The Gulf’s New Interventionists
KAREN YOUNG — Gulf Arab states are funding development outside their borders, reshaping aid patterns and opening new arenas for competition with actors like China. Continue reading “The Gulf’s New Interventionists”
Author: Post-War Watch
After Sectarianism
FANAR HADDAD — Iraqi sectarian and political identities have changed fundamentally since 2014. Continue reading “After Sectarianism”
Iraq’s Permanent Mobilization
RENAD MANSOUR — The most powerful groups within the PMU existed long before ISIS, and will continue to build influence. Continue reading “Iraq’s Permanent Mobilization”
Erbil’s Endgame
BILAL WAHAB — Preparations for the independence referendum highlight political and generational divides in Iraqi Kurdistan. Continue reading “Erbil’s Endgame”
Beyond the Peninsula
ALEX MELLO — The United Arab Emirates’ rapid expansion into East Africa will permanently reshape the region. Continue reading “Beyond the Peninsula”
Back to Iraq’s Future
MICHAEL KNIGHTS — To manage complex security challenges after ISIS, Baghdad should look to the pre-2014 period for guidance. Continue reading “Back to Iraq’s Future”
Risk and Reform in Iraqi Kurdistan
BARHAM A. SALIH — Policymakers in Iraqi Kurdistan must restore their people’s faith in the government, or jeopardize the region’s future. Continue reading “Risk and Reform in Iraqi Kurdistan”
Iraq’s Hidden Wounds
SHERRI KRAHAM TALABANY — Helping vulnerable populations requires an integrated approach to mental healthcare and socio-economic empowerment. Continue reading “Iraq’s Hidden Wounds”
The Fog of War Against ISIS
BELKIS WILLE — Uncertainty regarding proper screening, detention, and civilian return procedures threatens future instability in Iraq. Continue reading “The Fog of War Against ISIS”
Averting Disaster in Afghanistan
CHRISTOPHER D. KOLENDA — Unless the United States changes its strategy in Afghanistan, that country could experience even greater tumult. Continue reading “Averting Disaster in Afghanistan”
Beyond Iraq’s Headlines
TIM ARANGO — Although the risks for journalists in Iraq may be highly visible, reporting in the country has only become easier. Continue reading “Beyond Iraq’s Headlines”
How to Protect Iraq’s Civilians
SAHR MUHAMMEDALLY — Iraq’s government can implement civilian protection policies to promote national reconciliation and reduce tensions between the country’s myriad communities. Continue reading “How to Protect Iraq’s Civilians”
Learning Civilian Protection
SARAH HOLEWINSKI — Protecting civilians during wartime must be a strategic priority for American policymakers. Continue reading “Learning Civilian Protection”
The Future for Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units
Today, the status of Iraqi armed groups remains ambiguous despite Baghdad’s attempts to integrate them into the military command structure — a situation that highlights the complex, multifaceted, and poorly-understood roles they will play in Iraq’s political, social, and military development after ISIS. Continue reading “The Future for Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units”
Rules of the Iraqi Game
BILAL WAHAB — Stabilizing post-ISIS Iraq will require economic reform in addition to any political settlement. Continue reading “Rules of the Iraqi Game”
Empty Classrooms and Black Market Textbooks
For Iraqi youth, opportunities to attend school have diminished. Without renewed investment in the country’s education system, the next 30 years will witness the maturation of a generation lacking its predecessor’s skills and training — reshaping its socio-economic environment. Continue reading “Empty Classrooms and Black Market Textbooks”
Putting Iraq Back Together
The war against ISIS has wrought intense devastation across Iraq. How can the Iraqi government, with international assistance, overcome financial restrictions to reconstruct the country? Continue reading “Putting Iraq Back Together”
Will Mosul’s Residents Flee?
Government policymakers and humanitarian agencies have not adequately prepared for a scenario in which a significant portion of Mosul’s remaining 1.2 million residents stay in the city as it is liberated. Continue reading “Will Mosul’s Residents Flee?”
Proxy War in Post-ISIL Iraq
JOOST HILTERMANN — In northern Iraq, Turkey and Iran are dangerously playing their proxies against each other.
Continue reading “Proxy War in Post-ISIL Iraq”
Tal Afar: Spark for a Turkey-Iran Proxy War?
In Tal Afar, an overstretched Iraqi Army leaves regional powerbrokers and their proxies room to fight, with little chance of mediation.
Continue reading “Tal Afar: Spark for a Turkey-Iran Proxy War?”
Forgotten Front Line in Hawija
The Iraqi government has ignored Hawija’s plight, risking future unrest. Continue reading “Forgotten Front Line in Hawija”
Rhetoric and Decentralization
PAUL STANILAND — Uncertainty regarding internal Afghan Taliban politics limits options for leaders in both Kabul and Islamabad.
