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Middle East

Description

Analysis of crisis factors in the Middle East, transformed by the war in Syria and the persistence of the Israeli-Arab conflict, where issues of sovereignty and borders complicate humanitarian problems.

Image Taxonomie
Aerial view of Byblos, Lebanon
See all

Kurds against IS: An Effective Military Solution?

Date de publication
02 March 2016
Accroche

The Kurdish military’s recent history immediately brings to mind images of its mythical female fighters, and of its real victories against Daesh. But its successes have been primarily in Syria. In Iraq, the Kurdish military has been hindered by poor preparation, lack of effective weaponry, and various political and tactical disagreements between actors. Without support from the West, Kurdish forces will not be able to win the on-ground offensive.

Activists Without Borders

Date de publication
30 June 2015
Accroche

Various associations organise trips to Israel and/or to the Palestinian Territories. Someone who has no previous knowledge of the Near East and who takes part in a journey organised by a pro-Israeli group, would return to France with a very different vision of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to that of someone who had travelled with a pro-Palestinian group.

For more information concerning the complete work, please click on this link.

Israel and Hezbollah: The New Strategic Equation

Date de publication
01 June 2015
Accroche

After the war between Israel and Hezbollah during the summer of 2006, a deterrence strategy was established between the two parties. Occasional subsequent crises have thereby been contained and have been prevented from escalating into extensive confrontations. 

John Kerry in the Middle East: from Weak to Hopeful Diplomacy?

Date de publication
01 September 2014
Accroche

In 2013, Barak Obama and John Kerry managed, not without difficulty, to steer Israeli and Palestinian leaders back to peace negotiations. At the same time, Washington re-established dialogue with Tehran in talks aimed at finding a solution to the Iranian nuclear problem.

The Two-State Solution is Still Possible

Date de publication
01 September 2014
Accroche

Many Israelis and Palestinians contest the ‘two-state solution’.

Syria: Ankara versus Tehran?

Date de publication
01 September 2014
Accroche

Turkish leaders would like to turn their country into the leader of the Middle East. However, they are in competition with another of the region’s key players: Iran.

What Kurdish Policy Will the JDP Adopt?

Date de publication
26 June 2014
Accroche

The emergence of an autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan, the civil war in Syria, and the electoral ambitions of the JDP (Justice and Development Party) have led to new policy being formed by the Turkish government regarding the Kurdish issue.

Kurds and the State Option

Date de publication
26 June 2014
Accroche

The Kurds in Iraq occupy what is practically a state. The Syrian civil war has resulted in the autonomization of the country’s Kurdish population. To Kurdish advantage, the JDP’s (Justice and Development Party – Turkey) ambiguous policy has cleared a new political space in Turkey.

Iraqi Kurdistan’s Unclear Borders

Date de publication
26 June 2014
Accroche

Since 1991, Kurdish parties have dominated and administered “Iraqi Kurdistan”.

Religion and Politics in Egypt Today: Ideological Trends and Future Prospects

Date de publication
30 August 2012
Accroche

The dynamics of Muslim-Copt relations and how they are managed by the Church and the State are part and parcel of Egypt’s transition post-Mubarak because they underlie the discussions concerning Egypt’s future as a civil State. The treatment of Copts and other religious communities under a new government will be a key indicator of the maturity of Egypt’s democratic transition.

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Related centers and programs
Image principale
Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul, Türkiye
Turkey/Middle East Program
Accroche centre

Ifri's Turkey/Middle East Program aims to provide expertise on the trends and developments in politics, societies and economies across the region.

The programme has the following objectives:

  • Proposing a new approach towards the MENA region through an analysis of local, regional, and international dynamics with the potential to guide and influence new policies.
  • Highlighting the role of foreign powers which have traditionally been present in the region and analyzing the new role taken on by emerging countries ;
  • Anticipating new directions and outlooks in each country.
  • Interpreting risks and potentials and putting forward new templates for analysis.

The programme has built a dense network of researchers and experts who provide expertise on the MENA region and working together on a range of crosscutting themes.

Page image credits
Aerial view of Byblos, Lebanon
© Nate Hovee/Shutterstock