Why the Gaza hostage crisis is different Danielle Gilbert - October 13, 2023 What we know about Hamas hostage-taking and Israel’s hostage recovery policy.
‘Islamic State in Africa’ explores nine militant Islamist groups Dan Eizenga - July 14, 2022 This book takes a comprehensive look at the rise of Islamic State affiliates operating on the continent
Calling Ukrainian refugees more ‘civilized’ than Syrians requires willful amnesia Oumar Ba, Lina Benabdallah, and Elif Kalaycioglu - March 21, 2022 The history of the West suggests something else entirely
Macron is likely to win the French presidency, in part thanks to Putin Sophie Meunier - March 6, 2022 Sovereignty is a key issue for French voters.
Africa has had eight coup attempts in recent months. What’s behind the ‘coup epidemic’? Kristen A. Harkness - February 8, 2022 How leaders consolidate their power helps explain why soldiers depose governments.
Taliban leaders are back in charge in Afghanistan. Can they control their own army? Jean Lachapelle, Dan Slater, and Adam E. Casey - August 26, 2021 What we know from other victorious rebellions
This year’s extreme fires and floods may change what Americans think about climate change, our research finds Leanne Giordono, Hilary Boudet, and Chad Zanocco - August 18, 2021 But local communities alone will be unlikely to slow climate change.
The Islamic State has ‘provinces’ in Africa. That doesn’t mean what you might think. Jason Warner - June 6, 2021 Africa’s militant groups retain considerable autonomy, research shows
The U.S. recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara. Here’s what that means. Jacob Mundy - December 11, 2020 The Trump administration’s move could complicate efforts to resolve a long-standing territorial conflict.
How women helped rally mass protests against Nigeria’s police corruption Elor Nkereuwem and Chiedo Nwankwor - November 3, 2020 Too many people ignore African women’s political agency
Will governments use pandemic emergency orders to expand their powers indefinitely? Chrystie Swiney - June 1, 2020 Two things — watchdogs and sunset provisions — help prevent governments from restricting rights indefinitely
In West Africa, trafficking brings human suffering. But removing it can set off instability. Hannah Armstrong - April 10, 2020 This complicates policymaking.
This year’s low oil prices will hurt these countries the most Jeff D. Colgan and Emily Meierding - April 6, 2020 We looked at these 3 factors.
Algerians have been protesting for a year. Here’s what you need to know. Sharan Grewal and M. Tahir Kilavuz - February 21, 2020 Protests brought down a president — but they haven’t changed the ongoing corruption, economic sluggishness and lack of civil rights.
Expect a tumultuous 2020 in the Middle East Marc Lynch - December 31, 2019 The embassy assault in Baghdad is just the beginning. Here are 3 trends to watch.
Looking back at the Middle East’s 2019: Surprises from Trump, Saudi power moves, protests and more Stephanie Dahle - December 29, 2019 Here are 5 takeaways.
This may be the largest wave of nonviolent mass movements in world history. What comes next? Zoe Marks, Tore Wig, Sirianne Dahlum, Sooyeon Kang, Erica Chenoweth, and Christopher Wiley Shay - November 14, 2019 Social media has made mass protests easier to organize — but, perhaps paradoxically, harder to resolve.
Algerians have been protesting for months. What’s changed? Sharan Grewal - November 12, 2019 Even more people want a complete political overhaul.
No, the Trump impeachment inquiry is not a coup Joseph Wright, John Chin, and David Carter - October 15, 2019 There were four coups attempted in 2019. Trump supported one of them.
African nations are among those most vulnerable to climate change. A new survey suggests they are also the least prepared. Edem E. Selormey and Carolyn Logan - September 22, 2019 Afrobarometer surveyed more than 45,000 people in 34 countries.
Protests continue in Algeria. Why? Michael Robbins - September 18, 2019 New survey data shows economic challenges are one of Algerians’ main concerns.
African dictators have been losing power — some to democratic governments. Militaries can tip the scales toward democracy. Nathaniel Allen and Alexander Noyes - September 15, 2019 These five factors make the difference between militaries that support autocracy and those that allow free elections.
In 2011, Egyptians quickly tired of protest. Here’s why that matters for Sudan and Algeria. Thoraya El-Rayyes and Neil Ketchley - September 4, 2019 New research suggests demonstrations eroded popular support for democracy during the Arab Spring
How did the Catholic Church respond to Africa’s decolonization? This new book explains. Laura Seay - August 7, 2019 “African Catholic” investigates the transformation of both church and politics.
