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Nicholas Noe recently served as Regional Organizing Director for Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign in Michigan where he managed the Get Out The Vote (GOTV) operation for the crucial areas of Wayne County and Dearborn City. Previous to this, Mr. Noe lived in Beirut (2004-2016) and in Tunis (2012-2014) where he was a co-editor of the Heinrich Boell Foundation’s journal on the Middle East, Perspectives, and co-founder of the news translation service Mideastwire.com (2005-Present) covering the Middle East media. He regularly provides analysis and commentary for Al-Jazeera International, BBC and several US and European publications and is the author of a White Paper for the New America and Century Foundations entitled: “Re-Imagining the Lebanon Track: Towards a New US Policy." He is also the editor of the 2007 book "Voice of Hezbollah: The Statements of Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah" and was a Visiting Fellow with the European Council on Foreign Relations in 2014. Mr. Noe’s Op-Eds on the region have appeared in The New York Times, Newsweek, Foreign Affairs, The Guardian, Huffington Post, Foreign Policy Magazine, Asia Times, The National and The National Interest among other publications. From 1999-2000, Mr. Noe worked for First Lady Hillary Clinton as an opposition researcher for her successful United States Senate campaign and then went on to serve in local New York City government as a speechwriter for the President of the New York City Council and as a Policy Advisor on technology. He graduated with honors from Cambridge University (MPhil, International Relations, 2006) where he was elected a scholar of Selwyn College and Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Brown University (1999).
Portfolio
The Great Dome of Israel and the Dahiye Doctrine: A Recipe for Disaster?
The article discusses the recent announcement by Israeli officials about the deployment of a comprehensive anti-missile defense system, including the US-backed Arrow, David's Sling, and Iron Dome, to protect against threats from Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah. The author, Nicholas Noe, highlights the heightened fears of war between Israel and Hezbollah, noting the political and public sentiment in Lebanon and Israel. The article examines the potential flaws in both sides' strategies and the belief that a new conflict could be devastating. It also addresses the broader geopolitical context, including the roles of the US, Russia, Iran, and regional Sunni states, and the potential for miscalculation to spark a major conflict. Noe suggests that rational decision-making may not be enough to prevent war and calls for disaster planning in Lebanon and a reevaluation of military strategies in Israel.
View from Westminster email
The article discusses the recent developments in Israel's missile defense systems, including the Arrow, David's Sling, and Iron Dome, which are designed to counter threats from Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah. It highlights the first successful use of the Arrow-3 system against a Syrian missile. The author, Nicholas Noe, expresses concern over the escalating military tensions in the Levant, suggesting that a new conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel is becoming more likely. The article also touches on the political dynamics within Lebanon, the resilience of Hezbollah, and the potential implications of the Trump administration's policies in the region. Noe concludes by questioning whether any great power, particularly the US, will intervene to prevent further escalation and war in the Middle East.
The Looming Battle for Southern Syria
The article discusses the escalating conflict in Southern Syria, where a military axis consisting of Hezbollah, the Syrian army, and Iranian forces is conducting coordinated maneuvers against Syrian rebel groups, Al-Qaeda's al-Nusra front, and indirectly against Israeli military and intelligence. The author highlights the complexity of the alliances and the potential for a broader regional confrontation, exacerbated by recent military strikes and counter-strikes between Israel and Hezbollah. The article suggests that the conflict's intensification could lead to a larger, more intractable war, and emphasizes the urgency for international focus on this battlefield. The author, Nicholas Noe, warns that the slow pace of diplomatic efforts to resolve the Syrian conflict is outpaced by the rapid developments on the ground, potentially leading to further violence and a challenging reconstruction process, especially with Israel's direct involvement.
Commentary: How can we improve humanitarian aid to Ukrainians? Let them control it
The article discusses the challenges faced by Ukrainians in receiving humanitarian aid amidst the ongoing conflict in their country. It suggests that a more effective approach to aid would be to allow Ukrainians to have control over the distribution and management of the resources provided. The author argues that this would not only empower the local population but also ensure that the aid is more efficiently and effectively utilized, as the locals have a better understanding of their own needs and circumstances. The commentary critiques the traditional top-down approach to humanitarian assistance and advocates for a bottom-up strategy that involves the beneficiaries in the decision-making process.
