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A Third of Saudis Want Business With Israel Now, Even Without Formal Ties; “Muslim Rights” Top List of Public’s Terms for Full Normalization

A unique new public opinion poll from Saudi Arabia sheds light on popular attitudes there toward a potential deal to “normalize” relations with Israel.

Sep 18, 2023

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David Pollock

Bread vendor outside the Old City of Jerusalem

New Polling and the Legacy of the Oslo Accords

When examining the legacy of the Oslo Accords, one clear outcome is the way in which diplomatic breakthroughs—along with their failures—have deeply shaped public attitudes towards the conflict. Thirty years later, fresh polls emphasize the deep erosion of trust and support for the two-state solution in Palestinian (along with Israeli) society, but a lingering hunger for some kind of breakthrough.

Sep 14, 2023

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Catherine Cleveland

Mahmoud Abbas

Abbas and the Khazar Claim: Separating Myth from Fact

The lesson of this current episode with Abbas should be that more research is called for to throw light on this half-forgotten chapter of history to refute such claims. Only more accurate information can help remove the Khazars from the shadows of mystery and antisemitism and place them instead in the correct historical context.

Sep 12, 2023

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Ehud Yaari

Pedestrians near Manara Circle, downtown Ramallah

Support for Mass Protest on the Rise in Gaza and the West Bank

As rival Palestinian factions clash in Lebanon’s Ain al-Hilweh camp and Hamas-backed militants capture UNRWA schools, new polls indicate that public frustration in Gaza and the West Bank has grown to the point where many would back popular protests.

Sep 11, 2023

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Catherine Cleveland

Reflections on Oslo

IDF in Hebron

The Implications of the Second Intifada on Israeli Views of Oslo

The sense of helplessness that deepened during the course of the intifada was also accompanied by the need to find a source of the blame. In the eyes of the Israeli public, that blame was placed squarely on Palestinian leadership.

Sep 8, 2023

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Zohar Palti

Al-Manara Square Ramallah

The Palestinian Authority, a Flawed but Necessary Legacy of Oslo

While insufficient, a collapse of the Oslo edifice would come with a hefty price for the Palestinians, not only as individuals but also as a people seeking self-determination.

Ghaith al-Omari

Meeting between Arafat and Rabin

Beyond Oslo: Reflections on Peace, Promise, and Possibility

A personal journey through peace, politics, and the legacy of the Accords

Nickolay Mladenov

Oslo at 30-A Personal Perspective

The Oslo Accords were seriously flawed but now must be preserved. Some of the mistakes can probably be fixed over time to make sure the historic agreement does not remain a breakthrough into a dead end, but instead paves the way towards a stable compromise between Israel and the Palestinians.

Ehud Yaari

Israeli PM Yitzakh Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat shake hands

The Oslo Accords Held Promise; Extremists Derailed Them

As we look back at the legacy of the accords, it is not the Oslo Accords that failed us, but Israelis and Palestinians who failed Oslo.

Mohammed Dajani

June 2023 Palestinian Polling

Palestinians More Positive on Abraham Accords and Open to Vying Powers Than Arab Neighbors

Results from a new public opinion poll conducted in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem show key differences between Palestinian attitudes and those of respondents elsewhere in the Arab world when it comes to relations with Israel and the roles of the United States, China, Russia, and other regional powers.

Frances McDonough

A Palestinian woman walks by a mural in Bethlehem

Palestinians Surprisingly Split on Saudi-Israel Normalization

In Gaza, most residents are strongly supportive of increased Arab involvement in the conflict and half are open to normalizing ties with Israel were Saudi Arabia to do so. A majority of West Bank residents, however, remain hesitant about such a proposal.

Catherine Cleveland
David Pollock

Spring 2023 Polling

Mecca

Saudi Survey Says: Nearly Half Back “Moderate Islam”; Few Support Internal Protests or War with Iran

Saudi minds have become considerably more open to a modern version of Islam since this question was first asked in 2017.

David Pollock
Daniel Chodorow

New Poll Shows Lebanese Frustrations with Government, Iran, and Other Powers

New polling results from Lebanon emphasize ways in which the country’s public is frustrated domestically and at key Hezbollah ally Iran, while expressing mixed views of other powers.

