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Sunday, 21 February 2021 13:45

Competitive Control and Non-State Governance in Idlib

Competitive Control and Non-State Governance in Idlib

syria hayat tahrir al shamSyria’s north-western region of Idlib remains the stronghold of the opposition forces, with the most prominent jihadist groups operating there, as well as the most committed opposition forces against Assad’s regime. As Aron Lund states, the rebel-held areas are governed by a patchwork of sharia courts, local councils, exile government departments, and direct rule by armed groups. However, instead of forming a unified opposition, those non-state actors are competing against each other for control over Idlib.

 

 

 

 

Published in Middle East Flashpoints
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Thursday, 10 December 2020 21:48

The current situation in Iraq

The current situation in Iraq

iraq protests Baghdad 2019This analysis aims at underlining the economic and political crisis in Iraq that led to widespread protests around the country since October 2019. The government’s inability to deliver basic services to society has created a series of protests with demands for better living conditions. The Iraqi security forces and armed militias are using extreme force to tackle the demonstrations with many protesters injured or killed. Hence, the question that presents itself is how foreign interventionism affects the country’s society and sense of security, as well as its economy.

Published in Middle East Flashpoints
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Thursday, 03 December 2020 18:19

Syria’s fragile balances and the looming threat of a new vicious circle of instability

Syria’s fragile balances and the looming threat of a new vicious circle of instability

syria troubled assadDespite the latest ceasefire in Idlib, tensions are once again rising across Syria. In the northwest, the high mobility in Idlib indicates that renewed fighting is rather a matter of timing, while in the south and east, escalating assassination campaigns in Daraa and Deir ez-Zor generate new dangerous dynamics. In central and eastern Syria, the resurgence of ISIS cells further exposes a severe security vacuum that opens way for intensive influence competition between the Kurds and the regime. Last but not least, the unprecedented economic crisis that face the country threatens to derail even the minimum stability enjoyed in Syria at the moment.

Published in Middle East Flashpoints
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Sunday, 05 April 2020 21:15

Syria’s never-ending war(s); or why the end of the civil war does not mean peace

Syria’s never-ending war(s); or why the end of the civil war does not mean peace

syria flag in the rubblesAs the Syrian civil war nears its end, the regime’s imminent victory against the remaining opposition forces in Idlib tends to be overshadowed by several emerging issues that threaten to trigger a new circle of instability. In the meantime, irrespective of any outcome in the north, another ‘war’ still rages and will continue to rage in the country. The one between Iran, which struggles to recover from the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani, and Israel, which meticulously tries to fend off the former’s entrenchment in the country.

Published in Middle East Flashpoints
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Wednesday, 08 January 2020 19:57

Thucydides meet Game of Thrones..

Thucydides meet Game of Thrones..

iran soleimani deathThe recent assassination of general Soleimani, has to be viewed as the latest phase within the framework of the ongoing game that goes back to 2001, or 1979, or 1953 depending on your historical perspective.

As the war in Syria is coming to an end, it appears that the US have been attempting to rebalance the region and create a new equilibrium. The Trump Doctrine is being forged by a series of unorthodox unilateral actions, from the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel to unquestioned support of Saudi Arabia, regardless of the latter's actions. In addition, President Trump has supported the formation of an energy axis among Israel, Cyprus and Greece, effectively blocking Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean and has chastised Turkey's decisions and association with Russia, while he has allowed Turkey to invade, occupy and set a zone within Syria. Last but not least, the US administration has been trying to put Iran “back in the box”, as Iran has benefited from US interference in the region since 2001, especially following the war against the Islamic state.

Published in Points of view
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Sunday, 08 December 2019 13:07

Demonstrations in Lebanon

Demonstrations in Lebanon

lebanon demonstrationsThe economic recession, the dysfunctional political system and the refugee crisis have made Lebanon a vulnerable player in the Middle East region. The economic reforms that the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Saad Hariri, tried to introduce, caused a massive cross-sectarian wave of demonstrations which lead Lebanon to political instability and to the Prime Minister’s resignation. Moreover, Hezbollah’s reaction and the developments in Syria make the situation in Lebanon even more complicated. Rapid developments in Lebanon are leading to a significant alteration in Lebanon’s political system which are affecting the citizens’ lives.

Published in Middle East Flashpoints
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Saturday, 09 November 2019 22:15

Archaeological reconstruction attempts in Syria

Archaeological reconstruction attempts in Syria

syria arch replicaSince the beginning of the war in Syria in 2011, the country’s cultural heritage has been subjected to different kinds of annihilation. With the conflict nearing some kind of end but external forces still destabilizing the region, ongoing plans for the reconstruction of Syria’s archaeological casualties generate a multifaceted debate over when they should be taking place, the motivating factors behind these projects, their purpose and who are the stakeholders coordinating their implementation. Τhe reconstruction of post-conflict archaeology in Syria could be providing a valuable opportunity for sustaining communities through participatory initiatives that appropriate the traces of war.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published in Middle East Flashpoints
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Thursday, 03 October 2019 16:27

Quagmire and fragile alliances in Northern Syria: from Kurdish-held Rojava to the Idlib rebels’ bastion

Quagmire and fragile alliances in Northern Syria: from Kurdish-held Rojava to the Idlib rebels’ bastion

syria us turkey troopsThe ongoing process of the “safe zone” establishment in Northeastern Syria and the management of the Idlib province further complicate and strain relations between allies, jeopardizing an already fragile and volatile state of affairs. The reconciliation of the incompatible aims of all parties involved therein is an uphill task. Both the US and Russia struggle to balance the colliding interests of their allies on the ground, whilst maintaining good ties with Turkey appears pivotal for them. For its part, Turkey, pressed by its domestic problems, is using the refugees and the jihadist threat as bargaining chips in negotiations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published in Middle East Flashpoints
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Saturday, 15 June 2019 14:00

Religious Pluralism in the Middle East: the Canary in the Coal Mine | Middle East Bulletin 36

Religious Pluralism in the Middle East: the Canary in the Coal Mine | Middle East Bulletin 36
Published in Middle East Bulletin
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Sunday, 17 March 2019 18:39

New Government – Persistent Challenges: Fragile Balances in post-elections Lebanon

New Government – Persistent Challenges: Fragile Balances in post-elections Lebanon

lebanon cabinetFollowing an eight-month-long political deadlock, a new Lebanese government was ultimately formed on January 31. Although many key politicians have retained their presence in the new administration, the reflection of last May’s national election results, and the dynamics generated thereof, is evident. PM Saad Hariri’s significant electoral losses were translated into gains for the Shi’i coalition that also includes Hezbollah. Domestically, the latter’s increased cabinet share indicates a political elevation, which in turn causes considerable anxiety to the West, Israel and the Gulf. More importantly though, its growing influence, if combined with other political forces, may as well impact significantly the country’s foreign policy vis-à-vis Syria

 

Published in Middle East Flashpoints
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