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The Middle East Meltdown

16 commentaries

As the crises in the Middle East intensify, the prospect of regional peace and stability seems to be receding further by the day. What challenges face policymakers as they attempt to contain the spreading chaos, and what historical lessons should they bear in mind as they attempt to find a path forward?

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  1. The Last Pagans of Iraq
    Iraqi Refugees in Kurdistan carry Water Matt Cetti-Roberts/ZumaPress

    The Last Pagans of Iraq

    Aug 8, 2014 Sanjeev Sanyal on the worsening plight of the Yezidi minority.

  2. Why Bomb Civilians?
    Bombed Buildings Gaza Wissam Nassar/ZumaPress

    Why Bomb Civilians?

    Aug 5, 2014 Ian Buruma argues that Israel's air attacks on Gaza will at best yield a Pyrrhic victory.

  3. Unholy War
    Destroyed Mosque Gaza City Majdi Fathi/ZumaPress

    Unholy War

    Jul 31, 2014 Naomi Wolf argues that what really is at stake in Gaza is Israel's soul.

  4. The Global Security Deficit
    Airport Security hazelisles/Flickr

    The Global Security Deficit

    Jul 25, 2014 Michael Spence warns that political instability and conflict are now the main threat to the global economy.

  5. The Waste of War
    War dead US Army/Korea

    The Waste of War

    Jul 21, 2014 Jeffrey D. Sachs on why global instability today does not have to end as badly as it did in 1914.

  6. The Three-Track Middle East
    Smoke over Gaza City Palestine Mohammed Othman/ZumaPress

    The Three-Track Middle East

    Jul 10, 2014 Mohamed A. El-Erian says that it makes no sense today to talk of the region as a coherent whole.

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