Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Based on individual considerations and prevailing security and economic conditions, reinvestment in Syria will be limited and could have mixed effects.
Israel’s decision to withhold part of the revenues it collects on the Palestinians’ behalf has precipitated a financial crisis that is choking the Palestinian economy, which has few options for a way out.
While the Israeli right appears to have emerged victorious in the April 9 elections, right-wing parties may have reached their maximum electoral potential.
A push to pass a bill expelling U.S. troops from Iraq, a constitutionally questionable move, has presented an unnecessary headache for Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi.
The AKP’s losses in key major cities in Turkey’s local elections provide opposition parties the opportunity to hold the ruling party accountable.
“The Great Return march was a historical opportunity to strengthen the voices who believe in nonviolent resistance, and these voices should be supported so that people can believe in their ideas.”
By completing a barrier around Gaza, Israel aims to remove any security-based pressure to reach a two-state solution.
Netanyahu’s ongoing scandals could see Likud lose ground to the center in Israel’s upcoming elections, but a leadership change could solidify right-wing support around the party.
Ankara’s scare tactics in Afrin and state building in Azaz highlight Turkey’s continued attempts to inhibit Kurdish expansion, yet neither approach is sustainable.
Without a functional coalition, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Adbul-Mahdi may be forced to rely more on unilateral executive decrees, exacerbating the country’s institutional crisis.
Syria and its neighbors all have a vested interest in resuming agricultural trade to increase food security across the region.
Russia is primed to benefit economically from an influx of foreign investment in Syria, but an emerging rivalry with China and Iran for contracts could erode its long-term leverage.
Divisions among the states vested in Syria are opening possibilities for Syria’s Kurds to secure greater protection for their autonomy.
Although the Islamic State has lost its stronghold in Hajin, instability within disputed territories provides opportunities for it to survive in both Syria and Iraq.
Whether or not corruption investigations oust Netanyahu from office, he has left a lasting impact on executive power and social norms in Israel, and on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Oman’s drive for economic diversification is contributing to its rapprochement with Israel, which can offer its expertise and technology for agriculture, entrepreneurship, and defense.
The KDP’s nominees for Kurdistan’s highest offices demonstrate the party’s belief that it can shape the region’s politics without regard for established power-sharing norms.
New legislation to regulate the Ministry of Awqaf in Syria aims to prevent any uncontrolled religious mobilization in a post-war Syria.
Although Iraq’s political blocs have agreed on a new prime minister, the lack of a coherent coalition shows the incoming government’s inherent weakness.
Instead of putting its full strength behind unifying Syrian rebel groups, Ankara is slowly supporting that process without disturbing the status quo.