A new Substack on Islamism and Politics in Western Democracies

Rising human rights violations in Turkey should be called out.

What happened — and did — not so far?

Washington should no longer be liable for Israeli misdeeds.

A more active approach would help cement Riyadh’s regional clout.

The U.S. war with Iran has shattered their economic model.

The U.S. war on Iran will weaken Islamist groups and embolden the Israeli right.

The U.S. war on Iran will weaken Islamist groups and embolden the Israeli right.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE hope to become artificial intelligence hubs.

A redrawing of maps in Yemen, Somalia, and elsewhere might serve U.S. interests.

Unless Hamas disarms, Israeli troops are unlikely to withdraw further.

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa makes a crucial first visit to the White House, with the reconstruction of his war-battered country at stake if he is able to persuade U.S. lawmakers to lift sanctions.

Many face a tough choice—remain in squalid camps or return to a troubled homeland.

YouTube video by Council on Foreign Relations

Decisions made early on set the path for a devastating war.

Recent announcements by France, Britain, and Canada are mostly performative.

Washington is pushing outdated ideas and unrealistic goals.

On Middle East politics, Jared Kushner is not the disruptor he says he is.

China and the U.S. are competing for influence in the troubled region.

Recent announcements by France, Britain, and Canada are mostly performative.

U.S. pressure on Israel and Turkey could help stabilize Syria.

The Trump administration’s analysis of the war with Iran is an exercise in pure narrative.

For months, he seemed to prefer a nuclear deal over military action—until he didn’t.

The Israeli attack on Iran is about much more than its nuclear program.

Voices opposing the war in Gaza are getting louder—but Israelis have no trouble ignoring them.

Tehran is seeking to rebuild its military prowess as it discusses the future of its nuclear program with the U.S.

The U.S. president has correctly abandoned decades of tradition in the region.

When a phrase has been misused into uselessness, maybe avoiding it is the best policy.

Negotiations could strengthen the regime—and so could military strikes.

U.S. higher education is the envy of the world—but, with state interference, maybe not for long.

After decades in office, Turkey’s president has put his country in an impossible position.

Like elsewhere in the Middle East, sectarianism is baked into Syrian society.

Like elsewhere in the Middle East, sectarianism is baked into Syrian society.

The end of the countries’ historic peace deal was once unimaginable—but is now on the horizon.