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Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

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Flags of Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Turkey on display in Riyadh
Brief Analysis
Arab Gulf States Shift Toward More Harmonious Relations
After years of simmering tension, the recent evidence of positive change cannot be ignored.
Jan 30, 2023
◆
  • Simon Henderson
Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani in 2022 - source: Wikimedia Commons
Brief Analysis
Sudani’s Wobbly Balancing Act Between Tehran and Washington
Although it is still too early to write the prime minister off as an Iranian lackey, he is on a familiar trajectory for Iraqi governments: doing the minimum necessary to prevent deterioration with Washington while satisfying the voracious demands of his Iran-backed partners.
Jan 27, 2023
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  • David Schenker
French President Macron and Moroccan King Mohammed VI in Rabat - source: Reuters
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
France’s Balancing Act: Mending Relations and Ending Moroccan Visa Restrictions
A recently announced visa decision and a presidential visit to Rabat indicate France’s eagerness to regain its diplomatic position in the region.
Jan 25, 2023
◆
  • Frances McDonough
  • Sabina Henneberg
Video
Brief Analysis
Civil Society in Tunisia: Resetting Western Policy Expectations
Three experts discuss the relevance and focus of Western efforts to nurture reform in post-revolutionary Tunisia amid recent democratic backsliding by President Saied.
Jan 25, 2023
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  • Sabina Henneberg
  • Amy Hawthorne
  • Jean-Louis Romanet Perroux
Tunisian demonstrators outside the general union building (UGTT), June 2022
Maps & Graphics
In-Depth Reports
Civil Society in Tunisia:
Resetting Expectations
Reduced U.S. support need not mean abandoning Tunisians or democratization, and can center on directing limited funds more intentionally.
Jan 23, 2023
◆
  • Sabina Henneberg
Ghaani
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
What Do Iran’s Protests Mean for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region?
Internal instability in Iran may cause significant religious, economic, and political repercussions across the border in Iraq.
Jan 17, 2023
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  • Zubir R. Ahmed
  • Nawzad Shukri
Houthi code of conduct paper
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Between the Lines: Understanding the Houthi Employment Code of Conduct
Since the failure of international efforts to renew the ceasefire in Yemen this past November, the Houthi movement has—with increasing speed—spread its influence and dominance over the men and women living under its control.
Jan 15, 2023
◆
  • Laila Lutf Al-Thawr
Iran Womens Protests
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Iranian Daughters: Struggling for the Rights Their Mothers Lost in the Revolution
Activists fighting for women's rights in Iran today have learned from their predecessors' mistakes and are more determined than ever to achieve gender equality.
Jan 13, 2023
◆
  • Sepideh Zamani
Women and a child walk near Kabul, Afghanistan - source: Reuters
Articles & Testimony
Repeating the Past or Following Precedent? Contextualising the Taliban 2.0’s Governance of Women
A twenty-first-century return to the group’s past gender apartheid is a distinct possibility, potentially threatening Afghan women’s rights, the survival of vulnerable ethnic groups, and the country’s broader security and prosperity.
Jan 12, 2023
◆
  • Gina Vale
  • Devorah Margolin
  • Farkhondeh Akbari
Fighters of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), walk together near Baghouz, Deir Al Zor province - source: Reuters
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Turkish Drone Strikes and Building Concerns About Washington in Syria’s Autonomous Administration
Some U.S. allies believe the Biden administration has been noticeably muted regarding Turkey's escalations in northern Syria and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Jan 11, 2023
◆
  • Baraa Sabri
Muscat
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
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 in the Gulf and prevent tensions from spiraling out of control.
Dec 22, 2022
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  • Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco
Brief Analysis
Hamas at 35
A look back at the group’s track record and unchanging core ideology shows why its gestures toward democracy and inclusivity should not be mistaken for true moderation.
Dec 21, 2022
◆
  • Devorah Margolin
Qubad Talabani
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
PUK and KDP: A New Era of Conflict
As divisions between the PUK and KDP grow, the Kurdistan region stands to lose its economic and political stability.
Dec 21, 2022
◆
  • Nawras Jaff
Tahrir Square
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
New Egyptian Opinion Poll: Continued Dissatisfaction with Government Performance, Almost Half Reject Mass Protests, and Mixed Views on Foreign Relations
The most recent poll results from Egypt suggest a disconnect between public opinion and pubic policy, especially on economic concerns and relations with Israel.
Dec 21, 2022
◆
  • Mohamed Abdelaziz
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmon durnig a meeting with Russian President Vladimor Putin in Rihady - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
Saudi Prisoner Diplomacy During the Ukraine War
Washington and Riyadh once again seem unable to keep their misunderstandings private, but the Saudi crown prince has proven his ability to mediate certain U.S.-Russian disputes if called on.
Dec 20, 2022
◆
  • Bennett Neuhoff
UAE Flag
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
New UAE Poll Shows Nuance on Domestic Issues; Growing Public Uncertainty over U.S. Relations; Split Views of Iran & Israel
Although many results are consistent with past polling, the most recent Emirati survey reveals interesting perspectives on Iran, the economy, and other issues.
Dec 20, 2022
◆
  • Catherine Cleveland
Lebanon Flag
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
New Lebanon Opinion Poll Shows Continued Internal Dissatisfaction and Desire for International Partners
Lebanese respondents expressed positive views of the maritime deal and World Cup in Qatar, but seemed disappointed by almost everything else.
Dec 20, 2022
◆
  • Frances McDonough
Leaders assemble for the France-sponsored Baghdad Conference in August 2021 - source: Government of Iraq
Brief Analysis
A Baghdad Summit in Amman: Implications for Regional Stability
The French-sponsored event could be a welcome starting point for wider cooperation between Iraq’s new government and its Arab neighbors—particularly Jordan—but only time will tell whether agreements made there come to fruition.
Dec 19, 2022
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  • Louis Dugit-Gros
  • Ghaith al-Omari
  • Bilal Wahab
Saudi Arabia Flag
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
New Saudi Poll: Some Surprises on the U.S., Iran, Israel, Oil, and More
Saudis voiced their thoughts on global partners, internal dynamics, and regional issues, including opinions on the Iranian protests and nuclear dilemma.
Dec 16, 2022
◆
  • David Pollock
Liberation Square
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Activist Haidar al-Zaidi’s Prison Sentence and Growing Pressures on Iraqi Activists
Despite claiming to defend free speech, the Iraqi government is increasingly targeting critics and protestors with arrests and lengthy jail sentences.
Dec 16, 2022
◆
  • Azhar Al-Rubaie

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Program on Arab Politics

The Washington Institute's Program on Arab Politics focuses on social, political, and economic developments in the Arab world, with an emphasis on the Arab countries of the Levant.

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