Political violence and demonstrations decreased across the Middle East last week. Though demonstrations increased in Iraq and Iran, the uptick was not enough to offset the overall downward trend. Meanwhile, Islamic State (IS) attacks in Iraq and Syria continued to rise, indicating that instability and anti-coronavirus measures in both countries are likely allowing the group…
Last week, more demonstrations were reported across the Middle East than in any week since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in early March. Islamic State (IS) activity continued to rise in Iraq, while clashes flared over control of the island of Socotra in Yemen. Though the spike in demonstrations was fueled in part by…
Last week in the Middle East key developments include: continued Islamic State (IS) attacks in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria; a significant decline in remote violence in Syria; increased protests in Lebanon and Iran; and escalating tensions between the US and Iran in the Persian Gulf. Although Saudi Arabia announced a two-week unilateral ceasefire in Yemen…
Last week in the Middle East, key developments include: increased Islamic State (IS) activity in Yemen and Iraq; ongoing protests in Iraq and Lebanon; demonstrations around political anniversaries in Iraqi Kurdistan and Bahrain; and continued fighting in Syria and Yemen, taking a heavy toll on civilians. In Yemen, major clashes continued between pro-Houthi and anti-Houthi…
Last week in the Middle East, violence escalated in Yemen, Iraq, and Palestine. In Syria, regime and allied forces continued their advance in the Greater Idleb area, while Turkey warned that it will retaliate against further attacks on Turkish forces. Demonstration events remained high across the region, particularly in Lebanon, Iran, Palestine, and Turkey, although…
Last week in the Middle East, key developments occurred across the region. As predicted, demonstrations were reported across a number of countries in the region following the release of the US peace plan for Israel and Palestine. Demonstrations against the newly formed government continued in Lebanon. In Syria and Yemen, major fighting took place. In…
Last week in the Middle East, significant developments occurred in Yemen with major clashes in Sana’a governorate, increased Saudi airstrikes, and the stalled implementation of the ‘Riyadh Agreement’. In Iraq, more demonstrators were reportedly killed by security forces, and rockets were fired at the Green Zone. In Lebanon, a new government was formed yet rejected…
Last week in the Middle East, developments occurred in the implementation of the ‘Riyadh Agreement’ in Yemen and the ceasefire agreement in Syria. Widespread demonstrations continued in Iraq, Lebanon, and Iran. Implementation of the ‘Riyadh Agreement’ has begun to occur in parts of the South of Yemen despite delays. Last week, mutual withdrawals of pro-Hadi…
ACLED’s three-part series exploring the fragmentation of state authority in Southern Yemen can now be accessed here in its entirety. Please find the reports below, followed by concluding analysis highlighting key findings from each of the three installments. Part I: Shabwah and Hadramawt Part II: Socotra and Mahra Part III: Aden, Abyan, and Lahij After…
Primary developments in the Middle East last week were around US-Iran tensions in Iraq, the downing of the Ukrainian plane in Iran, and the ‘Riyadh Agreement’ in Yemen. Last week in Iraq, tensions between the US and Iran once again took center stage. This is following Iran’s response to the killing of Soleimani by firing…