Ideas. Action. Impact. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy The Washington Institute: Improving the Quality of U.S. Middle East Policy

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خلق الحوار. التأثير على السياسة.

Generating Dialogue. Impacting Policy.

New Saudi Poll: Corruption Major Concern, Divisions on Reforms and U.S. Ties

David Pollock

In the wake of the Khashoggi scandal, a rare new public opinion poll in Saudi Arabia shows wide popular concern about corruption and other internal problems. At the same time, the survey data demonstrates only minority support for the official initiative of Islamic reform. Ironically, then, this prime locus of support on the part of outside powers for Saudi policy shifts is also precisely the area of greatest internal debate.

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Doubts About Hezbollah Emerge in Lebanon, Even Among Shia

David Pollock

The acute border tension this week between Israel and Hezbollah adds urgency to a closer look at the militia’s popular standing in Lebanon—especially in case of war. Fortunately, a reliable new Lebanese public opinion poll shows some Shiites now voicing reservations about Hezbollah policies—even as Sunnis continue to be solidly negative and Christians divided about the organization.

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For a State, Palestinians Would Cede "Right of Return"—and More

David Pollock

Two surveys conducted by different Palestinian pollsters in October show unexpected popular flexibility on core issues of an eventual peace deal with Israel, despite widespread skepticism among Palestinians about current prospects. These findings suggest that American, Israeli, and Arab policymakers should all pay more attention to what the Palestinian people really want and less attention to what their politicians or partisans say they “should” want.

In Egypt, One-Third Still Like the Muslim Brotherhood; Half Call U.S. Ties "Important"

David Pollock

New findings from a reliable Egyptian public opinion poll reveal very divided popular attitudes, both about the country’s domestic direction and about its outside partners. Yet Egyptians mostly agree with their government on several key foreign policy issues.

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The Challenges Facing Egypt’s Female Migrant Workers

Eman Elwarraky

Safiya, 30, wakes up to the sound of her mother yelling, "Get up now or the car will leave without you." A new morning brings with it the same misery: Safiya is one of thousands of migrant workers in rural Egypt who, driven by poverty to pick grapes during the harvest season, are forced to endure physical and psychological hardships to earn a living for themselves and their families.

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Egypt’s Customary Reconciliation Sessions Hurt its Christian Minority

Viola Fahmy

Marqos Ghabrial and his family gathered the what remained of their lives scattered around their old hometown in the Qena governorate of southern Egypt. The Ghabrial family was forced to leave in the middle of the night after news of Marqos’ romantic relationship with a Muslim girl from the same village ignited furor.

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In Egypt, One-Third Still Like the Muslim Brotherhood; Half Call U.S. Ties "Important"

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Fikra Forum

New Saudi Poll: Corruption Major Concern, Divisions on Reforms and U.S. Ties

Doubts About Hezbollah Emerge in Lebanon, Even Among Shia

For a State, Palestinians Would Cede "Right of Return"—and More

In Egypt, One-Third Still Like the Muslim Brotherhood; Half Call U.S. Ties "Important"

The Challenges Facing Egypt’s Female Migrant Workers

Egypt’s Customary Reconciliation Sessions Hurt its Christian Minority