As the death of a U.S. ambassador in Libya demonstrates, the ultraconservative Salafi movement is pushing to the forefront in the politics of the Middle East. The West should be careful how it reacts.
How civil wars evolve
Author:
Fotini Christia
MIT political scientist’s book shows how even the bloodiest conflicts feature pragmatic alliances — not just ancient sectarian divisions.
Where the Arab spring has not yet sprung
Author:
Christian Caryl
The spirit of rebellion continues to simmer in the Middle East and North Africa. But you won’t see much about it in the headlines.
The democracy boondoggle in Iraq
Author:
Christian Caryl
The U.S. spent billions promoting democracy in Iraq. Now the official verdict is in: It was all for nothing.
China and Japan in the East China Sea
Author:
Peter Dizikes
At MIT event, diplomats and scholars reinforce high stakes, lack of progress on Asian territorial dispute.
Lifting of sanctions will take a few years
Author:
Abbas Maleki
An interview of Irdiplomacy.ir with Dr. Abbas Maleki, a former Iranian deputy foreign minister.
When the world changed
Later this month Christian Caryl, a veteran foreign correspondent now based in Washington, will publish a timely new book, “Strange Rebels: 1979 and the Birth of the 21st Century”. In it he argues that 1979 belongs to the select club of real turning-points: years in which one era ended and another was born.
Why China and India probably won't clash over border dispute
Author:
Max Fisher
Both China and India have claimed the Maryland-sized territory of Aksai Chin near India's northeast border for decades, and even fought a brief war over it in 1962. But the issue was mostly calm until about three weeks ago.
Letting opportunity slip away
Author:
Jeff Kingston
So why hasn’t March 11, 2011, been the game-changer that many anticipated? Richard Samuels’ masterful account of Japan’s policy responses to its greatest crisis since World War II explains why continuity has trumped change. But maybe, just maybe, it hasn’t, as he also reminds us that the consequences are still unfolding.
Empowering women in Afghanistan
Author:
Peter Dizikes
By placing some women in local leadership positions, an innovative development aid program integrates women into civic life, and may have economic benefits.