Cycles of Crisis
KENNETH POLLACK — The same political mistakes that sparked Iraq’s conflict in 2006 and 2014 threaten to tear the country apart again.
Continue reading “Cycles of Crisis”
Beyond the Rentier State
JEAN-FRANÇOIS SEZNEC — As Saudi Arabia develops new strategies for economic development, its traditional governance model may disappear. Continue reading “Beyond the Rentier State”
Mystique of Monarchy
MADAWI AL-RASHEED — Limited social and political reforms in Saudi Arabia only prolong the life of authoritarianism. Continue reading “Mystique of Monarchy”
Experimenting in Cairo
NATHAN J. BROWN — Egypt’s president may have far less control over the post-revolutionary state than it seems. Continue reading “Experimenting in Cairo”
Confusion in the Gulf
DAVID B. ROBERTS — A proclivity for adventurism in Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi may strain existing inefficiencies within a disunited GCC. Continue reading “Confusion in the Gulf”
One Million Man Moment
MICHAEL KNIGHTS — Iraq lacks credible national leadership, and that may be alright. Continue reading “One Million Man Moment”
Devils You Don’t Know
MICHAEL KNIGHTS — The Islamic State is the least of Iraq’s challenges. Continue reading “Devils You Don’t Know”
How to Construct a State
TOM GINSBURG — The Tunisian Constitution was born from a lucky confluence of capacity and cooperation. But the country’s real challenge may still lie ahead. Continue reading “How to Construct a State”
Myths and Marginalization
FANAR HADDAD — Iraq’s sectarian competition has been much more about differences in national truths than religious ones. Continue reading “Myths and Marginalization”
On the Verge
MOHAMMED SHAREEF — Since 2003 Iraqi Kurdistan has changed from a pawn to an actor. Today this transformation is being put to the test. Continue reading “On the Verge”
Hezbollah’s New Ground
RODGER SHANAHAN — As the country wobbles, Lebanon’s “Party of God” advances narrow, sectarian interests as its regional capabilities increase. Continue reading “Hezbollah’s New Ground”
Constructing Division
JOSEPH SASSOON — Endless violence has fundamentally cleaved Iraqi society. Yet there are no incentives to change this system. Continue reading “Constructing Division”
Painting a Mixed Picture
THEO FARRELL — After 13 years of fighting, Afghan National Security Forces have assumed responsibility for all combat operations in the country. Now the real fight begins. Continue reading “Painting a Mixed Picture”
Between Definitions and Identities
ABBAS MILANI — In their efforts to forge a national identity Iran’s leaders have revealed deep chasms between social and political realities in the Islamic State. Continue reading “Between Definitions and Identities”
The Bleakest Picture
AVI SHLAIM — Israel has constructed an “iron wall of strength.” But now its leaders refuse to emerge from behind it. Continue reading “The Bleakest Picture”
“The Greatest Challenge”
Information at a glance from one of the P-WW’s contributors, Harith al-Qarawee, on the current developments in Iraq.
Beyond the Sect
HARITH HASAN — A misguided discourse hides the deep secular and political roots of Iraq’s dramatic dissolution. Continue reading “Beyond the Sect”
Iraq at the Abyss
MATTHEW SCHWEITZER — The United States must pressure Maliki to enact political changes to prevent further disaster, that is, if Iraq has not already fallen into the abyss.
An Unthreatening Storm
JOHN NAGL — The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) was kicked out of Al Qaeda for being too violent. It may soon be kicked out of Iraq, and history. Continue reading “An Unthreatening Storm”
Lessons from the US War in Iraq: Ten Years Later
Few events of the last decade have loomed as large in US politics as the US decision to invade Iraq … Continue reading Lessons from the US War in Iraq: Ten Years Later
The Faces of Iraq’s Intelligentsia
The P-WW’s Editor discusses the plight of Iraq’s intellectual class at Al Jazeera English. This article is the first in … Continue reading The Faces of Iraq’s Intelligentsia
“Iraq Ten Years On: Ivory Tower Under Siege”
The P-WW’s Editor discusses the Iraqi university system at war in Le Monde Diplomatique, to mark the ten-year anniversary of … Continue reading “Iraq Ten Years On: Ivory Tower Under Siege”
Rushing to the Finish
KENNETH M. POLLACK — When the United States withdrew from Iraq in 2011, they pulled the ground out from under a country still trying to find its political feet. The effects of this rush to exit threaten Iraqi democracy today. Continue reading “Rushing to the Finish”
The Kurdish Question
JOOST HILTERMANN — There is little that could prevent small local conflicts from escalating into an Arab-Kurdish battle, except a political desire for stability on both sides and a residual US mediating role. Continue reading “The Kurdish Question”
Illusions of Peace
AARON DAVID MILLER — Israel and Palestine are poised uneasily between a peace they cannot have and a confrontation they try to avoid. Continue reading “Illusions of Peace”
The New Great Power Arena
ALEXANDER COOLEY — United States strategy in Central Asia was guided by the Afghanistan conflict. This singular focus may come back to bite American policymakers during the next decade. Continue reading “The New Great Power Arena”
Conversations with the Taliban
THEO FARRELL — The Taliban are ready to negotiate. The US and NATO are the ones turning the cold shoulder. Continue reading “Conversations with the Taliban”
The One-State Solution
GEORGE BISHARAT – A two-state solution would be damaging to Palestinian rights, and impossible to achieve. Continue reading “The One-State Solution”
Driving Stability
