Tahrir Forum

A Blog on Middle East Transformation

Vladimir Putin and Voltaire walk into a bar…

January 2, 2018

Modern Syria becomes a view into transformations of power in the Middle East.

Educating Syrian Refugees in Turkey

December 28, 2017

Though challenges remain, Turkey is pushing forward with efforts to integrate Syrian students and teachers into its education system.

Video Podcasts: The Future of Europe and the Middle East

By Sean David Hobbs

December 21, 2017

Senior Editor Sean David Hobbs speaks to the Ambassadors of UK and France about the future of Europe and the Middle East.

The Real Turning Point in Yemen Has Yet to Come

By Kierat Ranautta-Sambhi and Miriam Eps

December 20, 2017

Ali Abdullah Saleh’s death could be the end of the Houthis, or a blessing in disguise. The future course of the Yemeni conflict hinges on whether and how Houthis will prevail without him.

Trump’s Jerusalem Move Reignites Arab Youth

By Mohamed Kouta

December 15, 2017

A look at the state of Arab Youth protest at the American University in Cairo, Egypt and the greater Middle East.

Trump’s Jerusalem Decision: Why Now?

By Mohamed Elmenshawy

December 13, 2017

What led Trump to go against established U.S. domestic and foreign policies for a move that would gain the United States nothing? That it would cost the United States nothing.

How Can the Arab World Avoid the Abyss?

By Nabil Fahmy

December 5, 2017

As the Middle East faces crises on several fronts, Arab countries must stop blaming others for their problems and start taking matters into their own hands.

Saudi Crown Prince Bets on Economy

By David Dumke

November 14, 2017

The success of Mohammed Bin Salman’s “revolution” hinges on neither local nor foreign politics, but on whether Vision 2030 can create jobs for the Saudi youth.

Winds of Change in Riyadh

By Robert Mason

November 13, 2017

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince pushes for big changes at home and abroad, while consolidating his grip on power.

Lessons of History, Old and New

By Nabeel Khoury

November 13, 2017

Rebuilding Iraq and Syria, and addressing separatist movements, require learning from the mistakes of a century’s misrule.

Silencing Dissent in Saudi Arabia

By Hala Al-Dosari

November 9, 2017

Saudi Arabia’s recent waves of arrests reveal the political system’s increased use of security measures to control the public while promising limited reforms to stave off instability.

Trump’s Short-Sighted Iran Strategy

By Maysam Behravesh

November 9, 2017

President Trump’s aggressive stance against the Iranian Revolutionary Guards could further jeopardize regional stability and the Iran nuclear deal.

The Forgotten Maghreb-Sahel Nexus

By Jacques Roussellier

November 1, 2017

In confronting the Sahel’s transnational security challenges, international actors would benefit from giving Maghreb states a role in stabilization and development.

Dilemnas of Trade with Iraqi Kurdistan

By Tamer Badawi

October 23, 2017

Escalating tensions surrounding the Kurdish independence referendum are encouraging Iran to accelerate efforts to diversify trade to Iraq.

In With the Old in Tunisia

By Emir Sfaxi

October 5, 2017

Tunisia’s cabinet reshuffle, Administrative Reconciliation Law, and election postponement are prompting fears of a return of the Ben Ali regime.

Political Space for Israel’s Palestinians?

By Anwar Mhajne

September 18, 2017

As the Israeli state ramps up exclusionary policies against its Palestinian citizens, the Palestinian community is increasingly resorting to protests and grassroots activism to produce results.