Tahrir Forum

A Blog on Middle East Transformation

How Can the Arab World Avoid the Abyss?

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.

The Next Middle Eastern War

By Rami G. Khouri

September 14, 2017

Regional powers must avoid another war with Israel. Armed conflict will never achieve peace.

Six Reasons Why You Are Confused about Syria

By Rami G. Khouri

September 8, 2017

The historical changes behind the country’s complicated civil war.

Is Reconstruction Syria’s Next Battleground?

By Benedetta Berti

September 7, 2017

The Syrian regime is turning to reconstruction to boost legitimacy and consolidate control, a process that also benefits its external allies.

Two Young Arab Leaders to Keep an Eye On

By Rami G. Khouri

August 28, 2017

An unlikely meeting between Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and one of Iraq’s leading Shiite cleric.

Trends in Qatar Stand-Off

By Rami G. Khouri

August 5, 2017

Is Qatari diplomacy and policy outperforming the Saudi Arabian-UAE-led camp in the Gulf’s ongoing confrontation?

Lessons from Jerusalem Confrontation

By Rami G. Khouri

July 31, 2017

The power of sustained, mass, non-violent protest by Palestinian civilians, with a precise focus and specific demands, caused Israel to drop all the new “security” measures it said were needed at the Al-Aqsa compound.