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Curated by Project Syndicate

Rethinking the Arab State

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The ethnic, sectarian, and clan-based violence spreading across the greater Middle East has called into question the future of many Arab states. If the prevailing nation-state model cannot survive the turmoil, what governing arrangements could succeed it, and how might such a new order emerge?

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  1. Lebanon’s Gathering Storm
    Beirut Airport Lebanon AFP photo/Flickr

    Lebanon’s Gathering Storm

    Oct 7, 2014 Michael Young warns of sectarian conflict spreading to Lebanon, fueled by a worsening economy.

  2. The Future of Syria
    Syrian refugees enter Turkey Syrian refugees in Turkey/Yasin Akgul/ZumaPress

    The Future of Syria

    Sep 29, 2014 Christopher R. Hill argues that rooting out the Islamic State should not be the only goal of US policy.

  3. The Intellectual Battle Against ISIS
    ISIS fighter in Iraq Medyan Dairieh/ZumaPress

    The Intellectual Battle Against ISIS

    Sep 27, 2014 Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum calls for a broad development agenda to defeat the Middle East's ideologies of hate.

  4. Lebanon’s Model of Moderation
    Daily life in Beirut Lebanon Beirut street/World Bank photo/Flickr

    Lebanon’s Model of Moderation

    Sep 25, 2014 Marwan Muasher & Kim Ghattas praise Lebanese pluralism as a model for the Arab world that the West should fully support.

  5. Obama Versus the Islamic State
    Obama speaks about ISIS Rick Friedman/ZumaPress

    Obama Versus the Islamic State

    Sep 23, 2014 Anne-Marie Slaughter offers mixed praise for America's new strategy to fight the Islamic State.

  6. Reading Israel from Left to Right
    Israel Golan Heights Nir Alon/ZumaPress

    Reading Israel from Left to Right

    Sep 5, 2014 Ian Buruma examines why Israel's most ardent supporters include leaders of parties with anti-Semitic roots.

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