President Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan and the New York Declaration on a two-state solution have created an opening for peace in Gaza—though one that is fragile and fraught with danger. These blueprints are wide in scope but light on detail where it matters, including on stabilization support, which must be carefully designed if it […]
Tag: middle east
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Around 1.3 billion people experience significant disability—around 16% of the world’s population. This number is generally even higher in conflict-affected areas. Yet persons with disabilities are relatively invisible in humanitarian action, peacebuilding efforts, and other activities across the peace continuum. We are now celebrating the 25th anniversary of the women, peace, and security agenda and the […]
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Never has the cliché that we are at a pivotal moment in Middle East diplomacy been more accurate. Yet at this critical juncture, the post of UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) has remained vacant for months. It is time to appoint a new envoy and restore the UN’s political role […]
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The news of the release of hostages and a breakthrough for Gaza—one that could finally bring an end to Israel’s campaign of genocide and ethnic cleansing, enable access for humanitarian aid, and initiate the gradual withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from the strip—is cause for profound relief and cautious optimism. It also warrants […]
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In the twenty-first century, peace is increasingly commodified. Mediation—once the preserve of diplomats and statesmen—has become an arena for entrepreneurs in search of both influence and profit.A ceasefire has finally come into effect in Gaza after the Israeli government approved a US-brokered deal with Hamas, after Israel and Hamas signed off on the first phase […]
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Karim Makdisi, Associate Professor of International Politics at the American University of Beirut, discusses the role of UNIFIL—both historically and today—including its mandate to protect civilians.
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In a paper recently published in International Studies Review, we conducted a systematic review of 41 peer-reviewed publications, assessing the evidence linking climate change and violent conflict in the MENA region. Our aim was to connect existing evidence to comprehend the climate-conflict pathways as a larger phenomenon. The following is what we found.
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Threats against Iraqi activists, coupled with limited funds and capacity issues, are blocking efforts toward climate adaptation, climate mitigation, and connecting with international donors.
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The degree to which sanctions-lifting translates to economic relief depends in no small part on the willingness of the private sector to engage with the Iranian market.
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While the pandemic continues its march through the region, movements to change discriminatory citizenship laws have gained strength.
