The Latest from Shana Cohen
Strategic competitors in search of China: The story of Romania and Bulgaria
Romanian and Bulgarian interests have diverged on many occasions throughout history, but their outlooks have recently become more aligned. For one thing, both countries have fostered a competitive dynamic to exploit their advantageous position near the Black Sea, or to join the EU and the Schengen Area. Their narratives regarding China are also similar.
Turkey, the Gulf, and Libya: The economic impact of a growing geopolitical divide
Turkish support for the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) in the Libyan civil war has added a new dimension to relations between Turkey and Gulf countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. But what impact have the growing geopolitical divides and diplomatic disagreements had on Turkish-Emirati and Turkish-Saudi economic relations?
Syrians respond to COVID-19 with renewed volunteer and community efforts
With an economy already on the brink of collapse and a shocking devaluation of the Syrian pound — hitting 3,175 pounds to the dollar earlier this month — the COVID-19 pandemic has come at an exceptionally dangerous time in Syria.
A Conversation with H.E. Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Dancing during the pandemic: Despite restrictions, music and dance retain a central role in Iranian society
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, music and dance have become increasingly common in Iran’s hospitals and on its streets. Long disallowed in public after the Islamic revolution of 1979, they have become both a source of support for Iranians during difficult times and a way of resisting the regime.
MEI Defense Leadership Series: Episode 2 with Michèle A. Flournoy
Nation or Religion? Iraq’s Hybrid Identity Politics
Is Iraqi society structurally sectarian? Or does it have a strong capacity of resilience to sectarian trends? This article explores the nature of Iraq’s political sociology by examining several key indicators: the composition and aspirations of Iraqi society; the nature of the parliament; and the challenges that current Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi faced as he tried to form a government in spring 2020.
Hezbollah maintains a careful balancing act as protesters return to Lebanon’s streets
By letting people vent in the streets, Hezbollah seeks to shift the blame away from its inability to offer the help its constituency expects of it.
New sanctions won’t move Assad
The administration hopes additional economic pressure will compel Damascus to take a series of political gestures, including releasing political prisoners and establishing an accountability process for the atrocities its forces committed.
Pakistan’s budget: Too many objectives, too few policy options
The framers of the 2020-21 budget were confronted with a long list of conflicting objectives.
Disarray in Pakistan’s health crisis
Mainly at issue for the country is the difficult choice of whether to prioritize saving lives or saving the economy for a Pakistan that can ill afford to ignore either.
Netanyahu and annexation: Will he or won’t he?
A somewhat surprising assortment of organizations and interest groups are lining up to oppose annexation, alongside the usual opponents.
Violence against women in Turkey during COVID-19
“I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic.”