Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
The Syrian Jihadist group, HTS, is attempting to improve its image by turning to local jihad and distancing itself from its former hardline allies; a move that is indicative of HTS’ hope to obtain international political recognition and alter its continued status as a “terrorist” organization.
The UAE’s $10 billion investment in Turkey is only the tip of the normalization iceberg. The warm meeting between Emirati and Turkish leaders might be an indicator of possible rapprochement, intended for both parties’ adversaries.
There is an urgent need in all Gulf countries for genuine constitutional reforms and new social contracts that guarantee people’s rights to political participation, decision making, and control of national wealth.
Terminating the contracts of hundreds of Yemenis in Saudi Arabia constitutes a tremendous political, social, and security hinderance to short and medium-term plans for peace in Yemen.
The Moroccan left’s poor performance in the recent elections highlighted its continued challenges in building voter confidence whilst contributing further to the dominance of pro-palace forces
As the reconciliation deal Russia sponsored in 2018 between the Syrian regime and opposition forces verges on collapsing, Russia’s ability to provide long-term assurances inside of Syria is becoming increasingly doubtful.
Five years ago, the Hirak protest movement broke out in the Moroccan Rif. Economically, the Rif region has not improved since then. Politically, however, the movement breathed new life into the area.
The new government in Morocco is facing its first crisis with its citizens, as loud demonstrations erupted denouncing the compulsory vaccination passport, the lack of job opportunities, and the deteriorating living conditions.
The new Israeli government has made several initial foreign policy shifts to ensure the longest possible lull on the borders with Gaza while it deals with the Iranian nuclear issue. But how does Hamas view these shifts?
Maritime security plays a key role in the UAE’s recalibration of its foreign policy, particularly in the Bab al-Mandab region. The straits diplomacy embodies the transfer of Emirati policy from spreading power to protecting influence.
The worsening of disparities proves that reforms initiated by governments since 2011 and the strategies implemented by the development plan have failed to ensure social justice and create regional cohesion.
Sisi’s call for religious renewal falls within the regime’s attempt to centralize power in its hands by creating a top-down version of state sponsored Islam anchored in conservative social values.
Bahrain has seen a recent reinvigoration of the citizenship equality campaign, led by both young and old feminist activists. With citizenship discrimination now being a popular topic in public discourse, there could potentially be a shift in social advocacy in Bahrain altogether.
Over the past few years, Ragaa and her husband were hardly able to provide for their four children on their meagre income, but when COVID-19 struck, it deprived them of their barely tolerable existence and pushed them over the edge.
Amidst public cries to boycott the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections and to reform the political landscape of the country, Iranian-backed militias are mobilizing forces and preparing to assume power, while the Sadrists hope to play kingmaker.
As her business struggled to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was forced to sell her jewelry and furniture to survive. Her world was utterly shattered, however, when the virus claimed her father’s life. Nadia, the stricken daughter of a priest, tells her story.
Dividing electoral districts along tribal lines will be a key test for Qatar and the rest of the Gulf states.
Mauritanian female couscousiéres are struggling to brave the economic challenges forced upon them by Covid-19 containment measures. Below is a glimpse of the suffering endured by female breadwinners who work in this informal sector of the economy.
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan poses a security challenge to some Middle Eastern countries, especially the Gulf states, which prompted them to take measures to protect their interests. However, this withdrawal constitutes an opportunity for other Arab regimes such as Jordan to tighten their grip on their opponents.
“The Blue City Crisis” is a documentary detailing how Covid-19 hijacked the tourism industry in Chefchaouen, the most picturesque city in Morocco.
Sada is an online journal rooted in Carnegie’s Middle East Program that seeks to foster and enrich debate about key political, economic, and social issues in the Arab world and provides a venue for new and established voices to deliver reflective analysis on these issues.
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