Contributors Articles

Bob Bowker 22 May 2018 06:00

Challenges mount up

Unsolved political issues in the Middle East leave barren soil for economic and social green shoots.
Bob Bowker 6 Jun 2017 14:14

Where does Qatar go from here? To Moscow?

Qatar needs to make it plain to the United States that the Saudis and Emiratis are pursuing a course of action that damages US interests.
Bob Bowker 5 Apr 2017 15:37

Assad and chemical weapons: The regional repercussions

The only response that will matter to Assad is that which comes from Moscow and Tehran.
Bob Bowker 7 Dec 2016 14:14

Middle East diplomacy: Assad will have to be included

It would serve no western interests to leave Assad with no option but to look to Iran and Russia for ongoing support.
Bob Bowker 18 Mar 2016 17:41

Syrian Kurds declare autonomy but remain trapped by regional power games

Since the reversal in 1923 by its nationalist leader Mohamed Kemal Ataturk of an earlier western-backed scheme for Kurdish independence, Turkey has done anything it could — diplomatically, militarily and politically — to prevent Kurdish autonomy taking root in Syria.
Bob Bowker 18 Mar 2016 17:41

Syrian Kurds declare autonomy but remain trapped by regional power games

Since the reversal in 1923 by its nationalist leader Mohamed Kemal Ataturk of an earlier western-backed scheme for Kurdish independence, Turkey has done anything it could — diplomatically, militarily and politically — to prevent Kurdish autonomy taking root in Syria.
Bob Bowker 19 Feb 2016 14:00

Syria, a year from now (part 2): The diplomatic dimension

The balance of diplomatic advantage between the foreign powers involved in the Syria conflict will inevitably reflect the momentum of the military situation. In that sense, as discussed in part 1 of this series, the Russians and Assad are in a far stronger position than their opponents. Images of human suffering and refugee movements will continue to drive demand for diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Bob Bowker 19 Feb 2016 09:30

Syria, a year from now (part 1): The military dimension

It takes reckless courage to make predictions about Syria. But compared to a year ago, when the survival of the Assad regime looked increasingly problematic, the factors shaping the military and diplomatic outlook in 2016 are somewhat clearer. The Assad regime looks set to remain in place.
Bob Bowker 18 Sep 2015 15:15

Is Russia's growing intervention in Syria a game changer?

The latest analysis of the Syrian conflict from the Institute for the Study of War provides a detailed examination of what it describes (correctly) as a game changer. Assuming its analysis of the military calculus is sound, the questions that remain unanswered relate to the extent to which the Russians see their role extending beyond securing their interests along the Syrian coast. Would they see it as a strategic necessity to secure Damascus, or prevent the interdiction of the highway linking

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Bob Bowker

Articles by Bob Bowker (15)

Challenges mount up

Where does Qatar go from here? To Moscow?

Assad and chemical weapons: The regional repercussions

Middle East diplomacy: Assad will have to be included

Syrian Kurds declare autonomy but remain trapped by regional power games

Syrian Kurds declare autonomy but remain trapped by regional power games

Syria, a year from now (part 2): The diplomatic dimension

Syria, a year from now (part 1): The military dimension

Is Russia's growing intervention in Syria a game changer?