Middle East and North Africa

If the Gulf monarchies pursue the top-down, neo-liberal reforms that have been announced, these are likely to foster tensions related to the definition of the new social contract, according to a new paper.

The strategic gains of the local administration in Rojava could provide an important model for conflict resolution in the region – it must be represented in talks to bring about a lasting settlement in Syria, writes Ghadi Sary.

While Yemen may not be a Western policy priority today, the growing humanitarian crisis and the rise of jihadist groups will soon force it further up the international policy agenda, writes Peter Salisbury.