Early next month, the country is scheduled to hold its first parliamentary elections since the fall of Assad. But the conditions that have long stifled democracy in the Arab world remain firmly in place.
Syria
Posted inPolitics
Trump Is Betting on Syria’s New Strongman
Ahmad al-Sharaa toppled Assad. But is Syria headed toward democracy, or did it trade one dictator for another?
Posted inWar in the Mideast
Lebanon’s Precarious Future
The collapse of Hezbollah’s dominance has left a power vacuum in Lebanon—and a rare opening to reimagine the state. But without reform, aid, disarmament, and a rethinking of the centralized system of governance, the country risks falling back into the abyss.
Posted inPolitics
Where Will Syria Go From Here?
Here are the central questions surrounding the collapse of the Assad regime and the rise of HTS.
Posted inPolitics
Biden’s Cold-Blooded Victories
In our undeclared proxy war with Russia and Iran, the United States is winning handily.
Posted inNewsletter
Was Obama Correct to Not Strike Syria?
Plus, the DOGE disaster and one possible good idea from RFK Jr.—all in the December 10, 2024 newsletter.
Posted inWar in the Mideast
The Lebanese Are Tired of Being Resilient
Their national symbol, the cedar tree, represents resilience. They thrive in the diaspora, but at home, these proud people, at the bloody crossroads of the Middle East, are sick of stronger foreign powers treating them as collateral damage.
Posted inFeatured, Political Animal, Politics
The Vicious Fate Awaiting Syrian Refugees Who Go Home
A new report finds that returnees are being tortured, detained, raped, and killed by the Assad regime.
Posted inPolitical Animal
House Republicans Settle on Their Defense of Trump
The real question is, can the House Republicans accept a traitor in the White House who has attempted bribery in plain sight?
Posted inPolitical Animal
Trump Is Openly Talking About Committing a War Crime
Taking Syria’s oil would be a violation of both U.S. and international law.
