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.
Why did tens of thousands of people risk their lives to leave Morocco for Europe? New court rulings and the spread of misinformation only go so far in explaining the phenomenon.
From Syria to Yemen, Iran has demonstrated a vast capacity for manufacturing crises, yet it has failed to translate its strategy into legitimate influence or durable security.
Forecasters put oil at $150 to $200 a barrel once the Strait of Hormuz closed. Five months on it has averaged $94—not because the barrels came back, but because the market keeps betting they soon will.