What future for Lebanon? Discussion with Christian Taoutel
[Lyna Ouandjeli] The events that have occurred before and after October 7, 2023, have profoundly altered the equilibria in the Middle East. This regional upheaval has had contrasting repercussions: some states have found themselves further weakened, while others, like Saudi Arabia, have returned to the forefront with renewed vigour. Lebanon, for its part, remains a battered […]
The challenges of rebuilding Lebanon in an ever-changing Middle East. Interview with Amin Elias
[Lyna Ouandjeli] Lebanon possesses a rich and fascinating history, but the country has also been through a great deal of tragedies. Among them, the Sykes-Picot Agreement[1] has a lasting impact in the region. Lebanon was plunged into a major civil war between 1975 and 1990, during which time Hezbollah was created in 1982. Moreover, the country underwent […]
A new uncertain era in Syria: between authoritarian continuity and jihadist ascent. Interview with Akram Kachee
[Lyna Ouandjeli] My first question to try to understand a bit more the challenges faced by Ahmad al-Sharaa and his transition government is the following: which transitional justice mechanisms is Ahmad al-Sharaa’s government considering to respond to the crimes committed during the war, including those perpetrated by the Assad regime and the armed groups? [Akram Kachee] It […]
US-Iran Relations: Why a Nuclear Deal Is So Difficult ? Is War Inevitable?
Reaching a nuclear agreement between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran has long been one of the most difficult and intractable challenges in international diplomacy. It is not simply a matter of negotiations between two governments; it is a volatile intersection of deeply entrenched ideologies, competing strategic visions, historical grievances, and the […]
Unpredictable Leadership and Mutual Distrust Threaten U.S.-Iran Nuclear Rapprochement: Interview with F. Gregory Gause III
This interview was conducted at the beginning of June. Following the events of June 13, certain sections have been updated and footnotes added to reflect recent developments. Nevertheless, the original transcription captures the prevailing sense of uncertainty in the region and the potential for military escalation in the event of renewed tensions. The conversation explores the conditions that had allowed for a relatively cordial dialogue between the United States and Iran on the nuclear issue. However, as emphasized throughout the interview, uncertainty remains not only in the regional dynamics but also in the evolving and ambiguous role of the United States.