Search

Begin New Search Topic Diplomacy Political Geography Middle East

21. Virtual Briefing Series | End of an era: the fall of the Assad regime

Author:
Ryan Crocker and Charles Lister
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Middle East Institute (MEI)
Abstract:
Following more than a year of turmoil and transformative changes reshaping the Middle East, the region witnessed another shock with the downfall of the Assad family’s 54-year rule over Syria last weekend. The rapid collapse was triggered by a lightning rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former affiliate of al-Qaeda. This on-the-record briefing featured Amb. (ret.) Ryan Crocker, career diplomat with the US Foreign Service. His previous appointments included US Ambassador to Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Lebanon; as well as Charles Lister, Senior Fellow and Director of MEI’s Syria and Countering Terrorism & Extremism programs. Our experts discussed what the fall of Bashar al-Assad means for Syria and the region, the international community’s assessment of the Syrian conflict, what this development portends for Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” in the Levant, the influence of regional powers in Syria, and the future of US policy toward the region.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Syrian War, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and Bashar al-Assad
Political Geography:
Middle East

22. The Role of International Organizations in Promoting Peace and Security in the Middle East

Author:
Mohammad Al-Rawashdeh
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Political Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
This study aims to enhance the effectiveness of international organizations in promoting peace and security in the Middle East. It examines current international cooperation and the growing hesitance of states towards these organizations. The research evaluates how international governmental organizations contribute to world peace, the validity of their claims, and the theories explaining their actions. It also explores the role of these organizations in regional security and recommends ways to improve their effectiveness. Using the "shorthand to absurd" method, the study highlights that international actors often face complex situations without clear solutions and cannot rely on force. Instead, it advocates for a peaceful approach by simplifying these complexities. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the need to address peace, security, development, and human rights in the Middle East. The article asserts that the international community must intensify its efforts to secure lasting peace in the region. The United Nations Security Council, along with the League of Nations, the General Assembly, and various international organizations, has been essential in establishing the critical norms that uphold global peace and security, especially in the Middle East.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution, Security, NATO, Diplomacy, International Organization, United Nations, Peacekeeping, Peace, and Economic Development
Political Geography:
Middle East

23. Ottoman Bureaucrats Educated at The Translation Chamber and Their Effects on The State Administration in Modern Ottoman Diplomacy

Author:
Sacide Nur Akkaya
Publication Date:
06-2024
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Novus Orbis: Journal of Politics & International Relations
Institution:
Department of International Relations, Karadeniz Technical University
Abstract:
In this study, it is aimed to present together the influence of the Ottoman bureaucrats, who were educated in the translation chamber (the institutions where modern Ottoman diplomacy was built) and promoted to important levels of the state, managing the high-level state mechanisms. In the Ottoman Empire, which was governed by the monarchy, the Sultan’s authority was considered the only valid power for centuries. This situation changed during the spread of the Western-centered modernisation process within the empire. In this process, where diplomatic behaviour altered, high-ranking Ottoman bureaucrats began to be very active in state administration, and their authority rose against the power of the sultan. It is important to consider this process in question, together with the important political issues of the period, in terms of giving a clearer meaning to the construction of modern Ottoman diplomacy. In this context, the role of the translation chamber in the formation of modern Ottoman diplomacy will be discussed first, and the political activities and ideological structure of eight statesmen who were educated in this chamber and played important roles in the high level of the state will be discussed within the framework of the important political issues of the period, according to the records in Ottoman archives.
Topic:
Diplomacy, Politics, History, Bureaucracy, Modernization, Translation, Ottoman Empire, and Administration
Political Geography:
Turkey and Middle East

24. Mapping the Post-Assad Landscape

Author:
Eran Lerman
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
The collapse of the Assad regime weakens Iran and the CRINK Axis, but Islamist radicalism and rising Turkish influence demand Israel’s military vigilance and diplomatic engagement.
Topic:
Diplomacy, Islamism, Bashar al-Assad, and Regional Security
Political Geography:
Iran, Turkey, Middle East, Israel, and Syria

