How ‘Free Zones’ Became the Middle Eastern Diplomacy Tool of Choice
The special economic zones are meant to quietly bring countries together before more public realignments. But do they?
Netanyahu Can’t Catch a Break
The Israeli prime minister is trying to coast on his reputation as a grandmaster of national security, diplomacy, and economics—but it isn’t working.
How Israel Emerged as an Unlikely Peacemaker in the Middle East
By playing a productive role mediating between Qatar and its foes, the country has carved out a position as the one actor that could ease regional tensions.
Middle East Autocrats Target South Asian Workers
Hundreds of Nepalis and others have been deported under cover of the pandemic.
Migrant Workers Can’t Afford a Lockdown
As Qatar races to complete construction projects ahead of the 2022 World Cup, a small army of workers from South Asia are on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ilhan Omar and Jared Kushner’s Latest Accuser Has Shady Saudi Ties
Right-wing media has seized on the testimony of a Canadian businessman with a tangled history.
The Taliban Have a Road Map for Peace
A translation of the statement from the Taliban and Afghan officials.
How the Gulf States Got in Bed With Israel and Forgot About the Palestinian Cause
Benjamin Netanyahu is building ties with anti-Iran Arab leaders from Riyadh to Doha and betting that a peace deal is no longer a necessary prerequisite for normalizing diplomatic ties.
For Somaliland and Djibouti, Will New Friends Bring Benefits?
Interest in the Horn of Africa from foreign powers has always been a double-edged sword.
Trump Will Regret Changing His Mind About Qatar
The United States has the leverage needed to prevent Qatar from cozying up to Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood—if it’s willing to use it.
Mohammed bin Salman Has Thrown the Palestinians Under the Bus
The United States and Arab governments have abandoned the Palestinian cause and believe they can browbeat Mahmoud Abbas into submission.
Kuwait and Oman Are Stuck in Arab No Man’s Land
The showdown with Qatar is forcing all Middle Eastern countries to pick sides — and leaving two of them in the lurch.
The Scramble for Africa’s Athletes
Shady sports agents have taken a page from human traffickers. They’re luring young men to Europe with promises of fame and exploiting them instead.
Strongmen Are Weaker Than They Look
Authoritarians are on the rise around the world, but history shows they’re mostly helpless.
The Post-Islamic State Marshall Plan That Never Was
The $30 billion pledged toward reconstruction in Iraq was more than some expected, but still short of the total needed to rebuild the country.
Qatar’s Ramped-Up Lobbying Efforts Find Success in Washington
But strategic dialogues don’t come cheap.
A Field Trip to the Front Lines of the Qatar-Saudi Cold War
The showdown in the Gulf shows no signs of ending. And there don’t seem to be any clear winners emerging.
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