Tahrir Forum

A Blog on Middle East Transformation

Tony Blair’s Iraq Legacy

July 7, 2016

The Chilcot Inquiry’s findings have shed new and unflattering light on the UK’s involvement in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

We Should Complete the Circle of Elie Wiesel’s Life

By Rami G. Khouri

July 6, 2016

We can honor Wiesel’s remarkable life by promoting justice and challenging oppression everywhere they occur—even under our own feet—which he was unable to do.

Egypt’s Loyal Opposition

By Christopher J. Cox

July 2, 2016

The only formal political opposition groups left in Egypt are continuing to play the regime’s game and, predictably, losing.

The Troubling Dimensions of Attacks in Jordan and Lebanon

By Rami G. Khouri

June 29, 2016

Attacks by Islamic State terrorists in Jordan and Lebanon in the past week reflect a troubling new angle to that group’s strategy as its heartland in northern Syria and Iraq increasingly shrinks in the face of coordinated military attacks against it.

A New Role for Jordan’s Parliament

By Kirk H. Sowell

June 23, 2016

Jordan’s latest government and constitutional changes signal a move toward a more technocratic parliament, responsible for tightening the state’s belt.

A Court Case in Egypt Worth Watching

By Rami G. Khouri

June 22, 2016

An unfolding legal drama over the disputed Red Sea islands unravels a number of political issues.

Syria Suffers the Consequences of Incoherent Statecraft by Many

By Rami G. Khouri

June 19, 2016

Overblown belief in the power of U.S. intervention simplifies the problem.

Americans’ Attitudes to Mideast War Migrants Are Largely Noble

By Rami G. Khouri

June 15, 2016

A survey administered during a moment of high emotions about refugees, immigrants, and terrorism, indicates some polarization on the issue of accepting war-related refugees from the Arab region, along with a generous American spirit of assisting and welcoming the needy.

Condemn Terror and Get Beyond the Moral Vacuum

By Rami G. Khouri

June 11, 2016

There are tens of thousands of more terrorists operating in the world today than there were in September 2001 when the global war on terror was launched. Something is not working here.

Fear and the Egyptian State

By Aya Nader

June 9, 2016

Rising oppression might signal a weaker, not stronger, government.

International Law Works Best When Applied Consistently

By Rami G. Khouri

June 1, 2016

This week, three very different cases converge on whether legal codes, restrictions, and punishments will be applied consistently to all countries and individuals, or will be applied selectively on the basis of political alliances and self-interest.

Ennahda in Tunisia Pioneers Another Arab Era and Test

By Rami G. Khouri

May 29, 2016

Tunisia’s successful Ennahda Party has moved towards separating its religious and political activities. It marks an important milestone in the development of Arab politics.