Tahrir Forum

Saudi Arabia’s Moment in the Sun

By Juergen Braunstein, and Oliver McPherson-Smith

May 19, 2019

Although cooperation with China can help Saudi Arabia boost production of solar power, global trade dynamics may complicate the kingdom’s renewable energy goals.

Netanyahu’s Masterful Gaslighting

By Allison Hodgkins

April 16, 2019

The recent Israeli election showed Bibi to be the king of Israel and a master of the status quo.

A Different Kind of Rationality

By Maysam Behravesh

April 9, 2019

Iran continues its military presence in Syria even after the fight is won—a move which is underpinned by the Islamic Republic’s core deterrence and defense foreign policy against possible Israeli or US military action.

Syria and Regional Food Security

By Hadi Fathallah

March 16, 2019

Syria and its neighbors all have a vested interest in resuming agricultural trade to increase food security across the region.

Russia’s Eye on Syrian Reconstruction

By Samuel Ramani

March 7, 2019

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.

The Dream of a City

By Ellen R. Wald

March 5, 2019

Will Neom, the Saudi leadership’s new “city of the future,” become a reality?

The EU-Arab Summit: A Chance to Reset Relations with the Arab World?

By James Moran

February 17, 2019

With EU and Arab League leaders set to convene a landmark summit for the first time in Sharm El-Sheikh this February, the stakes are high to agree on key issues, including migration, counter-terrorism and steps to end the war in Yemen.

Preserving Kurdish Autonomy

By Pinar Tank

February 15, 2019

Divisions among the states vested in Syria are opening possibilities for Syria’s Kurds to secure greater protection for their autonomy.

Civil Society for the Displaced

By Shaden Khallaf

January 29, 2019

To meet the challenges of massive human displacement in the Middle East and North Africa, civil society actors need a common platform where they can advocate. The MENA Civil Society Network for Displacement or CSND sets out to be that.

Faith That Peace Will One Day Come

By Jimmy Carter

January 22, 2019

Former United States president and architect of the Camp David Accords Jimmy Carter discusses the 1978 conference that changed the Middle East and the prospects for peace today.

Turkey’s Gradual Efforts to Professionalize Syrian Allies

By Haid Haid

December 14, 2018

Instead of putting its full strength behind unifying Syrian rebel groups, Ankara is slowly supporting that process without disturbing the status quo.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE look to Africa

By Camille Lons

December 13, 2018

By mediating conflicts and combining their assets in the Horn of Africa, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are slowly cementing an arc of political influence across the region.

Russia’s Mediating Role in Southern Yemen

By Samuel Ramani

November 25, 2018

Seeking to expand its influence in the Red Sea, Russia is hoping that mediating internal disputes in Yemen will help make the region more secure.

A New Beginning for Yemen?

By Karim Haggag

November 17, 2018

The strategic role of the United States—and others—in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.

The Risks of Hardened Borders in North Africa

By Matt Herbert and Max Gallien

November 9, 2018

Rather than making North Africa safer, securitizing borders has raised the risk of instability along the region’s frontiers, where communities depend on smuggling.

The Qatar Blockade’s Impact on Migrants

By Haniya Javed

November 6, 2018

The blockade against Qatar has had a disproportionate economic impact on foreign workers, though increased self-sustainability efforts may provide new employment opportunities.

Russia, Turkey, and the Fate of Idlib

By Ömer Özkizilcik

September 24, 2018

In Idlib, Turkey could deter Russian airstrikes and ensure the region remains out of the Syrian regime’s control by going after extremist groups.

The UAE’s Security-Economic Nexus in Yemen

By Eleonora Ardemagni

July 27, 2018

The UAE’s growing investment in Yemen’s energy and security infrastructure is increasingly the driving force behind its counterterrorism involvement.

What Tech Can Do for Arab Women

By Ahmed El-Alfi and Iris Boutros

July 16, 2018

If the technology sector can ease constraints that have traditionally excluded Arab women from economic opportunities, then both tech and women will greatly benefit.

Jordan at the Crossroads

By Alaa Elhadidi

July 7, 2018

Jordan’s economic, demographic and geographic characteristics have left the country vulnerable to mass protests and external pressure that can only be overcome by a comprehensive reform program.

Tahrir Forum

A Blog on Middle East Transformation