How Algeria’s military rules the country Dalia Ghanem - August 7, 2019 And why that’s unlikely to change — despite protests.
In Tunisia, more women in office can make all the difference Lindsay J. Benstead - July 5, 2019 Electoral gender quotas can improve women’s representation, even in democratizing and authoritarian regimes.
How the death of Egypt’s former president shows changing politics Elizabeth Nugent - June 28, 2019 The Egyptian government’s widespread violence toward the Muslim Brotherhood and other opposition parties is strengthening them.
Constitutional reform is important in Algeria and Sudan. Here’s why. Al Ali - June 26, 2019 Protesters are demanding change in Sudan and Algeria. But what are the prospects for meaningful reform?
In North Africa’s borderlands, smuggling has helped keep a fragile peace. Now it’s under threat. Max Gallien - June 18, 2019 States play an important role in the region’s smuggling economies.
Why the Tunisian military ignored orders and sided with protesters Sharan Grewal - May 20, 2019 Interviews with retired senior officers point to two critical factors.
These three groups are pushing Algeria to change Jessica Mecellem - April 25, 2019 They have a common denominator: A call for the rule of law.
Sudan’s upheaval is the latest example of a ‘gray-zone coup’ Nandita Balakrishnan - April 17, 2019 Autocrats learned “coup-proofing” — and militaries learned negotiating.
Why Algeria’s army abandoned Bouteflika Sharan Grewal - April 5, 2019 At first glance, the military’s decision to abandon the long-entrenched Algerian president is surprising.
Bouteflika’s removal won’t resolve Algerian protesters’ concerns Rayane Anser - March 28, 2019 Algerian court bailiffs demonstrate against Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in
Lessons for Algeria from the 2011 Egyptian uprising Anna Jacobs and Adel Abdel Ghafar - March 13, 2019 Bouteflika promises not to run again, but the Algerian deep state remains.
Could there be a second Brexit referendum? Katy Collin - March 11, 2019 That could stir up more problems.
Women are deeply involved in the Algerian protests — on International Women’s Day, and all the time Aili Tripp - March 8, 2019 They might be the reason these protests have remained peaceful.
Can an increase in repression stop a new series of protests in the Arab world? Adria Lawrence - March 6, 2019 Conditions are ripe for the spread of authoritarian tactics.
Protests are growing in Algeria. Are these seeds of a real change? Yuree Noh and Caroline Abadeer - March 1, 2019 Algerians continue to mobilize against Bouteflika’s projected fifth term.
Is the next Arab uprising happening in plain sight? Marc Lynch - February 26, 2019 Popular protests are on the rise across the Middle East again. What does it mean?
Here’s why Algerians are protesting M. Tahir Kilavuz - February 25, 2019 A projected fifth term for the ailing president has ignited calls for change.
Bashar al-Assad’s international rehabilitation has begun Christopher Phillips - January 5, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82196" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In this Sept. 1, 2013, photo,
Mohammed bin Salman’s comeback tour Sarah Yerkes - December 6, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81172" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, right,
This big factor is at the heart of political protests all over Middle East Melani Cammett, Marc Lynch, and Kristin Fabbe - October 25, 2018 [caption id="attachment_74459" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Jordanian riot police and security forces
71 countries are negotiating a new biodiversity treaty. Here’s what you need to know. Rachel Tiller, De Santo, Elizabeth Mendenhall, and Elizabeth Nyman - September 19, 2018 [caption id="attachment_77914" align="aligncenter" width="960"] (NOAA/NASA/AP)[/caption] On Monday, under United Nations
Anti-immigrant forces won a victory at the E.U. This is how immigrants will respond. Melissa Carlson, Laura Jakli, and Katerina Linos - August 14, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76669" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A migrant walks past camp beds
Support for democracy is declining — but not in the U.S. or other Western democracies Christopher Claassen - July 5, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75335" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Voting signs at the Marie H
How cheap oil hurts sub-Saharan Africa Emily Meierding - June 21, 2018 [caption id="attachment_74773" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Cranes line the skyline of downtown
Was the mosque massacre in Egypt preventable? Omar Ashour - December 1, 2017 Last week’s attack on worshipers at a mosque in Egypt was
Survey research in the Middle East needs to be transparent. Here’s why. David Pollock - November 16, 2017 [caption id="attachment_66326" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A Qatari woman walks in front
Everyone is taking sides in the Qatar crisis. Here’s why these four North African states aren’t. Youssef Cherif - September 7, 2017 [caption id="attachment_63263" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, left,
