Muhammad Idrees Ahmad of the University of Stirling has an excellent article in Dissent on the importance of listening to what Syrians want and acknowledging the reality on the ground: If Syrians haven’t been heard, it’s not for lack of trying. There are compelling voices covering the conflict—reporting, analyzing, prescribing. All are ignored. Syrians want… Read More Listening to What Syrians Actually Want Instead of Assad’s Propaganda

The prospect of Donald Trump as President of the United States is the greatest threat to free democracy on the planet today. His consistent praise of dictators and refusal to condemn anti-democratic crackdowns should be troubling to anyone who supports the norms and institutions of American democracy. Would he curtail the freedom of the press?… Read More Donald Trump is a Threat to Free Democracy

Dr. Anne Stevens, the sister of Ambassador Chris Stevens, has served as a family spokesperson since his death. She’s had enough of irresponsible politicians and their allies politicizing her brother’s death: It is clear, in hindsight, that the facility was not sufficiently protected by the State Department and the Defense Department. But what was the… Read More Updated: Stop Using Chris Stevens’ Death for Political Gain

With the death of Elie Wiesel, the world has lost one of its great champions of human rights—an enemy of indifference, inaction, and impunity. Wiesel, who lived through the horrors of Nazi persecution, dedicated his life to the principle and aspiration ‘never again.’ He has helped to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive, when… Read More Elie Wiesel: A Hero for Our Times