New: @myacoubian.bsky.social and Caitlin Welsh joined me to discuss the global reverberations of the Gaza war as we approach the third anniversary of October 7th. We discuss the atrophying of international institutions, and early signs of their reform or reimagining. www.csis.org/podcasts/sta...

This is a metaphor for something… 🐀

Following escalating sectarian violence in southern Syria, Israel struck various Syrian government targets on July 16, 2025.
Mona Yacoubian and I explore their implications for Syria and the wider region. www.csis.org/analysis/vio...

Raed Saleh, head of the White Helmets, has been appointed minister of emergency and disaster management in the new Syrian government.

The terrace of the Crowne Plaza is another great spot for an incredible Muscat sunset!

We had a wide-reaching discussion with @geopolitics.csis.org today about Trump and U.S. allies. From a U.S.-Euro "divorce," to a new U.S.-Russian relationship, to "a schism" in the U.S./Canada and Mexico marriage but "ongoing commitment to making it work." Watch here: www.youtube.com/live/Rv5yI21...

Quite the announcement! And presumably this further increases the odds of Joel Rayburn being nominated for Assistant Secretary of State for the Near East.

While Austrian Airlines cancels flights to the Middle East "due to current developments," the chancellor announces a plan to give Syrians a "bonus" of 1,000 EUR to return. www.aljazeeramubasher.net/news/2024/12...

Sign of the times: Iranian foreign minister cancels his appearance at the Doha Forum, while the Turkish foreign minister adds an unscheduled press conference.

Now Sergei Lavrov is speaking. Sticks to normal talking points, saying Astana trio agreed this afternoon on Syria’s territorial integrity, end of terrorist attacks, and resolution 2254.

Speaking at the Doha Forum, Amos Hochstein stresses that although Hezbollah is weakened, it could still dominate Lebanon. But stresses unprecedented window of opportunity for Lebanese to push for new political reality.

تم نشر الترجمة العربية لتقريري: "حشد الدعم من أجل تحقيق الاستدامة
"المجتمع المدني البيئي في الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا

www.csis.org/analysis/mob...

Extremely worrying sign that the Russian outlet RIA Novosti is running a report claiming that HTS will use chemical weapons in Syria, citing an "informed source" in the Syrian army. Reports like this often spread before the regime/its allies launches a chemical weapons attack. ria.ru/20241202/ter...

Reports that huge numbers of civilians fled as the rebels advanced in Aleppo. Among them, no doubt, are some who just fled war in Lebanon. UNHCR estimated that of the 350k+ Syrians who returned to Syria since late September, more than 10,000 arrived in Aleppo City.

Happy thanksgiving, everyone! The lucky people who are hosting me today get to try my turkey and salted caramel ice cream, but I’m not telling them what it is in advance…

We don’t talk enough about the economic cost of environmental crises. Air pollution alone costs 2% of GDP in the MENA region. See more here: www.csis.org/analysis/mob...

Readout from an advisor to Raisi says Iran and Saudi Arabia “both believed the regime's crimes & the US green light will cause destructive insecurity for the regime & backers.”