Turkey and HTS: A New Era of Extremism in Syria?
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2023, Syria is now controlled by an alliance of opposition groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). While there has...
Islamism
Coming to America
It’s not just mass illegal immigration that poses a threat
Op-eds
Israel Is Overhauling Its Defense Ideology; Will Arab States Finally Support It?
Israel is perhaps the most muscular and influential power in the Middle East today. When Israel changes its defense ideology, as per the Nagel Committee Report released last week, the region must take...
Op-eds
What does Donald Trump’s “Hell to Pay” look like?
President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that if the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, including seven American citizens, are not released before his inauguration on January 20, there will be “hell to...
Op-eds
Trump can’t leave Syria to others
After the fall of Bashar Assad‘s regime in Syria, the incoming Trump administration faces a complex set of challenges. Despite President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to reduce U.S....
Op-eds
Turkey Is Preparing to Invade Syria, Then Israel?
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is making no effort to disguise his ambitions. In a bold declaration following the first meeting of Turkey’s cabinet, Erdogan made it clear that he intends to...
Op-eds
In Verified Footage, New Syrian Justice Minister Presided Over Woman’s 2015 Execution
The woman kneels on the pavement, waiting for a bullet to the back of her head. She has been convicted of “corruption and prostitution.” Standing behind her is Shadi al-Waisi, who currently serves...
Policy Briefs
American greatness requires great military power
Encouragingly, most Americans understand that
Op-eds
Can Syria’s New Leader Unite Armed Factions Into One Army?
Syria’s new leader Ahmad al-Sharaa – who also uses the nom-de-guerre Abu Mohammad al Jolani — has pledged to dissolve existing armed factions and integrate their fighters into a newly formed...
Policy Briefs
The Options We Face in Syria – And What’s Good for Israel
The collapse of the Assad regime in Syria in the face of rebel groups, primarily Hayat Tahrir al-Sham headed by Abu Mohammad Al-Jolani, constitutes a...
Op-eds
Don’t Fall for the New Syrian Regime’s Claims of Moderation
HTS’s membership rolls and track record do not inspire confidence that the group will lead to a free, inclusive, and prosperous Syria.
Op-eds
‘Ambiguities in the Law’: Iran Pauses Implementation of Draconian Hijab Legislation
Law Would Have Imposed Severe Penalties: Iran’s National Security Council on December 16 paused the implementation of a controversial “Hijab and Chastity” law that would harshen...
Flash Briefs
Haute Qatar: Sheikha Moza’s Glamour Masks Doha’s Vices
Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser is revered as a champion of education, sustainability, fashion, and art. The glamorous female face of the Qatar regime — and the mother of its current emir — presents herself as a modern face of a traditional, conservative Gulf state. ...
Op-eds
The ‘Eyes of the State of Israel’: IDF Ready For Prolonged Stay on Mount Hermon
Netanyahu Visits Strategic Heights: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz paid an unannounced visit on December 18 to the newly secured Mount Hermon,...
Flash Briefs
Who will form the core of Jolani’s unified army?
Ahmad al Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), commonly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al Jolani, has unveiled a vision for post-Assad Syria. With HTS assuming control in the aftermath...
Op-eds
How Turkey Outplayed Egypt and the U.S. In The Horn Of Africa
Ankara’s recent geopolitical gains go beyond just Syria.
Op-eds
Understanding Syria’s pleasantly surprising new ruler Sharaa
He told journalists the region’s problem is the Iran regime while he chooses diplomacy to settle disputes with Israel
Op-eds
‘We Can Always Look for Other Ways’: Key Iranian Supply Line to Hezbollah Broken After Assad Ouster
Iran’s Route through Syria Severed: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said in a public address that Hezbollah’s critical supply line – running from Iran through Iraq and Syria into Lebanon – no longer exists following the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels on December 8.
Flash Briefs
Is Syria’s Julani part of a rising generation of younger Middle East leaders?
If Julani is to remain in power for the coming years, he could play a transformative role in Syria and the Middle East.
Op-eds
Iran never gave up on Assad; it simply failed to protect him
The sudden collapse of the Islamic Republic’s closest state-actor ally stunned the world, as Syrian rebels captured Damascus just 11 days after launching a new wave of insurgency. To deflect this humiliating...