This book documents bias against African Muslims in France Kim Yi Dionne and Claire Adida - June 9, 2017 [caption id="attachment_59248" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Malian Lassana Bathily, a Muslim employee,
Morocco’s protesters show no sign of letting up. Will their movement spread? Merouan Mekouar - June 5, 2017 [caption id="attachment_59261" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Protesters gesture and shout slogans in
Low turnout in last week’s Algerian elections is a major blow to the government Tahir Kilavuz - May 12, 2017 [caption id="attachment_58210" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A woman casts her ballot in
Algerians head to the polls Thursday. Here’s what to watch. Robert Parks - May 3, 2017 [caption id="attachment_57762" align="aligncenter" width="960"] An Algerian woman casts her ballot
By not taking refugees, the U.S. may make them more dangerous Jonah Eaton and Adnan Naseemullah - March 24, 2017 [caption id="attachment_55795" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A displaced Syrian child, fleeing from
Morocco just joined the African Union. Here’s why that matters. Hannah Armstrong - February 20, 2017 [caption id="attachment_54370" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The king of Morocco, Mohammed VI,
These were our most widely read posts of 2016 John Sides - December 30, 2016 [caption id="attachment_50632" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Nicole Kirby looks over results during
How foreign aid could hurt Tunisia’s transition to democracy Robert Kubinec - December 19, 2016 [caption id="attachment_51469" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man looks at a banner
The U.S. needs a new approach to counterinsurgency. This is what it can learn from El Salvador. Sam Winter-Levy and Nikita Lalwani - December 7, 2016 [caption id="attachment_50556" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Al-Nusra Front fighters in the town
How Twitter can empower opposition forces in authoritarian countries Mareike Transfeld and Isabelle Werenfels - December 2, 2016 [caption id="attachment_50469" align="aligncenter" width="960"] (Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images)[/caption] The United States
Putin’s Russia promotes both women and misogyny in politics. Wait, what? Janet Johnson - November 6, 2016 [caption id="attachment_48990" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Vladimir Putin on vacation in southern
What Africans think about China’s influence in their countries Kim Yi Dionne - October 28, 2016 It's mostly good.
Talk of rigged elections undermines democracy Michael Robbins and Mark Tessler - October 21, 2016 [caption id="attachment_48198" align="aligncenter" width="960"] U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump
Boko Haram’s internal rift probably isn’t good news. Here’s why. Hilary Matfess - August 24, 2016 [caption id="attachment_45643" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A Nigerian woman who escaped her
A new survey shows that Pakistanis penalize candidates for religious piety Niloufer Siddiqui and Michael Kalin - August 19, 2016 [caption id="attachment_45483" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Leaders of the Pakistani religious movement
What do ordinary citizens in the Arab world really think about the Islamic State? Mark Tessler, Michael Robbins, and Amaney Jamal - July 27, 2016 What do ordinary Arabs think about the Islamic State? This
Nice now has a reputation as a breeding ground for terrorists Jennifer Fredette - July 24, 2016 [caption id="attachment_44348" align="aligncenter" width="960"] People arrive with flowers to add to
How Erdogan may exploit Turkey’s failed coup Kadir Yildirim - July 20, 2016 [caption id="attachment_44111" align="aligncenter" width="960"] People shout slogans and hold Turkish
France has had more than its share of terrorist attacks. These 3 factors explain why. Erik Bleich - July 18, 2016 [caption id="attachment_43937" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A tribute is laid on the
This is the problem with trying to destroy the Islamic State Colin Clarke and Chad Serena - July 12, 2016 [caption id="attachment_42441" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A fighter of the Islamic State
At this week’s OPEC meeting, expect much ado about nothing Jeff Colgan - May 31, 2016 [caption id="attachment_41293" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Ali al-Naimi, Saudi Arabia's petroleum minister,
Why two islands may be more important to Egyptian regime stability than billions in Gulf aid Laurie Brand and Joshua Stacher - April 25, 2016 [caption id="attachment_39654" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Egyptians shout slogans against President Abdel
Why it’s wrong to say that the Arab uprisings failed Marc Lynch - March 28, 2016 [caption id="attachment_37971" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Egyptians wave their nation's flag in