Catherine Cleveland

Jordanian flag

New Public Opinion Poll: Jordanians Favor De-escalation in the Region, But Sentiment Against Israel Remains

In a new public opinion poll, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in March/April by an independent regional firm, Jordanian citizens demonstrate a strong aversion toward Israel but remain in favor of regional de-escalation.

Faris Almaari

Cairo Market Street

Egyptians Still Lukewarm on Mass Street Protests; U.S. Trails Russia and China as Overall Partner, But Edges Out Both as Security Partner

A new public opinion poll of Egyptian citizens, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in late March/April by a regional commercial firm, showed that despite the current economic doldrums, street protests remained unpopular.

Mohamed Abdelaziz

UAE Public Opinion: Still Friendly to United States, Split on Israel, Hostile to Iran

A fresh opinion poll of UAE citizens, commissioned by The Washington Institute and conducted by a reliable independent regional firm in April 2023, reveals some of the most pro-American and anti-Iranian attitudes of any Arab country surveyed lately. On normalization with Israel, views are more mixed—yet surprisingly moderate, given this poll’s timing during Ramadan.

David Pollock

New Kuwait Poll Shows Little Interest in Protests Despite Deadlock, Split Views of Global Powers

In a new public opinion poll commissioned by The Washington Institute and conducted in March-April by an independent regional firm, Kuwaitis appeared averse to any disruptions at home or around the region, even as tensions grow across Kuwait’s political scene.

Frances McDonough

New Saudi Opinion Poll Shows 40 Percent Still Back Some Ties with Israel; Three-Fourths Say Rocket Fire Against Israel Will Have Negative Effects

A rare public opinion poll in Saudi Arabia, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in March/April 2023 by a reputable regional firm, reveals an intriguing mix of attitudes—some in line with emerging Saudi government policies; others, not so much.

David Pollock

New Bahrain Poll Reveals Support for Russia, Entente with Iran, Split on Israel

A rare public opinion poll in Bahrain, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in March/April by an independent regional firm, shows surprisingly high levels of popular approval for Russia—including its war aims in Ukraine.

David Pollock

The Washington Institute's Interactive Polling Platform

Syria

Deir Ezzor Is Trapped Between Corrupt Local Leaders and External Governance

On Sunday August 27, Deir Ezzor Military Council (DEMC) Head Abu Khawla—along with a number of senior commanders from the DEMC—were invited to meet with the commander-in-chief in the SDF Mazloum Abdi in neighboring Al-Hasakah province.

Omar Abu Layla

The Wagner Group in Syria: Profiting Off Failed States

Despite discord between the Wagner Group and the Russian government, the entrenched economic and military engagement of Wagner forces in Syria is unlikely to change soon.

Emad Bouzo

Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syria

The SDF’s Approach to Erdoğan’s Victory

Worried by the implications of Erdoğan's reelection, the Kurds in northeastern Syria need active support from the United States now more than ever.

Baraa Sabri

The Reality of Normalization with Assad: Syrians’ Perspectives

The growing regional trend of normalization with Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria—including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and even Turkey—have stoked the anger of the Syrian opposition.

Ishtar Al Shami

Brussels Conference

The Brussels Conference: An Opportunity to Inject Transparency into Syrian Earthquake Aid

With a focus on "the future of Syria," the Brussels Conference can be a platform through which Western and Arab countries can coordinate aid to Syria in an era of normalization.

Bassam Barabandi

Ras al-Ain

The Border of the EU Starts at Syria’s M4

Driven by forced conscription, economic deterioration, and lack of opportunities, Syrians are increasingly crossing the M4 in northern Syria on their journey to Europe.

Rena Netjes

Syria Captagon

Drug Addiction in Syria: A Decades-Long Disease

Syria's rise in the world of drug trafficking has only exacerbated the preexisting drug crisis inside its borders, as a lack of opportunities leaves many vulnerable.

