Publications
Articles, publications, books, tools and multimedia features from the U.S. Institute of Peace provide the latest news, analysis, research findings, practitioner guides and reports, all related to the conflict zones and issues that are at the center of the Institute’s work to prevent and reduce violent conflict.
Mona Yacoubian on the Liberation of Raqqa
Mona Yacoubian tells us about the liberation of Raqqa, Syria, and explains the necessity of continued U.S. involvement in Raqqa.
A New U.S. Strategy Will Keep American Troops in Syria
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has outlined a new Syria strategy for the Trump administration that includes an extended U.S. troop presence. Tillerson spoke days after Turkey, a NATO ally, denounced a U.S. plan to create a Border Security Force in Syria composed heavily of ethnic Kurds. Mona Yacoubian, a longtime analyst and policy specialist on Syria and the Middle East, discusses the implications of these developments.
Q&A: After Airstrikes, What’s Next for the U.S. in Syria?
On Friday evening, the United States, together with Britain and France, launched a joint military operation in response to the Syrian regime’s April 7 chemical weapons attack on Douma. The Douma attack left more than 40 civilians dead and several hundred experiencing symptoms of exposure to toxic chemicals. The coordinated airstrikes hit three targets associated with Syria’s chemical weapons infrastructure: a scientific research center, a chemical weapons production facility, and a chemical weapons storage area. Around this time last year in April 2017, the Trump administration launched a unilateral cruise missile strike on the Shayrat airfield following a sarin attack by the Syrian regime on the town of Khan Shaykhoun, which killed more than 90 civilians. U.S. Institute of Peace Senior Advisor for Syria Mona Yacoubian provides some insight into the airstrikes and the challenges that lie ahead.
New Government Announced in Lebanon
USIP’s Mona Yacoubian examines the implications of the recently announced cabinet in Lebanon.
Syria: Dilemmas of Engagement
Mona Yacoubian addressed the Capitol Hill-based study group "Security for a New Century" on the complexities of U.S. engagement with Syria, both positive and negative.
Impact of Arab Uprisings
USIP’s Mona Yacoubian explores the impact of uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt on the rest of the Arab world. This "On the Issues" is based on Mona Yacoubian’s remarks at the April 15th annual conference of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy.
On the Issues: Lebanon's Government
Mona Yacoubian addresses the recent collapse of Lebanon's government and discusses implications for stability in the country.
Fostering Democracy in the Middle East: Defeating Terrorism with Ballots
Mona Yacoubian, special advisor to the Muslim World Initiative testified before the Committee on Government Reform.
The Syrian Uprising’s Impact on Lebanon
USIP’s Mona Yacoubian explores the impact of unprecedented unrest in Syria on neighboring Lebanon.
Lebanon's Unstable Equilibrium
Overview In the wake of Lebanon forming a new government, USIP assesses how the country can ensure ongoing political progress and stability. About the Author This USIPeace Briefing was written by Mona Yacoubian, a special adviser for the Muslim World Initiative at the Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevent at the United States Institute of Peace.