In citizens’ assessments, most African police forces come up short Matthias Krönke, Thomas Isbell, and Makanga Ronald Kakumba - March 22, 2024 From protests to traffic stops, negative experiences often mark the public’s views of police professionalism.
Africa’s message to COP28: Take action now on climate change Alfred Kwadzo Torsu and Matthias Krönke - November 29, 2023 Afrobarometer surveys in 39 countries show citizens want immediate measures to mitigate climate-related threats.
Why does Biden want Saudi-Israeli normalization so badly? Marc Lynch - September 20, 2023 The Abraham Accords may define a new regional order.
It’s International Migrants Day. These are three must-read books. Laura Seay and Kim Yi Dionne - December 18, 2022 What shapes the policies and approach of host-country governments?
In the Middle East and North Africa, people are worrying about food Michael Robbins and Amaney Jamal - October 6, 2022 Five things to know from Arab Barometer’s latest survey
50 years ago, Uganda ordered its entire Asian population to leave Meghan Garrity - August 4, 2022 A new data set explores mass expulsions around the world
Will Israel further normalize relations with its Arab neighbors? Dana El Kurd - July 10, 2022 My research finds that closer ties with Israel means Arab regimes have new tools to repress their own citizens.
Ukraine’s Eurovision victory was political. So is Eurovision itself. Lauren Gilbert - May 16, 2022 Eurovision songs and voting are sometimes war by other means
Can Africa ‘leapfrog’ the traditional electricity model? Kangwook Han and Carolyn Logan - April 21, 2022 Slow progress on national power grids leaves many households looking to off-grid sources
The Kremlin has another weapon in its arsenal: Migration policy Caress Schenk - April 11, 2022 How committed is Russia to embracing Slavic migrants from Ukraine and beyond?
Is Africa losing ground in the battle for water and sanitation? Daniel Armah-Attoh - January 27, 2022 Afrobarometer surveys show citizens expect their governments to do more
The Belarus border crisis shows it’s getting easier to ‘weaponize’ refugees Sigrid Lupieri - November 21, 2021 Countries like Belarus are counting on E.U. governments to see refugees as a security threat
Morocco’s Islamist party just lost power. So why is it turning to its old leader? Patrick S. Snyder - November 14, 2021 The king had dismissed Abdelilah Benkirane, who had mastered the art of blaming the king for his government’s failures
Academic experts believe that Middle East politics are actually getting worse Shibley Telhami and Marc Lynch - September 16, 2021 Nearly two-thirds of our recent survey group think the Israeli-Palestinian situation is akin to apartheid
African citizens support their governments’ pandemic responses — mostly. They’re not sure about the vaccines. Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny - August 26, 2021 The latest Afrobarometer surveys could help government messaging on fighting the delta variant
How resettling Afghan refugees might help Afghanistan’s future Margaret Peters and David Leblang - August 25, 2021 Migrants help their home countries by building trade ties and by sending back both cash and political knowledge.
If Biden wants to work with Mexico on migration and asylum, he might start talking to Mexican NGOs Zaid Hydari, Kelsey Norman, Kevin Cole, and Ana Martín Gil - August 16, 2021 The administration wants to encourage asylum seekers to stay in Mexico rather than continue traveling north
The E.U. is furious that Belarus allowed more than 4,000 migrants to cross into Europe Gerasimos Tsourapas - August 12, 2021 As countries in the global north outsource refugee management to the global south, expect more poor countries to ‘weaponize’ migration.
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
Morocco ‘weaponized’ migration to punish Spain. That’s more common than you think. Kelly M. Greenhill - June 1, 2021 My research identified four different approaches to creating ‘weapons of mass migration’
Africans find it hard to learn what their governments are up to. It’s no surprise many suspect corruption. Joseph Asunka and Carolyn Logan - May 20, 2021 The lack of transparency affects people’s views of government, Afrobarometer surveys find
It’s been 10 years since the Arab Spring. Why did people protest then — and not now? Stephanie Dornschneider - February 15, 2021 Egyptians are facing much the same conditions: military rule, harsh repression and economic difficulties. Here’s what makes the difference.
Iran and Turkey have become drone powers James Rogers - January 27, 2021 Drones have become the weapon of choice around the world.
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.
