Marwan Muasher is vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he oversees research in Washington and Beirut on the Middle East. As the new coronavirus has imposed containment strategies that have halted activity throughout much of the world, the Middle East has been particularly hard hit. The region was already suffering from a range of problems before the start of the pandemic, and none of the likely scenarios for what may come afterward provoke optimism. In order to discuss the future of the region after the coronavirus, Diwan interviewed Muasher in late March via Skype.
A Mouse That Roared
In an interview, Marwan Muasher looks at the long-term impact of the new coronavirus on the Middle East and North Africa.
More work from Diwan
Assad’s Downfall Echoes Across the MediterraneanIn eastern Libya, Khalifa Haftar had close ties with the Syrian dictator, and has now lost a soulmate.
Anatomy of a Military FallWhy did Bashar al-Assad’s armed forces fail to act, unlike those in Egypt, Libya, Algeria, and Sudan?
Eastern Syria After AssadThe SDF has expanded its control over Deir al-Zor, but may soon find itself overstretched and facing Turkish allies.
- Wladimir van Wilgenburg