Refugees and migrants under threat in Tunisia
The article discusses the emerging trend of Tunisia becoming the main departure point for migrants and refugees attempting to reach Europe, surpassing Libya. This shift has led to an increase in both migration across the Mediterranean and the number of deaths at sea. The article highlights the need for urgent policy action in response to these developments. Additionally, it raises concerns about the rise in authoritarianism in Tunisia under President Kais Saied, which could exacerbate the risks faced by refugees and migrants, including potential mistreatment and violence. Refugees International and the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings are organizing a webinar to delve into these issues and propose policy solutions. The event will feature simultaneous Arabic-English translation and allow for audience questions through Zoom.
France’s president is shocked, shocked that gambling has been going on in Lebanon
The article discusses Lebanon's financial crisis, attributing it not only to the corruption of local leaders but also to the significant role of foreign powers. It criticizes the tendency to overlook the influence of external forces, such as Western governments, who have failed to push for reforms and have often supported the sectarian system for their own interests. The piece highlights the historical context of foreign intervention in Lebanon, from the creation of the state by France to the recent backing of Lebanese elites by Western and Gulf states. It also examines the U.S. role in supporting controversial figures like central bank governor Riad Salameh, despite signs of corruption. The article suggests that for genuine reform, foreign actors must match their rhetoric with action and stop interfering in Lebanon's internal affairs, allowing for the development of independent and accountable national institutions.
Ukraine's Humanitarian Aid Challenge: Empowering Local Response
The article discusses the humanitarian response in Ukraine following the Russian invasion. Initially, the relief efforts were led by Ukrainian civil society, volunteer networks, and local officials, proving to be highly effective. However, as international aid agencies and NGOs have become more involved, the majority of the financial aid from donors like the U.S. and Europe is being channeled through these organizations rather than directly to Ukrainian groups. This has led to concerns about the creation of parallel administrative systems, the diversion of local talent, and the undermining of Ukrainian institutions. The authors, Hardin Lang and Nicholas Noe of Refugees International, argue for a shift in approach to empower local Ukrainian organizations and address issues of corruption and aid distribution while adhering to humanitarian principles.
Summary and Recommendations
The article discusses the humanitarian response in Ukraine following the Russian invasion in February 2022. Initially, local volunteer-driven efforts were the backbone of relief operations due to slow international mobilization. However, as donors have committed over $12 billion in aid, the funds are predominantly going to the United Nations and international NGOs, which then pass resources to Ukrainian organizations. This process undermines Ukrainian organizations' leadership and creates a costly and inefficient system. The internationalization of aid is also diverting human capital from Ukraine's civil society and government, and potentially privileging international organizations over local entities. The article argues for a localization strategy that empowers Ukrainian organizations and government, suggesting specific steps such as setting concrete targets for localization, using the UN Ukraine Humanitarian Fund to channel resources to local groups, and donors adjusting their risk tolerance. It also recommends investing in capacity building for local actors, supporting local consortia, ensuring fairness in overhead costs, and embedding anti-corruption systems within Ukrainian organizations. The article is based on visits and interviews conducted by a Refugees International consultant across Ukraine.
Biden's Energy Envoy's Maritime Deal Faces Rejection from Lebanon
President Biden appointed Amos Hochstein as an energy envoy to resolve the maritime boundary dispute between Lebanon and Israel, which involves potentially valuable energy resources. Hochstein, trusted by both sides and with a deep energy sector background, proposed a deal that has been rejected by Lebanon, risking the collapse of negotiations. His suggestion for Israel and Lebanon to share the Qana Prospect hydrocarbon field was seen as unacceptable by Lebanese political actors, especially given the enmity with Israel and the influence of Hezbollah. The article suggests that the Biden administration should reconsider its approach to avoid further destabilizing the region and missing the opportunity to establish a stable maritime boundary that could benefit all parties involved, especially in light of Europe's energy needs post the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Nicholas Noe: Director, The Foundation for Global Political Exchange
Nicholas Noe is a Senior Visiting Fellow at Refugees International and the director of The Foundation for Global Political Exchange. He co-founded Mideastwire.com and has served as a Political Advisor at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. Noe has been involved in various political roles, including working for Hillary Clinton's campaign and in local New York City government. He has contributed Op-Eds to major publications and authored policy papers on Middle East policy and aid in Ukraine. Noe has held fellowships and advisory positions with several think tanks and foundations, and he has co-founded initiatives in Beirut and Tunis. He is an alumnus of Brown University and Cambridge University.
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