a more comprehensive strategy, the better for Syria, the Arab Spring, and ultimately for us.
From Egypt to Syria, this could be the start of the Arab Winter
Within the countries of the Arab Spring, the forces unleashed by the sudden opening of political spaces were largely inexperienced, remain fearful and intolerant of each other, and were easily manipulated in regional and global proxy conflicts.
Iraq at a crossroads: Dealing with the Energy Question and Disputed Territories
Maintaining, and actively managing, the status quo does not resolve any of the big questions, but it avoids “solutions” that are worse than the problems they are targeted at.
What does the future hold for Kirkuk?
Three months after parliamentary elections were held in Iraq, a new government has yet to be formed, and it appears that the status of Kirkuk remains one of the stumbling blocks on the way to forming a new coalition.
The European Neighbourhood Policy in Perspective
In implementing the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) the European Union offers a deeper political and economic relationship to its neighbours, but without a promise of EU membership. The ENP is intended to be a strategic approach to the post-enlargement situation...
Where next for a democratic Iraq?
The Iraqi elections and their results were certainly not a complete and utter failure in bringing Iraq closer to a democratic society but they also offer a glimpse at the challenges ahead.
New Hope for the Middle East?
Sunday’s landslide victory won by Mahmoud Abbas has been widely hailed as a significant step forward but durable and just peace in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict will depend political leaders’ willingness and ability to make tough choices.