More from MEF
The flag of the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Kurdish-led, U.S.-supported army that controls a large territory in northeastern Syria.
Middle East Forum Online
The Case for Decentralization in Syria
As Syria Enters This New Political Phase, the United States Faces a Critical Opportunity to Help Shape a More Stable and Inclusive Future
September 15, 2025
 · 
Sirwan Kajjo
Middle East Forum Observer
India’s Condemnation of Israeli Strikes on Qatar Is a Diplomatic Disaster
India’s Decision Smacks of Ignorance or Appeasement of Qatar’s Funding of Islamist Charities and Religious Organizations in India
September 15, 2025
 · 
Abhinav Pandya
Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Middle East Forum Observer
Why Is the State Department Embracing Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi?
If Rubio’s Team Wishes to Receive a Yemeni Representative, They Should Receive One Who Chooses Yemen over Saudi Arabia or Iran
September 15, 2025
 · 
Michael Rubin
Fighters from Bedouin tribes in Sweida province, Syria, where fierce battles with Druze factions occurred; July 20, 2025.
Middle East Forum Online
Sweida’s Druze Defy Damascus in a Fight over Self-Determination, Their Fate in Syria
The Violence in Sweida May Have Subsided in Recent Weeks, but Nothing Has Been Resolved. It Is Almost Certainly a Matter of Time Until the Next Round
September 14, 2025
 · 
Jonathan Spyer
Soldiers of the Southern Transitional Council’s Presidential Guard, Dhale Province, Yemen.
Middle East Forum Online
Inside Yemen’s Endless War: Frontlines, Houthis, and the Battle for Bab El-Mandeb
The Struggle for Primacy in This Remote, Long-Fought-over Corner of the Middle East Is Far from Completed
September 14, 2025
 · 
Jonathan Spyer
A liquified natural gas tanker anchored off the port city of Nakhodka, Russia.
Middle East Forum Observer
Iran Risks Its Energy Sovereignty amid Growing Russian Influence
Moscow Desires Lasting Influence on Iran’s Energy Industry by Funding the Construction of Its Pipeline Network
September 14, 2025
 · 
Umud Shokri
An old man begs in the street in Iran. Sixty percent of Iranians live below the poverty line.
Middle East Forum Observer
Snapback Is the Final Nail in the Coffin of Iran’s 20-Year Development Plan
Once the Second Largest Economy in the Middle East, Iran Has No Long-Term Economic Vision as International Sanctions Are Set to Return
September 14, 2025
 · 
Dalga Khatinoglu
A detailed map of South Yemen.
Middle East Forum Observer
Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council Must Rebrand for a New Era
Revamping the Southern Transitional Council Assures a Path Forward, Rather than Associating the Group with a past That No Longer Can Exist
September 13, 2025
 · 
Fernando Carvajal
The participation of writer and essayist Raphaël Enthoven in the Besançon literary festival has been canceled because his “recent controversial statements risk compromising the smooth running of the literary festival.”
Middle East Forum Online
Jewish Writer Banned from Europe’s Literary Festivals
There Is Not Much Freedom of Speech in Gaza, and Europe Is Not Doing Much Better
September 12, 2025
 · 
Giulio Meotti
The adversaries that Israel and Ukraine fight killed Americans, seemingly with impunity. The nay-saying, couch potato doctrine of U.S. national security costs lives.
Middle East Forum Online
What America Could Learn from Israel and Ukraine
For Decades, Both Republicans and Democrats Have Acquiesced to Being Punching Bags for Rogue Groups and States
September 12, 2025
 · 
Michael Rubin