Syrian Opposition: Now's Not the Time to Plan Post-Assad Era The Syrian opposition in exile is under increasing pressure from international and Arab supporters, as well as forces on the ground, to prepare for life after Assad, writes Hala Kodmani. But opposition forces insist they must first focus on ousting Assad, not to mention the glaring lack of consensus on how to map out the next government. Syria
Arab Spring Must Also Weather Environmental Threats Addressing climate change, food scarcity and increased urbanization will not only help the environment, write Mona Yacoubian and David Michel, but will also lead to job creation and economic growth that will help Arab nations successfully maneuver through this period of historic transformation. Originals
PKK, Pipeline Attacks and Iraq Oil The recent PKK bombing of the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline reveals the growing implications of Ankara’s unresolved Kurdish problem on its energy ambitions, writes Denise Natali. And these attacks are likely to continue as the PKK takes advantage of the political vacuum in Syria and as its relations with the Turkish state deteriorate. Iraq
Brunei, Qatar and Saudi Arabia Make Olympic History for Women Brunei, Qatar and Saudi Arabia sent female athletes to the Olympics for the first time this year, guaranteeing the 2012 London games a place in history as the first Olympics in which every participating country has sent women, Jillian C. York reports. Saudi Arabia
US Authorizes Financial Support For the Free Syrian Army The US government granted the Syrian Support Group, an organization that supports the Free Syrian Army, authority to provide financial and logistical support to the armed Syrian resistance. Al-Monitor's Laura Rozen talks to the group's Washington agent about using the assistance for weapons, equipment and even salaries. Syria
The Good and Bad Muslims Of Western Media The vilification and stereotyping of Arabs and Muslims is rampant, writes Habib Battah. Most recently, ABC aired a Barbara Walters special that asked people of various faiths about heaven. But while most religions were given nuanced portrayals, Muslims were presented as either good, soft-spoken scholars, or bad, bloodthirsty terrorists. Culture & Society
Russia's Fear of Radical Islam Drives Its Support for Assad It was no coincidence that Russia vetoed a Security Council resolution on Syria just hours after twin attacks on moderate Muslim officials in a central Russian republic last week, writes Amal Mudallali. Russia does not see itself as an ally of Assad, but as a target, like him, of an extremist Salafist terror plot to destabilize Russia. Syria
Gaza Christians, Hamas at Odds Over Conversions to Islam The Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza Strip recently claimed that five Palestinian Christians were forcefully converted to Islam, sparking tension between Hamas and the Christian minority, writes Saleh Jadallah from Gaza. But the alleged victims have posted video saying they chose to convert, and Muslim groups say the same. Palestine
Churches Are Safe Havens For Syrians of All Religions Syrians fleeing violence in major cities have found refuge in Christian churches in neighboring towns, writes Salam Hafez. He talks to priests who say their churches are caring for at least 6,000 displaced people, providing Syrians from all religious backgrounds with food, medicine, clothing and even schooling. Syria
It's Time to Engage Iran, Russia on Syria The battle for Syria represents much more than the last days of the regime, as a regional power struggle is playing out, writes Andrew Parasiliti. The US should be mindful of steps that might affect regional considerations, which include the fragile transition in Iraq, and prioritze both diplomacy with Russia and engagement with Iran. Syria
Has Assad Won The First Round In The Battle For Damascus? The Syrian opposition scored a big victory last week with the assassination of members of Assad's inner circle, but the gains quickly slipped through their fingers in the face of the regime's overwhelming might. Layla M. goes to crucial Damascus neighborhoods in the battle, where she talks to city residents. Syria
Crumbling Syrian Regime Casts Long Shadow Over Region The bombing that killed senior regime officials in Syria is just another sign that Bashar al-Assad’s regime is on its way out sooner or later, writes Henri J. Barkey. Syria’s disintegration will quickly be felt in Iraq, already on the brink of sectarian violence, and ties between Iraqi and Syrian Kurds will increase pressure on both Turkey and Iran. Syria
Class Divisions in Egypt Make a Comeback Class has risen to the surface again as many in Egypt see Mohamed Morsi as an ally for lower-income citizens, writes Vivian Salama from Cairo. With Egypt’s first free and fair presidential election now one for the history books, its impact on the social dynamic of the country may have a more lasting effect than the political transition itself. Egypt
In Syria, Ramadan Bustle Eclipsed by Plans to Escape The start of Ramadan in Damascus usually sees Syrians wishing family and friends well as they scurry between shops buying supplies for the sunset meal which breaks the fast, writes Layla M. from the Syrian capitol. But this Ramadan, most of the activity on the street is at protests and funerals as Damascenes flee neighborhoods under siege. Syria
Hezbollah and Iran May Need Plan B After Syria Bombing Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah and Iran seemed stunned a day after several members of Bashar al-Assad’s inner circle were assassinated at a cabinet meeting in Damascus, writes Laura Rozen. Neither was prepared for the Syrian status quo to shift so quickly and Iran hasn't even begun to prepare for a Syria Plan B. Syria
Despite Rifts Over Syria Crisis, Turkey-Russia Ties Still Strong Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan and Russian President Putin met in Moscow just as news broke that a bombing in Damascus had killed Syria’s defense minister and his deputy. Tulin Daloglu reports that despite their differences over Syria, the leaders acted as though all was business as usual regarding their strategic partnership of strong trade ties. Syria
