Middle East and North Africa

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

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.

Israel’s latest operation in Gaza has created two serious threats to Egypt’s government.

As Israel appears poised to launch an offensive in Rafah, Bronwen Maddox interviews a key figure in US foreign policy on the Middle East for over a decade, Ambassador Dennis Ross.

Are we seeing a resurgence of the threat posed by nuclear weapons, given recent events in the Middle East and rhetoric from world leaders?

The nuclear threat is resurgent – more must be done to avert the havoc of escalation.

To break through Libya’s political stalemate, the UN must be willing to pursue a bolder strategy, despite the risks of failure.

Direct clashes between Israel and Iran have brought the Middle East to the brink of a regional war. Will both sides de-escalate or have tensions reached the point of no return?

Beijing’s diplomatic activism shows it is worried Iran–Israel tit-for-tat may undermine Saudi–Iran reconciliation.

The strikes demonstrated a more assertive approach from Tehran, but the region’s security now depends on Israel’s ability to play a longer game.

Israel’s attack signalled a shift in its strategy towards Iran. Tehran’s response and the US promise of ‘ironclad’ support for Israel risks escalation of this transnational conflict.

Tehran’s dilemma is finding a response that maintains its position in the ‘axis of resistance’ but does not precipitate an escalation which it would likely lose.

As climate change and the trade of water-intensive goods exacerbate global water scarcity, how can importers of commodity products improve the sustainable use of water at sites of production?

Having a foreign secretary with status that is largely free of domestic political concerns matters, but a lack of strategy matters more.

Plans for a post-war peace must be made now

Egypt’s strategic position in the Middle East, its political importance to the US – and proximity to rich neighbours – has allowed it to secure much-needed financial resources.

A historic low turnout points to declining public interest amid uninspiring leadership choices.

This episode discusses transnational links between the movement of people and armed conflict – from Edo State in Nigeria, through Niger, to Libya.

Iranians are boycotting the first elections since the death of Mahsa Amini. Why? And is the world ready for a nuclear Iran?

Hezbollah knows escalation would hurt Iran and erode its support in Lebanon, forcing it to prioritize survival over any effort to exploit the situation.

Reports that China pushed for a complete end to Houthi attacks are inaccurate: Beijing will not use its limited influence to support the US agenda.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE may demand greater Palestinian concessions in exchange for normalizing relations with Israel, writes Christina Paschyn.

The president of the Crisis Group tells Roxanne Escobales why war is trumping diplomacy and why South Africa’s legal case against Israel matters.

Armed-conflict mediator Pierre Hazan tells John Milnes-Smith about possible war endgames and how peace deals have transformed since the 1990s.

‘Conflict management’ and a complicit international community led to October 7. Only true compromise can lay the ground for a lasting peace, writes Yossi Mekelberg.

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

The scale of death and destruction in Gaza is increasingly viewed as an indictment of a system facing perhaps its most daunting and most stubborn challenge – global perceptions of hypocrisy.

The risk of regional escalation means that the Gulf Arab states should do more to push for a ceasefire, not only for humanitarian reasons, but for their economic self-interest.

Bronwen Maddox looks ahead to the challenges of the year and sets out recommendations for change.

Despite fears that Iran–Pakistan strikes would see spillover of conflict from the Middle East, the situation remains relatively self-contained.

The Houthis will not be discouraged, but the implications for Yemen and its people are dire.

The latest episode of our weekly podcast discusses the US-led strikes in Yemen.