Leon Fleddermann examines the motivations behind foreign volunteers in the Kurdish resistance who are joining the fight against ISIS.
The Middle East and North Africa
Middle East Region
Understanding Conflict: The Rise of Sectarianism in the Middle East
Sectarian violence has re-emerged from a long slumber to become one of the greatest threats to stability in the Middle East.
Ask the Lonely: ISIS and the Narrative of Belonging
Evan Blackwell explains the success behind ISIS’ recruitment efforts.
How Should Canada Respond to the Syrian Refugee Crisis?
Our program editors consider a question that has recently grabbed headlines.
NATO-Turkey Policy Brief 2015
The NATO Association of Canada Team offers insight into the current state of NATO-Turkey relations.
Crisis and Opportunity: Matteo Renzi’s Mediterranean Policy Will Propel him to European Leadership.
Michael Oshell examines the current puzzle that is the Mediterranean migrant crisis through the perspective of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
Russia in Syria: More Maskirovka Or Are They Really Upping Their Ante?
Senior Research Analyst Eric Morse assesses the latest spike in speculation about Russia’s intentions in Syria.
Why Support ISIS? The History of Sunni Disenfranchisement in Iraq
Evan Blackwell explains how ISIS has capitalized on widespread grievances among Iraq’s Sunnis.
Women Make a Difference in Peace Negotiations
Melanne Verveer, who served as U.S. Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues, remarked that clashes had occurred in 31 of the world’s 39 active conflicts after peace settlements. None of the 31 cases had women involved in the peace process.
NATO’s Istanbul Cooperation Initiative: Hit or Miss?
Years after the Arab Spring, Paul Pryce proposes that the time has come to draw upon NATO’s Istanbul Cooperation Initiative.