Policy Analysis

Nicholas Heras, a contributing editor and analyst at Fair Observer, speaks with Washington Institute fellow Aaron Zelin about the Syrian civil war and foreign jihadi fighters.

Although counterterrorism operations are essential to defeating al-Qaeda, they must be complemented by a low-cost, low-visibility campaign to help the Yemeni government extend its reach in the provinces.

Egypt's army chief is not an Islamist -- in fact, his work at the U.S. Army War College suggests he may be a Mubarak clone.

The Guardian website recently launched a new feature asking readers to weigh in on current affairs, then having an expert respond to them. In this edition, the editors asked Washington Institute fellow Eric Trager to assess the viability of a detailed plan (submitted by reader "2cents") for putting Egypt on

Spillover from Egypt remains limited in Morocco due to discord in the country's most salient opposition movement and differences in its political culture, political economy, and security apparatus.

The endgame in Syria might be a weak state with jihadists left roaming around, so Turkey should work more closely with allies to monitor the situation.

The director of the Institute's Stein Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence addressed a House hearing on Iran's longstanding efforts to establish terrorist networks in the Americas. The following is an excerpt from his prepared remarks ; download the PDF to read the full testimony. The same day the State Department

An in-depth study on how past and current developments in Syria have affected relations between Israel and Turkey, offering lessons on how the two countries might renew their deep strategic cooperation.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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