Essays

The Political Instrumentalization of “Terrorism” and Sanctions in Contemporary Foreign Policy

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on The Political Instrumentalization of “Terrorism” and Sanctions in Contemporary Foreign Policy

The recent developments surrounding former jihadist Ahmed al-Sharaa—formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani—and his transformation from a wanted terrorist leader into a sitting president welcomed by the President of the United States illustrate a deeply troubling fact in international relations: the arbitrary use of the “terrorism” label and economic sanctions as tools of political convenience Read more

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Syria at a Crossroads: Fragmentation, Federalism, and the Future of a Divided Nation

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on Syria at a Crossroads: Fragmentation, Federalism, and the Future of a Divided Nation

Syria, long plagued by civil war, foreign interventions, and deep sectarian divides, is entering a new and uncertain chapter. Recent statements by key actors in the country underscore the growing fragmentation of authority and the crystallization of competing visions for Syria’s future. From the Druze-led resistance in Suwayda to the Kurdish push for federalism in Read more

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Tariffs, Work, and Rights— Ibn Khaldun’s Overlooked Blueprint for a Just Social Order

Ahmed SouaiaiaLeave a Comment on Tariffs, Work, and Rights— Ibn Khaldun’s Overlooked Blueprint for a Just Social Order

by Ahmed E. Souaiaia * Abstract: This article reexamines economic justice through the lens of Islamic civilization, contrasting its moral and labor-centered foundations with the capital-driven structures of modern Western economies. Prompted by a significant current event—newly announced sweeping tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration on all imported goods, some at historically high rates—this analysis Read more

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The Interconnectedness of Events in Syria, Turkey, and SWANA

Ahmed SouaiaiaLeave a Comment on The Interconnectedness of Events in Syria, Turkey, and SWANA

What happens in SWANA will not Stay in SWANA by Ahmed Souaiaia Abstract: The ongoing crises in Syria and Turkey are deeply intertwined with broader regional dynamics, including the ongoing instability in the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region. This article analyzes these events through the lens of the Systems Thinking Framework (STF), which Read more

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Japan’s Journey in Discovering Islam

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by Nulifar Zain At the time of writing this article on Japanese culture, the cherry blossom season is at its peak. The “sakura” season symbolizes new beginnings and encapsulates the Japanese fascination with philosophy, nature, and the ephemeral beauty of life. In many ways, Japan’s interaction with Islam follows a similar pattern—gradual discovery, adaptation, and Read more

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The Syrian Crisis After Assad: Political Divisions and Uncertain Futures

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on The Syrian Crisis After Assad: Political Divisions and Uncertain Futures

The fall of the Assad government marked a turning point in Syria’s long and turbulent history, but rather than ushering in a period of stability, it has plunged the country into a new phase of political strife. The transition has been marred by power struggles, ideological clashes, and deepening divisions among key factions. At the Read more

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The Discovery of Supersolid Light and Its Practical Implications

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on The Discovery of Supersolid Light and Its Practical Implications

For the first time in history, scientists have successfully converted light into a supersolid—a paradoxical state of matter that combines the structural rigidity of a solid with the frictionless flow of a superfluid. This breakthrough, led by researchers at CNR Nanotec in Italy, marks a significant milestone in quantum physics, providing new opportunities for both Read more

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The History of the Alawites in Syria

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The Alawites, an ethno-religious group primarily residing in the coastal mountains of Syria, have a long and complex history marked by migration, persecution, and political transformations. Originating from Iraq, they eventually settled in the mountainous regions of Syria, where they faced economic hardship and social marginalization. Over the centuries, they endured massacres and conflicts while Read more

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Syrian Crisis: The Risks of Fragmentation and the Lessons of History

ISR--Research TeamLeave a Comment on Syrian Crisis: The Risks of Fragmentation and the Lessons of History

The crisis in Syria has evolved into a multifaceted conflict with significant implications for the country’s territorial integrity. The ongoing violence, driven by internal power struggles and exacerbated by external interventions, raises concerns about the potential fragmentation of Syria along sectarian and ethnic fault lines. Unless regional players adopt a more strategic and long-term vision, Read more

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