Programs & Projects
The West Asia Program
The West Asia program provides original research on developments in the Middle East and Central and Southwest Asia, including as they impact on Australia. Central research issues include relations between West Asia and East Asia, the Arab uprisings and geo-political change in the Middle East and Australia’s relations with the Gulf.
Experts
Latest publications
News and media
What exactly did the rebel defence of east Aleppo achieve?
As Aleppo falls and a last-minute evacuation and cease-fire is implemented, there is the familiar cry in the global community that we (read: the West) have abandoned the civilians…
'First we take Aleppo, then we take Idlib'
The gradual isolation and strangulation of Aleppo is part of a much broader strategy that has taken shape over the past year, albeit in the case of Aleppo on a much different…
Quick comment: Rodger Shanahan on Neil Prakash
We are learning more about the arrest of the Australian terrorist, Neil Prakash, in Turkey late last week. Writing in The Australian yesterday, Paul Maley revealed the Australian…
Commentary
'If the aim is to save civilian lives, rebels must leave Aleppo'
In an opinion piece in The Australian, Rodger Shanahan writes that rebels need to concede Aleppo to save civilian lives. Photo: Getty Images/Anadolu AgencyRodger Shanahan
Quick comment: Rodger Shanahan on why rebel forces should leave Aleppo
It's time for the international community to put pressure on rebel forces to leave Aleppo, says Lowy Institute Research Fellow Rodger Shanahan. As Syrian government forces and…
A very Lebanese presidency
Whenever I think the Australian political scene has plumbed new depths of hopelessness I can always be reassured that at least we haven’t reached the level of bloody-mindedness…
Speeches
Michael Keenan on the evolving terrorist threat in Australia
On 26 October, Justice Minister the Hon Michael Keenan MP addressed the Lowy Institute on the evolving terrorist threat to Australia. Mr Keenan’s role within the government…
Commentary
Good options in Syria don't exist
Originally published in the Australian Financial Review.Rodger Shanahan
Commentary
Tide of Islamic State moves west
Originally published in The Australian Financial Review.Rodger Shanahan , Lydia Khalil
Analyses
Foreign fighters in Syria and Iraq: The day after
In this Lowy Institute Analysis, Research Fellow Dr Rodger Shanahan and Nonresident Fellow Lydia Khalil argue that an increasing number of foreign fighters are likely to leave…