The Paris agreement survived the Trump administration. What happens now? Thomas Hale - December 11, 2020 World leaders meet this weekend to discuss how to turn promises into action
Nwando Achebe’s new book is a fascinating look at Africa’s queens, past and present Laura Seay - August 13, 2020 From spiritual leaders to parliamentarians and presidents, women are reclaiming leadership roles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Is the U.N.’s new migration compact a major breakthrough? Nina Hall - December 9, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81326" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A boy traveling with a caravan
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,
Does the Russia-Turkey deal on Idlib signal a new era of relations in the Middle East? Peter Henne - October 5, 2018 [caption id="attachment_78547" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, left,
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
The big gains for women’s rights in the Middle East, explained Feryal Cherif and Benjamin Bishin - July 23, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75893" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Hessah al-Ajaji drives her car on
How authoritarian regimes use migration to exert ‘soft power’ in foreign policy Gerasimos Tsourapas - July 6, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75407" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has
What Trump doesn’t get about ideology in Iran. It’s about nationalism, not theocracy. Shervin Malekzadeh - June 25, 2018 [caption id="attachment_74879" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Iranian fans at a stadium before
Will 2018’s ‘pink wave’ of female candidates make it in Congress? Almost certainly. Here’s how. Pär Zetterberg and Amanda Clayton - May 30, 2018 [caption id="attachment_73900" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Democratic 2nd District House candidate Kara
Is marijuana decriminalization possible in the Middle East? Farah Samti and Alexandra Blackman - April 20, 2018 [caption id="attachment_72539" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A Tunisian boy cycles past street
How did voters register their protest in Egypt’s presidential election? Elizabeth Nugent - April 16, 2018 [caption id="attachment_72231" align="aligncenter" width="960"] An Egyptian woman casts her vote
What are the lessons of the Arab uprisings for Iran’s protests? Marc Lynch - January 2, 2018 [caption id="attachment_67724" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In this photo, by an individual
What’s next for the Paris Agreement? Nearly 200 countries meet this week to talk climate change. Jessica Green - November 6, 2017 [caption id="attachment_65845" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A Statue of Liberty replica by
How states can wield ‘official Islam’ to limit radical extremism Michael Robbins and Lawrence Rubin - November 3, 2017 [caption id="attachment_65731" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Worshipers arrive for Friday prayers at
Women will soon be issuing fatwas in Saudi Arabia. This isn’t as groundbreaking as you’d think. Richard Nielsen - October 10, 2017 [caption id="attachment_64680" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Saudi election officials sit at a
Are Islamists making a comeback in the Middle East? Here’s why they succeed — and fail. Marc Lynch, Kristen Kao, and Ellen Lust - September 25, 2017 [caption id="attachment_63878" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A woman casts her ballot at
The anti-Muslim AfD scored big in Germany’s 2017 election Rafaela Dancygier - September 25, 2017 What does this mean for German Muslims?
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,
How a few young leaders are shaking up foreign policy in the Gulf Cooperation Council Russell Lucas - August 11, 2017 [caption id="attachment_62243" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin
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
Why Jordan and Morocco are doubling down on royal rule Sean Yom - May 16, 2017 [caption id="attachment_58366" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Morocco's King Mohammed VI, right, and
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
Trump won’t allow you to use iPads or laptops on certain airlines. Here’s why. Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman - March 21, 2017 From Tuesday on, passengers traveling to the U.S. from 10
Morocco’s king just named a new prime minister, in case you forgot who’s in charge Mohamed Daadaoui - March 20, 2017 [caption id="attachment_55549" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Morocco's King Mohammed VI, right, and
The U.S. carried out extraordinary rendition flights from 2001-2005. Here are 15 more countries that helped. Rebecca Cordell - March 14, 2017 [caption id="attachment_55337" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A barbed wire fence surrounding a
Will the ‘Dutch Trump’ win next week’s election in the Netherlands? Matthew Bergman - March 8, 2017 [caption id="attachment_55026" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Supporters of Dutch far-right politician Geert
Middle East regimes are using ‘moderate’ Islam to stay in power Annelle Sheline - March 1, 2017 [caption id="attachment_54789" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A day before Pope Francis celebrated
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,
Are the countries that Americans think are friendly to the U.S. actually friendly to the U.S.? Erik Voeten - February 12, 2017 President Trump has rankled numerous foreign leaders during his first weeks
Why Trump’s focus on ‘Islamic terrorism’ misses the point entirely Ann Wainscott - February 3, 2017 [caption id="attachment_53566" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Donald Trump speaks at the CIA
Where do ousted dictators go? Fewer countries now offer a warm welcome. Daniel Krcmaric and Abel Escribà-Folch - January 30, 2017 [caption id="attachment_53276" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Gambia's defeated president, Yahya Jammeh, left
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
Hold off on the obituaries for Islamist parties in the Middle East Marc Lynch - December 19, 2016 [caption id="attachment_51548" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Tunisian Ennadha Party supporters wave flags
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
Human rights groups are secretly U.S. agents. True or false? James Ron and David Crow - November 29, 2016 [caption id="attachment_50186" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Side handled and telescopic batons and
What Africans think about China’s influence in their countries Kim Yi Dionne - October 28, 2016 It's mostly good.
