The Kurds Need a Street — The Classical Liberal Case for Kurdistan
Western leaders and policymakers who bemoan the referendum can, if they choose, flatter themselves as “realists.”
Jonah Cohen
· 6 min read
Middle East
A collection of 113 posts
Review: Raqqa Diaries — Escape from Islamic State
Samer’s book is a story of ordinary life interrupted, and of bravery and endurance in the face of abject terror.
James Snell
· 7 min read
The Islamist Decompression Chamber
Traditional militancy required careful selection, tests of loyalty, and secrecy.
Alexis Carre
· 9 min read
No, the Syrian Civil War Is Not like Jews Fleeing Nazi Persecution
If one genuinely cares about the civilians who are suffering, they would want to stop the war at any cost, rather than fan the flames further.
Sumantra Maitra
· 6 min read
The Sykes-Picot Agreement and the Making of the Modern Middle East
The agreement provided a general understanding of British and French spheres of influence in the Middle East. The goal was to divide between them the Ottoman Empire’s Arab provinces (not including the Arabian Peninsula).
Aaron W Hughes
· 4 min read
A Memoir from Mesopotamia
The book documents the years she spent in the country, working closely with the American military.
James Snell
· 4 min read
History and Memory in Syria
Sometimes it is better to write from an unconventional perspective; sometimes what is missing from the equation is a greater sense of historical understanding.
James Snell
· 5 min read
Western Leaders Can No Longer Ignore Saudi Atrocities
Western leaders who claim to be progressive, compassionate or 'feminist' are placed in awkward situations when the atrocities of their ally are broadcast on a weekly, almost daily basis.
Claire Lehmann
· 4 min read