One of the joys of my work is discovering how creative communities are in shaping their own futures—often in ways states never predicted. It’s a side of Middle East politics that rarely makes headlines.

Diving deeper into questions of development, state-building, and soft power in the Middle East — from the ground up rather than through the usual grand narratives.

Tehran could run out of drinking water within two weeks, Iranian officials warned earlier this month. How did Iran get here? And how should states in similar situations move forward?

@ericlob.bsky.social explains: carnegieendowment.org/emissary/202...

Iraq heads to elections amid violence, corruption claims and a potential low turnout driven by public disillusionment and Sadr’s boycott call. Even if PM Sudani wins most seats, forming a government could spark another internal Shiite power struggle.

Conflict in the Middle East is intertwined with competition for legitimacy and influence. Power is exercised not only through force, but through rebuilding, governance, and narrative control. Understanding the region means watching both the battlefield and what follows after.

Personal status law isn't just tradition or doctrine—it's deeply political, write @nerminallam.bsky.social and Baneen Al Qaraghuli. Egypt resists meaningful reforms to preserve patriarchy; Iraq adopts conservative reform to build legitimacy.

Full paper: carnegieendowment.org/research/202...