BARBARA BODINE — The USS Cole tragedy illustrated Yemen as a country willing but often without the resources to aid in the American “War on Terror.” Continue reading “Driving Stability”
The Waiting Game
MARCIN ANDRZEJ PIOTROWSKI — For Poland, like many European nations, Afghan policy will be put on hold until after the United States gets the White House in order. Continue reading “The Waiting Game”
Opinion: The Wallists
SUMAYA BOUADI — It was a generational shift in thought that guaranteed a revolution long before Mohammad Bouaziz ever sold fruit on Tunisian streets. Continue reading “Opinion: The Wallists”
NATO’s Afghan Report Card
STEN RYNNING — NATO earns a score of 6/10 for its cohesion, but only a 3/10 for strategic management. This assessment illuminates a stark contrast between the Alliance’s military successes and political disappointments. Continue reading “NATO’s Afghan Report Card”
Understanding Reality
ROSEMARY HOLLIS — The British experience in Iraq taught the UK about the region, and its place in Europe. Yet many leaders are not interested in learning any lessons. Continue reading “Understanding Reality”
Under the Table
STEPHEN STARR — Syria has its own silent majority, and it does not support the rebels or the regime. Continue reading “Under the Table”
Pakistan’s Woes
ROBERT M. HATHAWAY — Pakistan and the United States have fostered a shallow alliance in Afghanistan. Leaders on both sides are troubled by its effects. Continue reading “Pakistan’s Woes”
How Al Qaeda Failed
MICHAEL BAUER — Al Qaeda failed to establish its caliphate in Iraq. For European counterterrorist experts, that was never the point of the war. Continue reading “How Al Qaeda Failed”
How Australia views Afghanistan
GEOFFREY GARRETT — Australia has always followed the United States into tricky situations. Afghanistan is no different. Continue reading “How Australia views Afghanistan”
Opinion: The Second Scramble
SHIRO WACHIRA – Is Iran barking up the wrong tree in Africa? Continue reading “Opinion: The Second Scramble”
Navigating the Minefield
SAAD JAWAD – The 2003 invasion created a far more dangerous period for Iraqi intellectuals than under Saddam, and fractured Iraq’s political landscape. Continue reading “Navigating the Minefield”
Tunisia Could Teach the Palestinians a Thing or Two
The P-WW’s own Editor, Matthew Schweitzer, discusses Tunisia’s Arab Spring experience and the lessons it could teach the Palestinian authorities, … Continue reading Tunisia Could Teach the Palestinians a Thing or Two
Examining Religious Democracy
NOAH FELDMAN – Religion and democracy can coexist in the Middle East. Just look at Iraq and Tunisia. Continue reading “Examining Religious Democracy”
Why Not to Attack Iran
COLIN KAHL – If Iran obtains nuclear weapons, it would destabilize the region. But it could also destabilize itself. And forget about it sharing those secrets with its proxies. Continue reading “Why Not to Attack Iran”
Examining Saddam’s Iraq
AMATZIA BARAM – Saddam learned his own lessons from Iraq’s political history, and his conclusions were not that illogical. Continue reading “Examining Saddam’s Iraq”
Misreading Russia in Syria
The P-WW’s own Editor, Matthew Schweitzer, discusses US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s June 12 accusations against Russia and Russian … Continue reading Misreading Russia in Syria
Information at War
DAVID BETZ – When Information goes to war, the results might not be as unprecedented as one might think. Continue reading “Information at War”
Unmanned Warfare and Strategic Shift
BRUCE JENTLESON – In the Middle East, unlike in Vegas, what happens in one country does not stay in that country. Continue reading “Unmanned Warfare and Strategic Shift”
Saudi Arabia’s Geopolitical Role
F. GREGORY GAUSE III – How can the international community understand Saudi Arabian politics? Continue reading “Saudi Arabia’s Geopolitical Role”
Discourse on Power
JOSEPH S. NYE – As leaders increasingly understand the character of power in international politics, the better their policy will become. Continue reading “Discourse on Power”
Memories from Afghanistan
JENNIFER HEATH – It is impossible to put a single face on Afghanistan, despite the West’s best attempts. Continue reading “Memories from Afghanistan”
Russia’s Syrian Ballet
EDWARD BURKE – It is important to remember that Russia’s involvement in Syria is based on Cold War memories. Continue reading “Russia’s Syrian Ballet”
Envisioning Afghanistan
MUJIB MASHAL – An Al Jazeera reporter paints a picture of Afghanistan. Continue reading “Envisioning Afghanistan”
Afghanistan’s Political Future
STEPHEN BIDDLE – To achieve victory in Afghanistan, the United States and NATO will have to compromise without betraying their key goals. Continue reading “Afghanistan’s Political Future”
What is Left in Iraq
NED PARKER – The war destroyed what little infrastructure Iraq had. And what’s worse, there is no precedent for building it again. Continue reading “What is Left in Iraq”
The British Experience in Iraq
SIR LAWRENCE FREEDMAN – The British decision to invade Iraq was based less on whether the operation was justified and more on whether the UK should follow their American allies. Continue reading “The British Experience in Iraq”
Afghanistan’s Report Card
NYT – This graphic from the New York Times helps to explain the general trends surrounding operations in the Afghanistan War. … Continue reading Afghanistan’s Report Card
On Hegemony
NOAM CHOMSKY – The West has its own agenda for the Arab Spring and the region. Continue reading “On Hegemony”
On Syria
DANIEL BYMAN – What institutions can be used to pressure the Syrian regime, and what should be done if those mechanisms fail?
