Policy Analysis

The director of the Institute's Turkish Research Program addressed the House regarding the large-scale demonstrations that have swept Turkey since May. The following is an excerpt from his prepared remarks; download the PDF to read the full testimony. Also read Ambassador James Jeffrey's testimony before the same panel. "Turkey, a

The Islamic Republic's history suggests that the new president-elect will have neither the inclination nor the authority to curb the regime's sponsorship of terrorism.

Preserving an open-ended multilateral approach or allowing Russia to determine what is offered is not a prescription for successful nuclear diplomacy with Iran.

Rouhani may soften the veneer and rhetoric of Tehran's nuclear policy, but there is little reason to expect a change in the regime's objectives.

Although Washington and Saudi Arabia have increased their support for the mainstream Syrian opposition, jihadist factions and their Qatari and Egyptian backers are asserting themselves as well.

Given the opposition's growing rage and the Brotherhood's increasingly confrontational stance, the upcoming nationwide protests are unlikely to end well.

Israel's export decision should be welcomed, but domestic opposition could discourage necessary foreign investment.

The president-elect's recent writings provide a basis for judging how he will approach the nuclear issue.

On June 13, 2013, Soner Cagaptay and James F. Jeffrey addressed a Policy Forum at The Washington Institute. Mr. Jeffrey is the Philip Solondz distinguished visiting fellow at the Institute and former U.S. ambassador to Turkey (2008-2010) and Iraq (2010-2012). Dr. Cagaptay, author of the forthcoming book The Rise of

Washington's partnership with Israel has helped the United States maintain its global edge without compromising its interests in the Arab and Muslim worlds.

The new president-elect's supporters want a better economy and integration into the international community more than they want nuclear glory.

The election of Hassan Rouhani as Iran's next president has prompted two sorts of reactions among U.S. officials and Iran analysts. Some see in Rouhani's victory a reformist resurgence and are urging the Obama administration to reach out in an effort to "strengthen" him, much as the Clinton administration sought

Recent clashes between Muslim Brotherhood and neighborhood youth highlight tension and the group’s desire to control the Egyptian state’s vital institutions.

Although Washington has long sought to moderate the Brotherhood's behavior through quiet diplomacy, Morsi's inflammatory political appointments suggest that this approach has failed.

A G8 statement against Hezbollah would shine a spotlight on the group's widespread terrorist and criminal activities in a way few other multilateral agencies could.

The recent presidential election in Iran proved that the Islamic Republic's instinct for self-preservation trumps its ideology. Hassan Rouhani, the current representative of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the Supreme National Security Council and former head nuclear negotiator, won the election in the first round, a total surprise for

Europe needs to reciprocate President Obama's 2011 speech with a statement of its own, including clear language on bilateral talks, refugees, and security.

Jordan is in danger of associating its traditionally enlightened monarchy with the practices of its repressive neighbors.

Serious progress is unlikely given Moscow's intransigence on Syria, Iran, and missile defense.

Washington should pursue a measured but assertive course with Syria, because the longer the conflict lasts, the greater the threat it poses.