The Islamists are back in Morocco. How did they do it? Marwa Shalaby - October 20, 2016 [caption id="attachment_48191" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man casts his ballot at
In Morocco’s election last week, the major Islamist party won again. Here’s what that means. Mohamed Daadaoui - October 13, 2016 [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1484"] Prime Minister and leader of the
Moroccans vote Friday, but neither main party will really win Adria Lawrence - October 6, 2016 [caption id="attachment_47417" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A demonstrator shouts slogans as he
The sky fell on the U.S. poultry industry last year. But NAFTA and the TPP helped protect U.S. exports. Chad Bown - August 30, 2016 [caption id="attachment_45785" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Cage-free chickens forage at an
Will Turkey’s coup attempt prompt others nearby? Jonathan Powell and Curtis Bell - July 30, 2016 [caption id="attachment_44724" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Riot police secure a police station
How Middle Eastern monarchies survived the Arab Spring Sean Yom - July 29, 2016 [caption id="attachment_44203" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders meet
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
Who supports violent extremism in developing countries? Youssouf Kiendrebeogo and Elena Ianchovichina - June 20, 2016 [caption id="attachment_42441" align="aligncenter" width="960"] An Islamic State fighter waves the terrorist group's
The changing face of women’s political participation in the Middle East Vickie Langohr, Marc Lynch, and Lauren Baker - May 10, 2016 [caption id="attachment_40311" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Egyptian women ink their fingers after
Here’s why so many of Europe’s terrorist attacks come through this one Brussels neighborhood Julia Lynch - April 5, 2016 [caption id="attachment_38486" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Forensic police investigate outside the building
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
How cronyism and lack of accountability are holding Morocco back Merouan Mekouar - March 24, 2016 [caption id="attachment_37842" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] (M'hammed Kilito)[/caption] In January, Morocco moved
Trump’s not the only one who wants a wall. Border walls are trending. Ron Hassner and Jason Wittenberg - March 8, 2016 [caption id="attachment_36859" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Ahmed Kadesh, 5, from Damascus, sleeps
The mixed record of Morocco’s February 20 protest movement. Adria Lawrence - February 20, 2016 [caption id="attachment_36080" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Morocco's King Mohammed VI right, and
Abu Aardvark’s 2015 Middle East Book Awards Marc Lynch - December 31, 2015 [caption id="attachment_34047" align="aligncenter" width="908"] (iStock)[/caption] The aftermath of the Arab
Can we compare the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Bamako? Gregory Mann and Andrew Lebovich - November 22, 2015 [caption id="attachment_32540" align="aligncenter" width="908"] French police outside the Radisson Blu
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
The Arab uprisings as international relations Marc Lynch - September 17, 2015 [caption id="attachment_29517" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Secretary of State John Kerry, second
Morocco’s Islamist party has just made another major breakthrough Mohamed Daadaoui - September 16, 2015 [caption id="attachment_29427" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Morocco Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane waves
Crafting a new constitution doesn't necessarily lead to democracy. Here's what does. - August 19, 2015 [caption id="attachment_28684" align="aligncenter" width="1484"] Here's what does not necessarily lead
Crafting a new constitution doesn’t necessarily lead to democracy. Here’s what does. Todd Eisenstadt, Tofigh Maboudi, and Carl LeVan - August 19, 2015 [caption id="attachment_28684" align="aligncenter" width="1484"] Here's what does not necessarily lead
The Middle East and East Asia: A tale of two economic trajectories Etel Solingen - August 11, 2015 [caption id="attachment_28383" align="aligncenter" width="908"] People wait in line to buy
Middle East beach week books! Marc Lynch - July 1, 2015 [caption id="attachment_26796" align="aligncenter" width="908"] A Moroccan surfer walks along the
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
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)
What changes to Morocco's laws could mean for opposition groups - April 8, 2015 [caption id="attachment_23557" align="aligncenter" width="620" class="center"] A demonstrator shouts slogans as
What changes to Morocco’s laws could mean for opposition groups Merouan Mekouar - April 8, 2015 [caption id="attachment_23557" align="aligncenter" width="620" class="center"] A demonstrator shouts slogans as
How Morocco's unions took advantage of the Arab uprisings - March 24, 2015 [caption id="attachment_23039" align="aligncenter" width="620"] A man chants slogans during a
How Morocco’s unions took advantage of the Arab uprisings Matt Buehler - March 24, 2015 [caption id="attachment_23039" align="aligncenter" width="620"] A man chants slogans during a
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
The Arab Thermidor Marc Lynch - February 27, 2015 [caption id="attachment_22001" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Egyptian soldiers stand guard near
Deradicalization revisited Omar Ashour - February 18, 2015 [caption id="attachment_21457" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Religious, political and law enforcement leaders
Why academics can't get beyond moderates and radicals - February 12, 2015 [caption id="attachment_21194" align="alignnone" width="620"] Protesters from the Islamic Action Front