The Marshall Plan Still Resonates in the Arab World
By Ellen Laipson and Rob Havers: As Tunisia approaches its presidential election later this month, it’s important to take the long view on the changes that began with the Tunisian revolt in late 2010. In an earlier, more optimistic moment, many believed that a transformation toward a more open, inclusive and prosperous region was underway. Now […]
The New Sectarianism: The Arab Uprisings and the Shi’a-Sunni Divide
More than three years after the Arab uprisings began, it is clear that tensions between Shi’a and Sunni Muslims will be one of the most important outcomes of the revolts. The Stimson Center is convening a series of conversations in 2015 to examine the role of state and non-state actors in driving this conflict. The […]
Ellen Laipson’s Blog featured in Fikra Forum on Tunisia’s Path to a New Order
International observers have praised Tunisia’s October 26 elections as a remarkable achievement. The turnout – over 60 percent – was higher than anticipated, both citizens and the security forces behaved well, and the Ennahda Party conceded victory to their rival, Nidaa Tounes, early and graciously. Nidaa Tounes won 85 seats to Ennahda’s 69 in an assembly of […]
The Escalating Shi’a-Sunni Conflict: Assessing The Role Of State Actors
In the second of four conferences on an increasing Shi’a-Shia divide in the middle east, from Iraq to Syria, Lebanon to the Gulf, and even Egypt, violence between Shi’a and Sunni Muslims is on the rise. While non-state actors, such as ISIS, are advancing a sectarian agenda, some governments in the Middle East are also […]
Iran and the Arab World After the Nuclear Deadline: Possible Scenarios
President Hassan Rouhani made clear during his recent trip to the United Nations General Assembly that if a nuclear deal is reached with the P5+1 in November, Iran is prepared to cooperate with Western governments on other issues, including Iran’s interventions and involvement in Arab states. As the deadline for a deal draws near, some […]
Ellen Laipson’s Blog in Fikra Forum on Tunisia’s Democratic Growing Pains
From a distance, Tunisia’s upcoming elections appear to be a positive culmination of steady progress from the revolt of late 2010 to the establishment of a constitutional democracy. Tunisia is the last “Arab Spring” country standing, and its capacity to weather the challenges of political assassinations, labor unrest, and violent confrontations between Islamic extremists and […]
Arming Syrian Rebels: Deja Vu All Over Again
This week the Obama administration launched the bombing phase of the U.S. strategy with the goal of destroying the Islamic State. While results of the initial phase are still becoming clarified, it is another aspect of the strategy – the arming of moderate Syrian forces – that poses increasingly serious risks and uncertainties. It was […]
Arab Public Not Taking US Efforts on ISIS Seriously
As the United States gears up for possible airstrikes inside Syria, it should remember one thing: No matter how much planning has gone into US military plans to counter the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the Arab public isn’t convinced that anything will change. Indeed, a look at Arab social and online media reveals something quite […]