It is our belief at TIMEP that local experts and advocates are the most well-positioned to understand developments, challenges, and opportunities on the ground. Their voices and experiences are instrumental in crafting solutions-oriented policy that responds to root causes–whether at the U.S., EU, or UN level. Despite this, we find that local experts and advocates are often sidelined; they suffer from resource challenges; they lack access to training and convening opportunities; and they are often cut-off from each other and the international community.

Syria’s Revolution: Twelve Years On

As we mark 12 years since the Syrian revolution and look at where Syria is today, we asked TIMEP nonresident fellows, alumni, and contributors what they believe are the key issues policymakers...

Sudan’s Post-Coup Crisis: From a Political Impasse to an Unpopular Political Process

The final political process in Sudan seems to be going forward, despite its challenges and limitations. Not resolving these issues might lead to an agreement that lacks support from the most influential...

Urbanism in Egypt Under Threat Amid Impacts of Climate Change

Forecasts indicate that Egypt’s coastline (Port Said - Alexandria) and other areas in the Delta governorates may sink due to climate change.

A Plague O’ Both Your Houses: The False Dilemma of Sudan’s Elites

Even in Sudan’s historically militarized political system, civilian leaders and former rebels face a false dilemma of backing one coup general or the other, an impossible binary that has already had very...

The Political Origins of Syria’s Cholera Outbreak

While the cholera outbreak in Syria is driven by the consumption of untreated water, there is an even more profound disease plaguing the country: the weaponization and subversion of core public goods,...

Death in Lebanon’s Interrogation Centers

Law 191 is a legislative victory as it provides basic defense guarantees for a person suspected of a crime in Lebanon. In practice, however, some security agencies still do not respect or...

Disaster and Dystopia: The Earthquake in Southern Turkey and Northern Syria

The devastating earthquake will be a tipping point in modern history, where a large number of Syrians and Turks—myself included—will remember it as one in which many of their loved ones lost...

COP27 Provided Reflection of Reality and Existing Gaps in Libya and Tunisia Climate Action 

It is important to revisit the experiences of Libya and Tunisia at COP27 to better understand performance, setbacks, and possible opportunities to consider for upcoming COPs.