From TLS, a review essay on Syria by Gerald Butt. Why Bashar Assad is still in charge: Rivalry between insurgents is helping him now — but may eventually undermine him by encouraging the West to bolster the more moderate rebels. Meet the Jordanian cleric who's sending young men to fight and die in Syria's civil war. Kevin Drum on why it may finally be time for an independent Kurdistan. Jessica T. Mathews on Iraq illusions. Iraq’s fears for the future: Dexter Filkins on what we left behind. Like it or not, what’s happening in Iraq right now is part of a rational process. Jeffrey Goldberg on the new map of the Middle East: Why should we fight the inevitable break-up of Iraq? David Faris on how Westphalia unravels in the “new” Middle East. Malise Ruthven on the map ISIS hates (and more) How should we think about the Caliphate? Owen Bennett-Jones wonders. Maged Mandour on the collapse of the Arab political order. The tragedy of the Arabs: A civilisation that used to lead the world is in ruins — and only the locals can rebuild it. A survey finds Arab world losing patience with Hamas. Bruce Stokes on how new polls show the Middle East has thrown in the towel on making peace with Israel. Facing an Israeli blockade, the people of Gaza must look to the blackmarket for even their most basic needs; photojournalist Ahmed Deeb takes us through the smuggling tunnels running between Egypt and Gaza. Mona Christophersen and Akram Atallah Alayasa on how Fatah-Hamas reconciliation is complicated by war. On Israel and Gaza: When and how will it end? Bibi's First War: Hussein Ibish on why Benjamin Netanyahu has never liked military conflict. Fred Kaplan on Israel’s deadly gambits: The Israeli government has lost the ability to think strategically. Between the settlers and the unsettlers, the one-state solution is on our doorstep. Karen Yourish and Josh Keller on the toll in Gaza and Israel, day by day. Zack Beauchamp on 11 crucial facts to understand the Israel-Gaza crisis.
