Policy Analysis

Ambassador Jeffrey addressed a Senate hearing on the fallout from the protests in Istanbul. The following is an excerpt from his prepared remarks; download the PDF to read the full testimony. "When Barack Obama made his 2009 trip to Turkey, his first bilateral visit as president, he did not single

Although Washington can help boost the capabilities of Iraq's counterterrorism forces, Baghdad cannot kill its way out of the current security crisis, so sectarian reconciliation remains a priority.

All evidence indicates that key intelligence and political ministers in the next cabinet will be confidants of the Supreme Leader, whose main policy views remain unchanged.

A Saudi prince's tweet has focused attention on a likely fall in the price of oil, which could boost the global economy while causing instability in the kingdom.

A serial loss of regional allies, serious financial difficulties, internal squabbling, and inability to build up its military capabilities have all weakened Hamas, leaving it vulnerable to potential unrest in Gaza.

Watch a video FAQ as two Institute scholars who are intimately familiar with the details of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations answer the key questions about new talks set to begin Tuesday in Washington.

Tomorrow's parliamentary vote is unlikely to calm the country's domestic scene, and special interest groups outside the legislature may take up more air in Kuwait's political life for the time being.

While more evidence is needed to determine whether AQIM or other jihadi factions are linked to the latest assassination of a secular politician in Tunisia, such groups will continue to play a role in the country.

Focusing on just one facet of Hezbollah is a political distinction of convenience that will limit efforts to target the group's finances, but the EU ban is still a useful step.

Ambassador Ross addressed a Senate hearing on how Washington should respond to the latest events in Egypt. The following is an excerpt from his prepared remarks; download the PDF to read the full testimony. "...There are no guarantees that even if we seek to use our leverage we will succeed

The ultimate question that preparatory talks are designed to answer is whether both sides are serious about reaching an agreement.

Netanyahu is emphasizing a rationale for peace negotiations rooted in Israeli self-interest rather than Palestinian goodwill, and Abbas should do the same.

From media conspiracy theories to flooded smuggling tunnels, the Brotherhood's failed tenure in Egypt held nothing but bad news for Hamas.

The dramatic developments in Egypt are likely to energize domestic dissent in some Gulf oil states, so Washington should encourage its allies there to respond in creative and forward-looking ways.

Foreign Affairs selected Institute research assistant Adam Heffez's investigation of qat overcultivation's role in depleting Yemen's water supply for its "Best of 2013" collection.

Washington, Brussels, and Ankara could reap numerous economic and strategic benefits from a bilateral U.S.-Turkey FTA, but they will need to act quickly to ensure that their efforts mesh with the U.S.-EU trade talks already in progress.

Cairo's formation of a new cabinet marks the first step toward transition to an elected government.

During the last two years, Salafist activity has escalated in Tunisia. Much of this activity -- primarily dawa (religious outreach) designed to expand the Salafist movement -- has taken place under the auspices of Ansar al-Sharia in Tunisia (AST), headed by veteran jihadist Saifullah bin Hassine. A series of security

The various calculations and concessions that brought Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table are mostly encouraging, but the tough decisions all lie ahead.

By leaping over longstanding technical and political hurdles and announcing a ban, the EU has forced both its member states and Hezbollah to view the group's activities on the continent in a new light.