MDC Research and Analysis

Michael Barak analyzes the online campaign led by the Al-Azhar Institute, with the encouragement of the Egyptian government, to reduce the high divorce rate in Egypt, and the ambivalent attitudes among Egyptians users of social media towards the campaign.

Ariel Koch exposes the activity of Balushi terrorist organizations in Sistan-Baluchistan in Iran, and the way that they have adopted the ideology of Salafi-Jihadi organizations, most significantly that of al-Qaeda.

Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak reviews the public discourse on Turkish social networks surrounding the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson from a Turkish prison, and the increased antagonism towards the US and its ally, Israel.

Guest author Derek Lief examines this summer's protests and mass demonstrations in the kingdom.

Senior Researcher Paul Rivlin analyzes the deep economic effects that sanctions have had on the economies of Turkey and Iran.

Nurit Hashimshony-Yaffe analyzes the current stability of Nigerian democracy.

Ariel Koch analyzes al-Qaeda's online activity in Turkey.

Ambassador Haim Koren investigates the longevity of Sudan President Omar al-Bashir, in sharp contrast to the leaders of many neighboring countries.

Limor Lavie examines the stormy debate that developed on Egyptian networks after a young Egyptian woman, Mina Jubran, shared videos documenting what she considered an indecent proposal from a passerby.