Emad Bouzo

Trucks from the Autonomous Region, NE Syria, deliver aid after 2023 earthquake

UN Aid in Northwest Syria—Or Lack Thereof

In the direct aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, EU-funded UN aid was delivered to Damascus despite the Assad regime’s disastrous track record, which includes stealing aid from international institutions. On the ground in Northwest Syria, frustration with the UN is rising, especially as aid from neighboring countries entered quickly.

Rena Netjes

Turkey

Hakan Fidan

Hakan Fidan and the New Turkish Diplomacy in Iraq

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan will have to navigate urgent changes and new challenges in crafting Turkish policy towards Iraq.

Firas Elias

Syrian Perspectives on the Turkish Elections

Though Syria policies were at the center of the Turkish elections, the future for many Syrians remains unclear even after an Erdoğan victory.

Emad Bouzo

Media and Official Reactions to Erdoğan’s Win

Considering Turkey’s pivotal role in the region and a number of current global issues, it’s no wonder that Arab media

Jun 16, 2023

Bafel Talabani

Roots of the Rift between Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan's PUK

The tensions between Turkey and the PUK are not new, though recent actions by both sides have exacerbated the situation

Apr 28, 2023

Iraq

Photo of a worker at a construction site in Iraqi Kurdistan.

New Road Map for Iraq to Support Stability and Growth

Iraq’s stagnant political and legal environments today indicate that the country still faces a deep strategic impasse as a result of international obligations and limitations.

Fawzi al-Zubaidi

Kurdistan Flag

Tracking Iranian Soft Power Influence in the KRI

The Islamic Republic of Iran over several years has gained a significant foothold in Iraq, spreading its influence and agenda throughout Iraqi daily life.

Nawras Jaff

Erbil Hills Golf Course

The Audacity of the Erbil Hills Golf Course Amidst Iraq’s Water Crisis

In the heart of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), construction of the ambitious Erbil Hills Golf Course is underway.

Renwar Najm

How American-Style Education Influences Iraq’s Private Sector

To grow, the Iraqi economy needs a more robust private sector, which in turn needs young Iraqi workers with business-ready skill sets. American-style universities are filling the gap.

Aug 9, 2023

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May Kadow

Iraqi Kurds Face Legitimacy Issues Amid Election Deadlock and Internal Division

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) has been heading for unprecedented political and financial uncertainties as a result of the growing disputes between the two ruling parties and the central government’s moves to erode the KRI’s autonomous status.

Aug 7, 2023

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Bekir Aydoğan

The Abu Ragheef Committee Crisis: Security Repercussions for Iraq

The repercussions of the Abu Ragheef committee are still playing out in Iraq, as the Sudani government attempts to assign blame and pursue justice.

Jul 14, 2023

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Fawzi al-Zubaidi

In Iraq, the Kurds Are Their Own Worst Enemy

Kurds were once referred to as kingmakers, a pillar of stability, and the most powerful force in the fight against ISIS. Now, the Kurdish Region of Iraq is crippled by ferocious partisanships, tribal politics, and internal splits.

Jun 17, 2023

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Yerevan Saeed

Iran

Iran’s Pressure Campaign on Iranian Kurds Continues

Iran has stepped up pressure on Baghdad and Erbil to disarm and relocate Iranian Kurdish opposition parties in the Kurdistan Region amidst ongoing disputes between Erbil and Baghdad over budget and oil revenues.

Wladimir van Wilgenburg

Iran and Azerbaijan Flags

Iran’s Pressure on Azerbaijan: Two Birds with One Stone

Aware of Azerbaijan's growing economic influence and strength, Iran is taking measures to ensure the tensions remain in its favor.

Arash Aalaei

Mousavi

Opposition in the Iranian Diaspora and among Iranian Reformers: The Case of Mousavi

As an Iranian opposition coalesces in the diaspora, challenges loom on the horizon. How the diaspora approaches reformists inside Iran calling for a new constitution will help demonstrate just how cohesive Iran’s disparate opposition groups can become.

Majid Nikouei

The Gulf

Crown Prince Muhammad and President Xi walking in Riyadh.