US Military Presence Abroad
CATHERINE LUTZ – “There is nothing more American, in many ways, unfortunately, than a place bristling with weapons and soldiers.”
Why Attacking Iran is a Good Idea
MATTHEW KROENIG – Attacking Iran might be risky, but the alternative is far worse.
Perils of a Strike Against Iran
NYT – Recent US and Israeli wargames — held earlier in March 2012 — have simulated dangerous repercussions of an … Continue reading Perils of a Strike Against Iran
On Mideast Peace
AARON DAVID MILLER – The problem with Mideast peace is that the conditions for it simply do not exist yet. Continue reading “On Mideast Peace”
Judging Success in War
PETER D. FEAVER – Success in war is a complex, multifaceted subject that goes beyond the battlefield.
The Anthropology of Veteran Healthcare
ZOE H. WOOL – In the unique social world of a military hospital, many veterans are “alone in common.”
Continue reading “The Anthropology of Veteran Healthcare”
Human Rights and the Middle East
RICK HALPERIN – “Pick a country and it becomes apparent that it has a whole host of problems.” Continue reading “Human Rights and the Middle East”
“Attacking Iran”
ECONOMIST — Over recent days, the likelihood of an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities has increased. President Obama, noting that … Continue reading “Attacking Iran”
“Police Killed in Iraq”
NYT – As American combat troops have withdrawn from the country, it seems that the internecine violence continues relatively unabated, … Continue reading “Police Killed in Iraq”
Video: “Military Drones and Democracy”
BROOKINGS – The use of unmanned drones in the modern military theatre has raised questions surrounding international sovereignty. But an equally important set of questions about this new global reach has been asked about issues surrounding the drone’s domestic judicial legitimacy. As Peter Singer argues, “technology – never envisioned by the founding fathers – has taken Congress out of the equation.” Continue reading “Video: “Military Drones and Democracy””
Religion and Politics
AARON HAHN TAPPER – It is impossible to separate religious determination from a people’s will, especially in democracy.
Continue reading “Religion and Politics”
“Jumping Into Iraq Headfirst”
DAHR JAMAIL – Riding into Iraq at the back of a humanitarian aid convoy in 2003 to share the voices not often heard in war. Continue reading ““Jumping Into Iraq Headfirst””
Arming for the Future
The Face of War
RICHARD K. BETTS – The War on Terror has blurred the lines of war and law enforcement.
Continue reading “The Face of War”
War and Separatism
MATTHEW EVANGELISTA – The role that separatist groups play in shaping United States and western policy is greater than it may appear at first glance. Continue reading “War and Separatism”
“Churchill’s Hiccup”
KAREN CULCASI – “Maps and Might,” Part II: Now more than ever it is important to explore the world from a cartographic perspective.
American Militarism
ANDREW BACEVICH – We are today moving towards a multi-polar world, “although few in Washington are yet willing to acknowledge that.”
“The War Comes Home”
COST OF WAR – The Cost of War Project at Brown University seeks to chronicle the toll that the conflicts … Continue reading “The War Comes Home”
Dispatches from Cairo
National Security Law
WILLIAM C. BANKS – National Security Laws describe the parameters following which the US government can project its power internationally.
Continue reading “National Security Law”
Allies’ Support Wane
NYT – The War in Afghanistan, like the late War in Iraq, has lasted too long for many of America’s … Continue reading Allies’ Support Wane
