Institution building

PMU whittles membership as Iraqi government absorbs militia

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units are forcing factions out and closing their operations as part of the integration process into Iraq's official security forces.

Iraq

Cowed Egyptians meet Sisi’s power grab with apathy

The rare voices who spoke out against the push to extend the president’s term have faced a campaign of intimidation.

Egypt

Will Sisi run for third term?

Egypt is seemingly heading toward amending Article 140 of the constitution, as well as others, which would allow President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to run for one or even two consecutive terms of six years each.

Egypt

What is driving Ankara’s love for Nicolas Maduro?

Coup attempts in any country — democratic or not — continue to act as emotional tripwires for Erdogan and his supporters, especially if these attempts are supported by the West.

Turkey

As Iraqi army retreats to borders, local police controls cities' security

As the security situation improves in Iraq, the Iraqi army is handing security of the cities to the local police.

Iraq

The (de-)evolution of Turkey's Foreign Ministry

Career diplomats and Foreign Ministry bureaucrats have been shoved aside and demoralized by the conduct of Turkey's foreign policy under Justice and Development Party governments.

Turkey

Egypt launches international academy for preachers, imams

Egypt’s Ministry of Endowments opened an international academy to train preachers and imams with the aim of renewing religious discourse and eliminating extremism.

Egypt

Iran’s Reformists under pressure to clean house amid criticism of leadership

Harsh criticism of the Reformist camp has led to soul-searching among its members, with institutional reform on the horizon.

Iran

Turkey’s paid exemption from military service system begins

Will the new paid military service waiver program be Turkey’s last?

Turkey

Will Iran’s Reformists succeed in gathering all factions under one roof?

Iranian Reformists are gathering forces to form a new assembly. But while some think it could be a chance for a democratic entity to represent the movement, others argue that Reformists need to reconnect with society rather than forming new bodies.

Iran

Population growth in Iraq raises concerns

Iraq's population is steadily growing, raising concerns about a future economic crisis and the government's inability to provide basic services to citizens.

Iraq

Iraq launches social fund to fight poverty

In cooperation with the World Bank, Iraq has launched a social welfare project to assist unemployed and impoverished Iraqis.

Iraq