Tunisia’s labor union won the Nobel Peace Prize. But can it do its job? Ian Hartshorn - February 26, 2016 [caption id="attachment_36414" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Tunisian Prime Minister Ali Larayedh, left,
Listen up, Republicans. Here’s what Ronald Reagan knew about campaigning and governing. Jeff Chidester - February 24, 2016 [caption id="attachment_36269" align="aligncenter" width="908"] From left, Ted Cruz, Donald Trump
Is Africa paving a road out of poverty? Robert Mattes, E. Gyimah-Boadi, and Boniface Dulani - February 7, 2016 [caption id="attachment_35422" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A highway in Madagascar (Rod Waddington)[/caption]
What does an amended constitution really change about Algeria? John Entelis - January 19, 2016 [caption id="attachment_34521" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika casts his
What are the Kurdish Women’s Units fighting for in Syria? Amy Holmes - December 23, 2015 [caption id="attachment_33884" align="aligncenter" width="908"] FILE: Young Syrian-Kurdish women take part
Here’s what the rest of the world is saying about Donald Trump Kalev Leetaru - December 18, 2015 [caption id="attachment_33662" align="aligncenter" width="908"] U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump
Why quotas are needed to achieve gender equality Lindsay Benstead - November 10, 2015 [caption id="attachment_31947" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Prime Minister designate Justin Trudeau leads
Twenty years after the most important U.N. conference on women, what – if anything – has changed? Aili Tripp - September 25, 2015 [caption id="attachment_29835" align="aligncenter" width="908"] In this 1995 file photo, a
Are Muslim countries really unreceptive to religious freedom? Daniel Philpott - July 10, 2015 [caption id="attachment_27253" align="aligncenter" width="620" class="center"] In this Friday, Dec. 28,
How a new Jordanian flag challenges ISIS Laurie Brand - June 23, 2015 [caption id="attachment_26394" align="alignnone" width="620" class="center"] Protesters hold up pictures of
Six months on, we are not all Charlie Jennifer Fredette - June 22, 2015 [caption id="attachment_26326" align="aligncenter" width="1484"] A “Je Suis Charlie” candle at
This is not the Middle Eastern order you are looking for Benjamin Denison and Andrew Lebovich - June 9, 2015 [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1484"] What Africa might look like had
Tunisian voters balancing security and freedom Radhouane Addala, Elizabeth Nugent, and Chantal Berman - June 1, 2015 [caption id="attachment_25581" align="aligncenter" width="620" class="align center "] A woman holds
Which borders will states fight for? Nadav Shelef - May 18, 2015 [caption id="attachment_24977" align="aligncenter" width="660"] An Indian Border Security Force (BSF)
The jihadi threat to international order Barak Mendelsohn - May 15, 2015 [caption id="attachment_24852" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Displaced people cross the Bzebiz bridge
How Egypt's coup really affected Tunisia’s Islamists - March 16, 2015 [caption id="attachment_22747" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Supporters of Tunisia's Islamist Ennahda party
How Egypt’s coup really affected Tunisia’s Islamists Monica Marks - March 16, 2015 [caption id="attachment_22747" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Supporters of Tunisia's Islamist Ennahda party
The “invisible hand” of the state in MENA economies Alissa Amico - March 4, 2015 [caption id="attachment_22320" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Emirates passenger planes are parked at
Deradicalization revisited Omar Ashour - February 18, 2015 [caption id="attachment_21457" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Religious, political and law enforcement leaders
The ISIS-ification of Islamist politics Khalil al-Anani - January 30, 2015 [caption id="attachment_20767" align="aligncenter" width="620"] A student supporter of the
The Islamic State’s model Aaron Zelin - January 28, 2015 [caption id="attachment_20630" align="aligncenter" width="620"] A member of security (L) for
Shopping for international human rights conventions Jon Pevehouse, Emilie Hafner-Burton, and Edward Mansfield - January 16, 2015 [caption id="attachment_20087" align="alignnone" width="620"] Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) delivers remarks
Militaries, civilians and the crisis of the Arab state Yezid Sayigh - December 8, 2014 [caption id="attachment_18780" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Iraqi soldiers parade inside the main
The resurgence of Arab militaries Robert Springborg - December 5, 2014 [caption id="attachment_18665" align="aligncenter" width="620"] A supporter of Egyptian President Abdel
Arab autocrats are not going back to the future Steven Heydemann - December 4, 2014 [caption id="attachment_18646" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Protesters display a large Jordanian flag
The British colonial origins of anti-gay laws Joseph O'Mahoney and Enze Han - October 30, 2014 [caption id="attachment_17460" align="aligncenter" width="620"] People protesting in London in December