The Rules-Based Order Is Breaking Down. What Comes Next?
May 3rd, 2026 by Ramy El-Dowek
In a volatile and unpredictable international system, great powers are giving up on diplomacy while middle powers are seeking alternatives
New government, old constraints: What Baghdad needs to do to tame pro-Iran militias in Iraq
April 30th, 2026 by Dlawer Ala’Aldeen
Pursue & implement far-reaching structural reforms, including PMF integration, or risk a slide into intensified confrontation with the US
Intersecting Identities and the Need for Reconciliation in the Levant and Iraq
July 31st, 2025 by Said B Masri
The future of the Levant and Iraq cannot be built solely through top-down settlements. It requires a profound intellectual “surgery” targeting the collective consciousness
The Turkish-Kurdish Peace Process and Its Regional Implications
February 24th, 2025 by Dlawer Ala’Aldeen
The new Erdogan-Ocalan initiative to end a five-decade-long conflict has the potential to reshape the dynamics of the Middle East.
Current Dynamics in Syria and the Way Forward
January 20th, 2025 by Khogir Wirya
Recent events in Syria represent a turning point in the history of the Middle East, where internal dynamics are intertwined with regional and international ones.
Without a Federation Council, State-building in Iraq remains elusive
February 29th, 2024 by Dlawer Ala’Aldeen
The unicameral legislature’s dominance has contributed to the country’s fragility, but a constitutionally mandated solution to this problem already exists
Expelling US forces from Iraq will be bad for all stakeholders – including Iran
January 16th, 2024 by Dlawer Ala’Aldeen
Baghdad needs to maintain western troop presence as well as keep Tehran on side. There is a way forward
Erbil-Baghdad relations: Twenty years since the regime change
March 20th, 2023 by Kamaran Palani
Since 2003, outstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil have gone through various phases & taken different forms, with critical milestones characterising and shaping an uneasy relationship.
Twenty years of Iraq-US engagement: Where do we go now?
March 15th, 2023 by Dlawer Ala’Aldeen
The US led ‘coalition of the willing’ invaded Iraq in 2003, ending the most oppressive regime. The two countries started a tumultuous mutual engagement, which is likely to become more amicable, predictable and mutually rewarding in the future.
The Intra-Shiite Battle of Wills at Its Peak: Ways forward
September 1st, 2022 by Dlawer Ala’Aldeen
In his quest for ultimate power, Al-Sadir lost yet another battle. But, not to be underestimated, he has not lost the war. Policy recommendations for stakeholders