Process Lessons Learned in Yemen’s National Dialogue
Explores how transition processes in Yemen affect the country’s rule of law, justice, and security. From the United States Institute of Peace
Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U.S. Response
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33487.pdf
Provides an overview of the expanding crisis in Syria, the opposing forces and their internal conflicts, the efforts to remove chemical weapons from the conflict, and the bleak prospects for significant U.S. engagement to promote regional security or humanitarian assistance. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists
Sectarianism in Lebanon and Syria: The Dynamics of Mutual Spill-Over
http://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/PB159.pdf
Describes how and why the conflict in Syria is intensifying Sunni-Shia tensions in Lebanon. From the United States Institute of Peace
Sunni-Shia Relations After the Iraq War
http://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/PB160.pdf
Examines the rise of sectarianism in the Middle East since 2003 and how the social, political, and technological changes which are fueling this trend are affecting Sunni and Shia communities. From the United States Institute of Peace
Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977-1980, Volume 8, Arab-Israeli Dispute, January 1977-August 1978
http://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1977-80v08
Official documents detailing the efforts of Carter Administration officials to bring together Egypt and Israel for bilateral negotiations on a peace settlement which would cover the case of Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank. From the State Department
UK Arms Export Control Policy
http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/sn02729.pdf
Discusses the main changes to British arms export control policy and practice since 1997. Includes changes in practice involving arms exports to Middle Eastern and North African countries involved in the Arab Spring with regard to goods that might be used for internal repression. From the House of Commons Library
Possible U.S. Intervention in Syria: Issues for Congress
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/R43201.pdf
Reviews the issues related to possible military intervention including use of chemical weapons, efficacy of limited military action, international response, and war powers matters. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists
The Struggle for Yemen and the Challenge of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/download.cfm?q=1157
Examines how Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has diverged from Al Qaeda and how it used Yemen’s Arab Spring uprising to paralyze the country’s government and divide the military into hostile factions. From the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College