Research Papers
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Analysis of UNSC Problematic Veto Yielding Power
Issue 10. January 2014 (Safar 1435 H.)
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The role of the United Nations Security Council is to maintain international peace and security. However, in the past few decades, concerns have arisen over the Council’s legitimacy and representativeness. Ad-hoc coalitions and the usual unilateralism undermine the legitimacy of the Council, while the Council’s lack of structural change since the Second World War highlights its unrepresentativeness. The need to reform t
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Shi‘ite Foreign Fighters in Syria
Issue 9. December 2013 (Muharram 1435 H.
Abstract:The Syrian Revolution has ushered in the return of global Shi‘ite jihad to the political arena. This phenomenon is evident in the increasing number of Shi‘ite militants arriving in Syria from around the world. Shi‘ite militants fighting in support of the Assad regime mostly come from Iraq and Lebanon, although there are fighters from Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen and some countries in Africa. Scholars and
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Saudi Arabia: From a Reactive to a Proactive Foreign Policy
Issue 8. November 2013 (Dhu Al-Hijjah 1434 H.)
Abstract:Saudi Arabia’s main foreign policy motive has always been centered on political stability and economic security in the region. The Kingdom has always been determined to maintain close ties with its neighbors while sustaining its relations with international allies. Yet, the events of the Arab uprising put forward new challenges not only to the Middle East region but also worldwide. Therefore, the
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(.Issue 3. June 2013 (Rajab 1434 H
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For over three decades, presidential elections in Iran have been a defining moment of transition in different political periods of the Islamic Republic. A unique state institution, the presidency in Iran is at once hampered by constitutional restrictions on the power and authority of its incumbent and a desired target for factions internal to the political regime and ambitious politicians alike. The eleventh presidential elections of the Islamic Republic were held on 15 June 2013 a