Lessons from Islamic History for Policymakers
When policymakers delve into the issues facing the Islamic world, in searching for a solution they would do well by examining the history of the religion. Islam has faced numerous trials and tribulations over the last 1,500 years...
Dismal Human Rights in an Impressive Global City
Rising out of the desert is the improbable city of Dubai, which may soon feature the first-ever hyperloop—an underground bullet train that travels at 745mph—in addition to a collection of skyscrapers, a brand new canal, a...
Revisiting Old Wounds: A Review of The Shia Revival
With fervent fundamentalists of the Sunni and Shia stripe battling each other in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, sectarianism has become a buzzword for those watching the Middle East. To examine the roots of this worldwide sectarian war,...
Applying the Lessons of Sri Lanka to Syria
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad recently issued a major address, his first such speech in months, proclaiming his intention to retake “every inch” of Syria from his opponents. His declaration, combined with Russian intervention...
Inside the Nuclear Deal: Iranian Fashion Revolution
Tehran joined the ranks of London, Paris, and Milan in February 2015, when the city hosted its first ever Fashion Week. Seven designers—the majority of whom were women—participated in the luxury event, which emphasized just how...
U.S. Approves Boeing Fighter Jet Sales to Qatar and Kuwait
As of September 28, after over a two-year delay, the United States government has officially started proceedings to approve the sales of Boeing fighter jets to Qatar and Kuwait. Both the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department...
Defining the Enemy
During a recent CNN presidential town hall, President Obama again refused to use the term “Islamic terrorism,” explaining that he did not want to lump together terrorists and the vast majority of Muslims who are peaceful. Bill...
The Syrian Ceasefire: Deciphering the Chaos
The Syrian military declared on September 20, 2016 that the seven-day, U.S.-Russian brokered ceasefire was over as the government and opposition exchanged accusations over who was responsible for the violations and mounting...
To Help Syrian Refugees, Highlight The Communities That Help Them
In Washington, the Syria conflict is a story told in zeros. A protracted civil war has claimed the lives of over 400,000 innocent men, women, and children. Over 1,500 of them were killed in chemical weapons attacks, one of which...
A Not So New Nuke Race in the Middle East
The Iran nuclear deal sparked an intense debate among experts, commentators, and U.S. officials about whether such a deal will ignite a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. The argument suggests that the nuclear deal...