Middle East and North Africa

The Court is yet to decide whether to issue the warrants against Hamas and Israeli leaders.

The Court’s final ruling may take years, but it has now taken its decision on ‘provisional measures’.

Fighting in Gaza has led to calls for the suspension of hostilities, whether in the form of humanitarian pauses or broader ceasefires. But what are they and what is required for them to be effective?

Who has been taken, what were Hamas’ motives, how common is mass hostage-taking and is there hope for the safe return of hostages?

Short animation explaining why international policymakers must develop strategies to transform elite bargains into accountable political systems.

What are China’s objectives in Africa, how valid is the concept of ‘debt trap’ diplomacy, and what are China’s military ambitions in the region?

Football in the Arab world has long served as a forum for debate about autocratic power and violence, and it has encouraged social solidarity.

Examining the short-term and medium-term economic impact of the Ukraine invasion on the Middle East region, especially in oil production.

Short video explainer about how, since 2003, Iraq’s elites have appropriated the country’s rich cultural heritage in the service of various undesirable agendas.

Short animation showing the impact of normalizing trade relations between the Syrian regime and Arab countries both on the regime and Syrian households.

Short animation explaining the socio-economic impact of conflict on local power dynamics in coastal Syria, especially in Tartous and Lattakia.

Explaining Lebanon’s political system, the influence of religion, armed groups such as Hezbollah, and corruption in the state.

This short video explores the pernicious effects of politically sanctioned corruption on governance in Iraq, and why it is the key barrier to reform.

Intissar Kherigi, co-founder of the Jasmine Foundation, summarises a century of transformation of governance in the Tunisian state.

Discussing whether we are witnessing the demise of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the US’s potential role in brokering an agreement, and what might happen in the lead up to Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Women are critical to not only helping their countries achieve the goals of each vision, but also playing an instrumental role in transforming national economies and beyond.

Exploring borders from Morocco to Egypt, and examining the impact of their securitization on local livelihoods, the role of the informal economy, and links to decentralization and local governance.

Renad Mansour, a research fellow in the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, discusses the new government and the current state of ISIS in Iraq.

Sara Vakhshouri explores Iran’s oil export options following the decision by the US to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Omar Mohammed explains motivations which drove ISIS recruitment in Iraq, and how citizens are now rediscovering a national identity.

As Libya’s war economy persists, prospects for the restoration of functioning central governance become more distant.

Eliminating Hamas and Hezbollah leaders will not on their own bring peace. Tehran’s malign influence must be countered.

Daniel Levy joins the podcast this week with Sanam Vakil and Amjad Iraqi to discuss the one year anniversary of the 7 October attacks.

Days before the anniversary of 7 October, the Middle East is gripped by an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, one that could drag in the region, the US and even China.

The sustained backing of reform-minded officials within Iraq, alongside durable support from international stakeholders, will be essential to fostering an environment in which young political and civil society actors and entrepreneurs can work together to overcome systemic barriers to change.

Rather than investing in a failed statehood project, governments can empower Palestinians through other channels – and counter Israel’s impunity to suppress them.

A year after 7 October, a viable alternative to the Netanyahu government is needed – alongside international support for those willing to invest in peace.

Israel’s killing of Nasrallah has dealt a devastating blow to Hezbollah. Where it goes from here is highly uncertain.

The loss of Nasrallah is devastating for Hezbollah but Israel might be overplaying its hand. A diplomatic solution requires Washington to exercise its leverage on Tel Aviv.

Gregg Carlstrom joins the podcast to discuss Israel’s decision to intensify attacks against Hezbollah and what this means for the region.

Tel Aviv may believe now is the time to neutralize all immediate threats to its border, as a preliminary to long-sought strikes on Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Visiting Israel and the Lebanon border on Monday, I am struck by how far off peace seems, and how dangerous the confrontation with Hezbollah remains a year after 7 October.

Opinion: Nearly a year on from October 7, Israeli society is still reeling. Only the end of the current coalition and a strategic overhaul can give the country the rebirth it needs, writes Eran Etzion.

The informal group of emerging markets may lack coherence, but ending the dollar’s dominance has become a theme – and digital currency innovations offer interesting possibilities, writes David Lubin.

Jordan’s parliamentary election on 10 September promises to be the most consequential vote since democracy was reintroduced to the kingdom in 1989.

After nearly a year of war in Gaza, Palestinian national politics is more divided than ever. Hamas and Fatah must settle these differences to be ready for ‘the day after’, writes Tahani Mustafa.

States providing military assistance should take note.

Despite escalations, a full-blown conflict would be bad for both sides. But all this brinkmanship is diverting attention from Palestine.

A path out of the conflict is only possible if international actors prioritize Palestinian agency over Israeli control.

The clampdown represents a new phase of authoritarian rule that will hinder the peace process and inhibit aid to ordinary Yemenis.

Despite legislative efforts and cooperation with the EU, migration through Niger and Libya to Europe has grown significantly in recent years. This paper examines the transnational drivers of this phenomenon, including insecurity in Libya and the mobility economy in Niger.

Plans for ambitious reform in Egypt, Turkey and Argentina could fold in the face of public unrest. A second Trump term may change how the IMF and World Bank respond.

For Palestinian factions a new agreement is more about short term ideological and political priorities than establishing a genuine united front.

Exploitation and abuse of Nigerians and other people moving have become a profitable revenue source for armed groups in Libya. Tackling this situation will require both a transnational approach and policy tools beyond those traditionally associated with conflict response.

Parliamentary elections are a travesty, and Syrians know it. But the vote plays an important legitimizing role for the Assad regime.

Candidates to be Iran’s next president are quick to play down the special friendship that was sought by president Raisi.

Neither side wants a war but both are rewriting the rules of engagement.

Dr Fareed Zakaria, host of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS, in conversation with Chatham House director Bronwen Maddox.

The UK needs to narrow its policy goals to concentrate its resources on stabilizing the region’s unresolved conflicts.

The ICJ has ruled on Israel’s offensive in Rafah and Israeli and Hamas leaders may face arrest warrants from the ICC. What does this mean for Israel’s standing, the war in Gaza and international law?

Any security deal would have significant implications for both countries and the Middle East. It deserves more serious attention than it has received so far.