Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

Lebanese protesters hold signs reading "Fearless" in Arabic in response to the assassination of Lokman Slim - source: Reuters

Middle East Matters, Episode One: The Murder of Lokman Slim: Justice Delayed in Lebanon

Watch a special conversation about the murder of Lebanese activist and writer Lokman Slim between veteran Lebanese journalist Hanin Ghaddar and Slim's widow and colleague, Monika Borgmann.

Mar 14, 2023

◆

Hanin Ghaddar

◆ Middle East Matters

Articles & Testimony

It Is Time for a New Hezbollah Policy

Growing domestic blowback presents a strategic opportunity to alter the balance of power in Lebanon, shrink Iran’s long-range influence, and promote true political diversity within the Shia community.

Mar 7, 2023

◆

Hanin Ghaddar

The Taliban flag on display in Kabul, Afghanistan

Brief Analysis

Iran Formalizes Ties with the Taliban

The two governments have been engaging for months on standard diplomatic issues, but the new embassy handover may prove more worrisome given that they are both rogue regimes capable of coordinating against U.S. interests in the region.

Mar 3, 2023

◆

Aaron Y. Zelin

UAE aid in Jableh, Syria, following February 6, 2023, earthquake

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

Disaster Dynamics:

Assessing Middle East Responses to the Turkey-Syria Earthquake and Other Destructive Events

Regional generosity was on display after the February 6 temblor, but aid decisions do appear to be driven by political considerations.

Mar 3, 2023

◆

Sarah Cahn
Erik Yavorsky

New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attends the first regular session of the Council of Ministers in Baghdad in November 2022 - source: Reuters

Fikra Forum

Iraq’s Endless Electoral Law Debate

The Coordination Framework is poised to yet again change Iraq's electoral law, continuing a history of such changes that have destabilized and delegitimized the political system.

Mar 2, 2023

◆

Feyzullah Tuna Aygün

Articles & Testimony

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Imagined Communities in Its Proto-State

The jihadist group has been releasing upbeat online briefs about various locales under its control, seemingly aiming to unite residents in northwest Syria and soften its image abroad.

Mar 1, 2023

◆

Aaron Y. Zelin
Sarah Cahn

Turkish president Erdogan - Source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Turkey’s Disaster—and Erdogan’s: How the Earthquake Could Spell the End of His Rule

The president might find the current situation ominously similar to two decades ago, when a combination of devastating natural disaster and deep public dissatisfaction swept his Islamist faction to power.

Mar 1, 2023

◆

Soner Cagaptay

Fikra Forum

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

◆

Fawzi al-Zubaidi

Brief Analysis

Changing Egyptian-Turkish Dynamics May Create Opportunities for Libya

Turkey’s tragic earthquake and Egypt’s economic crisis may lead both governments to ease their conflicts over Libya.

Feb 21, 2023

◆

Ben Fishman

Fires burn after the August 2020 port explosion in Beirut - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Washington Should Sanction Officials Obstructing the Beirut Port Investigation

Prosecuting those responsible for the disaster via an independent Lebanese judiciary would help safeguard public funds, contain corruption, enable reforms, and protect citizens.

Feb 17, 2023

◆

Hanin Ghaddar

Fikra Forum

Iran’s Mounting Missile Threats to Neighboring Countries

Iran's ballistic missile program poses regional threats that require international solutions.

Feb 16, 2023

◆

Mohammad Abu Ghazleh

Fikra Forum

Morocco, Israel, and the Future of the Negev Forum

Morocco is preparing to host the upcoming Negev Forum summit, an opportunity for the Kingdom to expand economic ties and bridge regional divides.

Feb 16, 2023

◆

Mohamed Chtatou

Fikra Forum

Variables the United States Should Consider on Dollar Smuggling in Iraq

U.S. pressure on Iraq to prevent dollar smuggling and dinar laundering can protect Iraq’s sovereignty and weaken Iran. But if executed without deliberation, this pressure could allow Russia and China to enhance their positions in the Middle East.

Feb 15, 2023

◆

Frzand Sherko

Brief Analysis

How Will Turkey’s Earthquake Affect the Current Election Cycle?

Once Ankara meets the initial challenge of determining an election date amid unimaginable human tragedy, it will face a campaign season dominated by debates over the conduct of relief efforts and the government’s level of responsibility for the growing death toll.

Feb 14, 2023

◆

Soner Cagaptay

Fikra Forum

Takeaways from William Burns’ Surprise Visit to Libya

Burns met with both Dbeibeh and Haftar, likely to discuss key U.S. concerns such as the Lockerbie case, energy security, and terrorism.

Feb 13, 2023

◆

Mohamed Eljarh

U.S. President George W. Bush and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf - source: U.S. government

Articles & Testimony

Musharraf’s Life Story Tracked Pakistan’s Struggle with the U.S.

The late leader’s funeral also shed light on the status of military-civil relations in Islamabad, where governments come and go but the military remains the most powerful party.

Feb 8, 2023

◆

Simon Henderson

President Biden delivers the 2022 State of the Union address in Washington - source: U.S. government

Brief Analysis

The State of the Union and the Middle East

A compendium of what the past three U.S. presidents have said—and not said—about the region in their annual speeches before Congress.

Feb 8, 2023

◆

Eric Feely

Fikra Forum

The Fractured Opposition to the Islamic Regime

The Iranian opposition has aligned itself well with the recent protest movement, but evidence of its ability to play an organizational or leadership role in future protests remains limited.

Feb 7, 2023

◆

Ata Hoodashtian

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

◆

David Schenker

Supported by the

Linda and Tony Rubin Program on Arab Politics

The Washington Institute's Linda and Tony Rubin 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.

Never miss a breaking event on U.S. policy interests in the Middle East. Customize your subscription to our expert analysis, op-eds, live events, and special reports.

Featured experts

David Schenker

David Schenker is the Taube Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute and director of the Linda and Tony Rubin Program on Arab Politics. He is the former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.

Ghaith al-Omari

Ghaith al-Omari is the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Senior Fellow in The Washington Institute's Irwin Levy Family Program on the U.S.-Israel Strategic Relationship.

Hanin Ghaddar

Hanin Ghaddar is the Friedmann Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute's Rubin Family Arab Politics Program, where she focuses on Shia politics throughout the Levant.