The NCF Blog
Recent Articles
Turkey and the PKK, a final peace?
The following article discusses the ongoing issue of the Kurdish minority within Turkey and the Kurdistan Worker’s party’s insurgency within the country, focusing on the
Gaza: more blood, sweat and tears?
William Morris LL.D., Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, shares three perspectives. The first from a senior peacenik from Israel (nothing astonishing). The second
Which World Order is Best?
The following article represents the personal view of the author Ms Aaliya Boakye, Research Officer at the Next Century Foundation. The conclusion differs from that
Why the Slaughter of the Alawites in the past few days?
William Morris LL.D., the NCF Secretary General, reflects on the recent sectarian slaughter in the Alawite region of Syria. This uncut video podcast on the
Is Syria Moving in the Right Direction?
Syria’s transitional government continues its push for stability amid diplomatic efforts, economic manoeuvres, and security challenges. With shifting regional alliances and ongoing negotiations, do the
What does the future hold for Syrian Kurds?
Making up more than 10% of the population, and controlling almost 20% of Syria’s territory, the Kurds play a crucial role in shaping Syria’s future.
The Gaza Ceasefire Deal and its Future: What to expect?
The Gaza Ceasefire Deal between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect in January 2025, raised hope of an end to the conflict. However, just
Israel’s Occupation of Syria
Israel has just invaded and occupied the entirety of the 1,200-square-kilometre (460 square-mile) Golan Heights, a fertile and strategic plateau half of which it had
Damascus Gossip grows unbelievable
William Morris LL.D., the NCF Secretary General, reflects on the latest gossip coming out of Syria as the new government takes hold. This uncut video
Between History and Conflict: The Religious and Ethnic Groups of Syria
Syria is a land of rich cultural and religious diversity, home to numerous ethnic and religious groups who have shaped its history for centuries. From
Syria’s Disappeared Women
NCF Research Officer Aaliya Boakye, explores the recent kidnappings and mysterious disappearances of young women occurring in Syria and addresses the conflicting narratives surrounding the enslavement of Syrian women. The Current Situation: There are reports
Healing the Nations Conference 2025
Conference Programme We are excited to invite you to register to attend all or part of the Next Century Foundation’s eight-day Healing the Nations conference this summer from Sunday, June 15th to Sunday, June 22nd
Does Viewing Trump as a Cult Leader Help Explain His Policies?
The following article represents the view of the Next Century Foundation´s Senior Research Officer on Terrorism and Extremism. It does not neccessarilly represent the view of the trustees, board memebrs and members of the Next
Modern war: increased lethality showcases a greater need for peace.
The war in Ukraine has been a showcase of modern weaponry, and its increased lethality. However this new technology has not resulted in victory on the battlefield. War has always been a deadly business but
Ranking Human Rights across the Middle East
NCF Research Officer Felix Mohaupt explores the human rights landscape of the Middle East, ranking each nation on a number of categories: LGBTQ Rights, Women’s Rights, Minority Rights and the right to Freedom of Expression. His
UNHRC58 – Calling on North Korea to re-join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Ms Silvia Luthi, Research Officer with the Next Century Foundation, attends the 39th Meeting of the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council to call upon the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Israel is being forced into conflict with Iran
NCF Research Officer Felix Mohaupt, explores the recent split between Trump and Netanyahu on Iran and their Nuclear Program and looks into the public opinion in Israel regarding a proposed strike on Iran, even without
UNHRC58 – Addressing the treatment of Alawites and Shiites in Syria
Ms Silvia Luthi, Research Officer at the Next Century Foundation, addresses the 40th Meeting of the 58th Session of United Nations Human Rights Council and calls for an end to the sectarian violence against
Ghana’s Smuggling Crisis
NCF discusses the smuggling crisis that has overrun Ghana and speaks to the government corruption that facilitates this. What is happening? Smuggling has been around in Ghana for a long time. But when Ghana faced
Pope Francis 1936-2025
With the passing of Pope Francis, tributes have largely focused on his global spiritual leadership and influence within the Catholic Church. Less often highlighted, but of particular relevance to the work we do here at
Syrian girls sold into Slavery
There are conflicting reports about Syrian Alawite girls being kidnapped and sold into slavery. There are also denials. You can make your own mind up. Meanwhile one thing is clear – there is little or
An Easter Message
A message for Easter, and indeed for Passover which ends on Easter Day. This message is about a kind of code of honour, twelve commandments: Respond with care and power to the one that wounds
Tensions Rise Between Türkiye and Israel
The Next Century Foundation discusses the rising tensions between Türkiye and Israel, focusing on Israel’s expanded military operations in Syria and the strike on the Turkish T-4 airbase in Homs. This article also covers the
Gaza Starvation – becomes Acute
The current food and supply situation within Gaza as a result of Israel’s blockade is catastrophic. The situation in Gaza regarding food and water is rapidly becoming untenable, with all 25 UN-run bakeries still closed.
The Makeup of The New Syrian Government
This article discusses the new Syrian government formed on the 29th of March 2025, the second transitional government under the presidency of Ahmed al-Sharaa. The new government of Syria, formed by Ahmed al-Sharaa on the
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to the United Nations
Middle East
Syria’s Disappeared Women
NCF Research Officer Aaliya Boakye, explores the recent kidnappings and mysterious disappearances of young women occurring in Syria and addresses the conflicting narratives surrounding the
Healing the Nations Conference 2025
Conference Programme We are excited to invite you to register to attend all or part of the Next Century Foundation’s eight-day Healing the Nations conference
Ranking Human Rights across the Middle East
NCF Research Officer Felix Mohaupt explores the human rights landscape of the Middle East, ranking each nation on a number of categories: LGBTQ Rights, Women’s
Yemen
Healing the Nations Conference 2025
Conference Programme We are excited to invite you to register to attend all or part of the Next Century Foundation’s eight-day Healing the Nations conference
Ranking Human Rights across the Middle East
NCF Research Officer Felix Mohaupt explores the human rights landscape of the Middle East, ranking each nation on a number of categories: LGBTQ Rights, Women’s
Yemen Crisis: A Reflection of Regional Power Dynamics
After nearly a decade of war in Yemen, the situation remains unstable, and Yemen remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. With the unofficial
Palestine-Israel
An Eid Message from Gaza
I had hoped to write to you: “Wishing you a blessed Eid.” But the Palestinian wound runs too deep, carved into the very marrow of
Healing the Nations Conference 2025
Conference Programme We are excited to invite you to register to attend all or part of the Next Century Foundation’s eight-day Healing the Nations conference
Ranking Human Rights across the Middle East
NCF Research Officer Felix Mohaupt explores the human rights landscape of the Middle East, ranking each nation on a number of categories: LGBTQ Rights, Women’s
The Changing Geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East
Ambassador Mark Hambley and William Morris of the NCF speak at the Policy Studies Organization conference in Washington on the changing political geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East in 2018