Commentary

A Welcome Humanitarian Deal between the U.S. and Iran

Washington and Tehran have reached an accord bringing U.S. hostages home from Iran and unfreezing Iranian assets. The agreement has much to recommend it, despite what critics say.

Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Recalibrated Foreign Policy

Saudi Arabia and its ambitious crown prince are looking ahead to a new world in which it will enjoy a more prominent place. Yet unless the kingdom makes further changes on both the diplomatic and domestic fronts, its aspirations are likely to run into roadblocks.

Commentary / Asia

Sri Lanka Needs Truth, but Not (Yet) a Truth Commission

The Sri Lankan government has long evaded the UN Human Rights Council’s requests that it hold accountable perpetrators of atrocities committed during the country’s 26-year civil war and since. Absent changes responsive to its concerns, the Council should keep up the pressure. 

UNIFIL is Needed More than Ever to Keep the Peace in Southern Lebanon

With tensions rising along the Israeli-Lebanese border, the UN peacekeeping force stationed in the area has arguably never been more important. With the mandate up for renewal, the UN Security Council and troop-contributing countries should reassert their backing for the mission in the strongest terms.

Also available in العربية

الحاجة لليونيفيل أكبر من أي وقت مضى لحفظ السلام في جنوب لبنان

مع ارتفاع حدة التوترات على الحدود الإسرائيلية–اللبنانية، يمكن القول إن وجود قوة حفظ السلام التابعة للأمم المتحدة في المنطقة لم يكن مهماً في أي وقت من الأوقات كما هو الآن. مع اقتراب موعد تجديد التفويض للقوة، ينبغي لمجلس الأمن الدولي والدول المشاركة في القوة إعادة التأكيد على دعمها للبعثة بأقوى العبارات.

Also available in English

How to Reinvigorate the UN’s Mediation Efforts in Cyprus

UN diplomacy aimed at reunifying Cyprus has been drifting since talks broke down in 2017. The Secretary-General should appoint an envoy to draft a roadmap with sufficient incentives to bring both Greek and Turkish Cypriots back to the table.

Forming a Unity Government May be Libya’s Best Bet for Healing Rift

Libyan politicians have floated a plan to put together an interim government. The UN and other external actors should support this step toward breaking the country’s political deadlock.

Also available in العربية

قد يكون تشكيل حكومة وحدة وطنية أفضل رهانات ليبيا لرأب الصدع

لقد طرح السياسيون الليبيون خطة لتشكيل حكومة مؤقتة. ينبغي على الأمم المتحدة والجهات الفاعلة الخارجية الأخرى أن تدعم هذه الخطوة نحو الخروج من المأزق السياسي في البلاد.

Also available in English

Trapped in the Gap: Migrants and Smugglers in the Darién

The Darién – a patch of dense jungle on the strip of land connecting Colombia and Panama – is one of the most treacherous routes in the Americas. In this multimedia commentary, Bram Ebus follows the journey of Yeimy, a Venezuelan migrant, and her sons.

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