Policy Analysis

The loss of government control in a major city may be just the wakeup call Iraqi politicians need to embrace a more ambitious reconciliation agenda.

A senior fellow testifies on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria, with an emphasis on its effect on children.

A political-military solution supported by all of Iraq's factions is likely the only measure that can reverse the situation, but it is too soon to gauge whether the Baghdad recognizes this reality.

The White House could achieve significant gains in Syria if it once again threatened missile strikes against regime military facilities.

The death of operative Fawzi Ayoub shows the extent of Hezbollah involvement in the fight.

West Bank and Gaza residents alike still appear more receptive to Fatah than Hamas viewpoints.

Three experts offer firsthand observations on Egypt's presidential election and its aftermath, including recommendations for the future direction of U.S. policy and aid dollars.

A former U.S. ambassador outlines specific steps Washington and Europe can take to avoid a potential geostrategic shift as dramatic as 1989, only in the other direction.

Hamas seems intent on using Hezbollah's "bullets plus ballots" approach to gain a military and political foothold in the West Bank, the PA, and the PLO.

Afghan Shiite militants have been fighting on the Assad regime's side for some time, and the scope and strategic purpose of Iran's involvement is becoming increasingly clear.

While it is premature to view Turkey's shift away from the North Atlantic political consensus as an epochal event, examining longer-term trends brings greater concern.

An update on a potentially important area of disagreement regarding U.S. and Israeli policy toward the next Palestinian government.

As extremists continue to move into southern Syria, growing security and humanitarian problems may soon outstrip Jordan's ability to handle spillover from the war.

A closer look at the legal, economic, and political issues surrounding gas and oil exploration off Gaza's coast, including associated power plant proposals and other ventures.

In the coming days, the Obama administration faces key decisions on how to respond to a Palestinian government "backed by Hamas," whether to condone Hamas participation in Palestinian elections, and what strategy to adopt in response to another effort by Palestinians to enhance their status in the UN.

Instead of careening between short-term objectives, U.S. policy toward Egypt should take a long-term, multilateral view that focuses on advancing security cooperation and political and economic reform simultaneously.

If current trends continue, the ISIL's latest gambit could bring a strategic reversal for the movement in Iraq.

How -- and if -- Hamas and Fatah overcome formidable security, institutional, and political roadblocks should dictate the international response to their unity deal and joint government.