Afkār is a publication of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, providing short-form analyses, insights, and perspectives on regional issues and developments from the Council's experts and outside contributors. Afkār is published in English and Arabic, and is edited by Omar H. Rahman.
Washington appears trapped between a desire to withdraw from the Middle East and a persistent need to remain there. Whenever it has attempted to shift its weight toward Asia, the region has put its power and influence to the test.
As diplomacy falters, the Strait of Hormuz is again testing regional security and the global economy. In this turbulent landscape, the Gulf states must balance de-escalation with protecting their vital interests.
A new survey shows that an overwhelming majority of Lebanese citizens are dissatisfied with the country’s confessional political system. Yet the perceived costs and ineffectiveness of mobilizing against it help keep it in place.