A New Era for Egypt

Though Mohammed Morsi was the legitimate, elected president of Egypt, he quickly lost actual popular legitimacy by isolating large segments of the Egyptian population. 

Egypt

Assir Crisis Reflects Deeper Lebanese Divide

Although the Lebanese army successfully eliminated Salafist Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir, the societal divide that led to his emergence remains.

Lebanon

Would Military Rule Work in Lebanon?

The recent clashes with Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir and Egypt's example have renewed Lebanese pride for their military, but it seems unlikely that military rule could be successful in Lebanon.

Lebanon

What Happened to Fadel Shaker?

In a case rarely seen in Lebanese society, Fadel Shaker, one of the country’s most beloved pop stars, chose to embrace extreme piety and soon became wingman to Salafist sheikh Ahmad al-Assir.

Lebanon

Lebanon's Sectarian Fall

As the Syrian conflict continues to rage, tensions are on the rise between Lebanese Sunnis and Shiites as a result of their affiliations with divergent Syrian groups.

Lebanon

Will Sheikh Tamim Rebalance Qatar’s Foreign Policy?

In the first article of a two-part series, Qatar’s new emir will likely follow his father's course, but Qatar’s may be forced to adjust its approach to international affairs.

Qatar

Two Futures for Egypt Clash In the Conflict of the Squares

The war of the squares, or the mass rallies organized by Egypt's opposition and the Islamists, show each ideology trying to flex its muscles by mobilizing the street.

Egypt

Rouhani calls for Moderation In First Speech as President-elect

In his first speech as president-elect of Iran, Hassan Rouhani said Iran should avoid extremism.

Lebanon

Why Kerry Wants a Fast Reboot Of Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks

US Secretary of State John Kerry wants a quick resumption of Mideast peace talks, hoping to elicit some flexibility from Israel and to head off UN countermeasures by the Palestinians.

Palestine

Lebanese Shiites' Divisions Intensify Over Syria

The murder of a student leader of an anti-Hezbollah Shiite group has served as a reminder of historical and shifting divisions within Lebanon’s Shiite community.

Lebanon

Lebanon's Assir Gone, But Problems Remain

While the Lebanese army has successfully booted Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir from the city of Sidon, the popular divide that allowed for his movement's growth persists.

Lebanon

No Secret Deal Behind Assir’s Escape

Although many think that a secret escape deal was struck between Ahmad al-Assir and the Lebanese army, logic suggests that this is not the case.

Lebanon