25. The Gaza War and Europe: Can the Continent Play a Positive Role in The Middle East?

Author:
Efraim Inbar
Publication Date:
09-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS)
Abstract:
Europe borders the Middle East, and the continent cannot insulate itself from events in this region. Its options, however, are limited: Europe is hardly a strategic actor with the political will and requisite capabilities to intervene. Moreover, the Middle East is not easily amenable to foreign intervention. Nevertheless, Europe cannot ignore developments that impact its national security and if it concentrates its efforts, it may have a modest input in ensuring that pro-stability forces gain the upper hand.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Humanitarian Crisis, and 2023 Gaza War
Political Geography:
Europe, Middle East, Israel, Palestine, and Gaza

26. Gaza Needs Humanitarian Assistance Now as Famine Sets In

Author:
Alistair D. B. Cook
Publication Date:
04-2024
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
Abstract:
Dealing with the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and preventing famine requires increasing airdrops as an interim solution and reinforcing diplomatic efforts to open up more aid channels.
Topic:
Diplomacy, Famine, Humanitarian Crisis, and 2023 Gaza War
Political Geography:
Middle East, Israel, Palestine, and Gaza

27. American Ambassadors Review: Spring 2024 (Full Issue)

Author:
Peter Pham, Michael Battle, Morse Tan, Michael DeSombre, and Richard Holwill
Publication Date:
07-2024
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
The Ambassadors Review
Institution:
The Ambassadors Review
Abstract:
Understanding China’s Middle East Marathon (Ambassador Peter Pham); BRICS and the Contest for Shaping Global Public Opinion (Ambassador Michael Battle); A Journey for Justice (Ambassador Morse Tan); Balkans Mission Report; Managing Relationships and Perceptions of Leverage (Ambassador Michael DeSombre); Climate and the Migration Crisis (Ambassador Richard Holwill)
Topic:
Climate Change, Diplomacy, Migration, Public Opinion, and BRICS
Political Geography:
China, Middle East, Asia, and Balkans

28. The Illusory Peace in the Israeli Palestinian Conflict with Amb. Hesham Youssef (Episode 22)

Author:
Hesham Youssef
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Center for Security, Race and Rights (CSRR), Rutgers University School of Law
Abstract:
The present state of the unfulfilled peace brokering process between Palestine and Israel stands to undermine any meaningful progression toward the two-state solution proffered by dominant actors in the West. Host Sahar Aziz (https://saharazizlaw.com/) , in discussion with the former Egyptian Ambassador Hesham Youssef, explores the argument that Western ambivalence to the issue of Palestinian sovereignty has significantly eroded the path toward a peace agreement.
Topic:
Diplomacy, Israeli–Palestinian Conflict, Peacebuilding, and Two-State Solution
Political Geography:
Middle East, Palestine, and Egypt

29. China Tests the Water in Palestinian Diplomacy

Author:
Ramzy Baroud
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Cairo Review of Global Affairs
Institution:
School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, American University in Cairo
Abstract:
While the ramifications of the recent unity agreement signed in Beijing by multiple Palestinian factions remain to be seen, it is evident that China has stepped up as a leader in the region
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, and Treaties and Agreements
Political Geography:
China, Middle East, Asia, and Palestine

30. A bipartisan Iran strategy for the next US administration—and the next two decades

Author:
Atlantic Council
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Atlantic Council
Abstract:
The United States needs a bipartisan strategy toward Iran that can be maintained across several administrations, one that works patiently and resolutely to counter Iran’s efforts to dominate the Middle East, drive the United States out, destroy Israel, and threaten Arab allies. Pressure to keep Iran from getting a nuclear weapon and to halt its malign regional influence is crucial—but won’t work absent a strategic goal of new negotiations to address both challenges simultaneously. The United States must also counter Iran’s hostage taking, assassinations, and cyber and election meddling by triggering automatic penalties and responses in lockstep with allies.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Nuclear Weapons, Terrorism, and Nonproliferation
Political Geography:
Iran and Middle East