How a Small Saudi City Explains China’s Role in the Saudi-Iran Agreement

China's recent mediation efforts between Riyadh and Tehran were motivated by a combination of strategic outlook and economic interest in the Middle East, signaling a gradual shift away from its traditional "free-riding" approach.

Essa Nahari

GCC

Syria’s Normalization and the GCC: Adjusting to A New Modus Vivendi

Though GCC member states may disagree on Syria's normalization, the collective memory of past conflicts and the desire for regional stability will likely override internal divisions.

Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco

Chinese and UAE leaders meet

The Gulf Navigates a Multipolar World

Amid global uncertainty, Gulf states are seeking to strike a delicate balance between old and new partners.

Feb 24, 2023

Muscat

A Stabilizing Factor: Oman’s Quiet Influence amid Mounting Uncertainty in the Gulf

Based on its sound reputation as a conflict mediator and talks facilitator, Oman is well-positioned to tone down flaring rivalries

Dec 22, 2022

Egypt

Egypt Sudan Border

Egypt’s Approach to Conflict in Sudan: A Simmering Crisis

With no end in sight, the Sudan conflict will put significant pressure on Egypt's economic, political, and security infrastructure.

Anthony Skinner

The Muslim Brotherhood: Organizational Crisis and Declining Capabilities

Once a dominant political movement, the Muslim Brotherhood's continual internal crises have caused the group to splinter and recede from the spotlight.

Dr. Khairy Omar

Egypt: A National Dialogue or A Political Maneuver?

With key topics and figures excluded, Egypt's national dialogue is unlikely to achieve much in the way of reform.

Jun 9, 2023

Egyptian president Sisi speaks

The Growth of Chinese Influence in Egypt: Signs and Consequences

Chinese influence extends beyond the economic sphere, posing serious threats to Egypt's security interests and relationship with the United States.

Apr 27, 2023

Lebanon

Lebanon Protest Flag

Preserving the Unity of Lebanon by Federating Its Political System

Lebanon is going through unprecedented circumstances that require joint engagement among all communities to find permanent solutions that ensure peace, prosperity, and unity for the country.

Joe W. Issa-El-Khoury

Lebanon Flag

Can Federalism Work in Lebanon?

For those promoting federalism in Lebanon, a historical analysis of the country's geographic and ethnosectarian divisions demonstrates the necessity of inclusive discussion and collective engagement.

Robert Rabil

North Africa

Emergency earthquake response in Taroudant Province, Morocco

Morocco Unites in the Aftermath of the Earthquake

In the wake of the devastating earthquake, an outpouring of solidarity and social mobilization has taken place in the country at a grassroots level. The complexity of the situation from a logistical and geographical standpoint helps explain Morocco’s reluctance to indiscriminately accept all international aid offers.

Mohsine El Ahmadi
Ahmad Sharawi

Sadiq al-Gharyani

Could Libya Become Africa’s Afghanistan?

As political figures vie for influence in Libya, Islamist groups have been empowered to crack down on religious freedoms, women, and minority groups across the country.

Khalil El Hasse

Regional Geopolitics and the Second Negev Summit

After months of delay, U.S. and Israeli government officials reportedly suggested that the second Negev Summit will proceed on June

Jun 13, 2023

Algeria Oil

The Energy Geopolitics of North Africa

The longstanding regional rivalry between Morocco and Algeria has taken on new meaning as the two countries vie for energy

Feb 9, 2023

Photo of Israelis in Tel Aviv protesting proposed judiciary changes, February 2023.

Israel and Algeria: Protests, Politics, and Colonialism

Exploring the parallels in the Israeli and Algerian experiences provides insight into the future of democracy in both countries.

Jul 28, 2023

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Bruce Maddy-Weitzman

Sudan

Abdul Fattah al Sisi

Egypt Has Not Revealed Any Workable Plan for Sudan

Despite numerous conferences and promises, Sudan's regional neighbors have done little to defuse the current conflict.

Mon’im Omer

Has the Pursuit of Democracy Failed in Sudan?

The current conflict in Sudan has been exacerbated by a limited democratic process after the fall of Omar al-Bashir that failed to incorporate a diversity of Sudanese civilian voices.

Dr. Khidir Haroun Ahmed