The Arab Spring poses both a threat and an opportunity for the oil rich monarchy in Saudi Arabia.
The Middle East and North Africa
Middle East Region
Damascus Bombing: Government ‘False Flag’ or al-Qaeda Infiltration?
It has become apparent that a radical jihadist element is now operating in the security vacuum created by the Syrian uprising—but is it to blame for last week’s bombing in Damascus, and is it working alone?
Is NATO Passing the Buck? An Overdue Investigation
Human rights groups are holding NATO accountable for 72 reported civilian casualties in Libya and have urged for an investigation into the causes of the deaths.
A Turkish Approach to Somalia
While several Western states have increased aid to Somalia and convened conferences to address its myriad problems, Ankara has taken a different approach by putting (work) boots on the ground.
Egypt’s Revolution Shows No Sign of Fatigue
Last week marked a return to violence in the streets of Cairo as clashes between protesters and armed assailants erupted in the Egyptian capital.
Video – Conference:CANADA AND THE NEW MIDDLE EAST
Panel I – Canadian Economic and Energy Interests in the New Middle East (Click to play video) Welcome Remarks — The Honourable John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada (via Video) Julie Lindhout, President, The NATO Council of Canada Moderator: Lawrence Solomon Speakers: Lawrence Solomon, Columnist, Financial Post; Executive Director, Energy Probe Andy Mahut, Executive Board, Read More…
From Escalation to Engagement: How to Avoid War with Iran
The United States and Europe should strive to de-escalate the growing tensions between Iran and the West.
Interview with Professor Alan Dowty
The NATO Council of Canada had the opportunity to sit down with Professor Alan Dowty from the University of Notre Dame. Professor Dowty is a foremost expert on Middle East International Relations and Israeli politics, and recently served his second time as a Visiting Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, Oxford Read More…
Women: The Egyptian Revolution’s Biggest Losers
During the first 18 days of demonstrating for freedom and democracy, Egyptian men and women stood side by side in Tahrir Square. Women died next to men and did not falter in their pursuit of these ideals. As the struggle becomes institutionalized, however, the voices and demands of women are being limited and ignored in Read More…
The Syrian Uprising: Signs of a Protracted Military Conflict
By: Alexander Corbeil The Syrian crisis has entered into its eleventh and bloodiest month, with roughly 8,000 dead and no end in sight. The Free Syrian Army (FSA), though under heavy barrage in Homs, continues to provide stiff resistance against President Bashir al-Assad. Damascus’s security forces and elements of the military have proven their loyalty Read More…