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Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

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Fires burn after the August 2020 port explosion in Beirut - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
The Lebanon Human Rights Report: Punting on Accountability?
The country can’t escape its downward spiral without full accountability, so pulling punches in annual U.S. reports serves neither Washington nor the Lebanese people.
Mar 28, 2023
◆
  • David Schenker
A page from a supposedly leaked Iranian document
Brief Analysis
Inside Iran’s Regime (Part 1): Growing Fissures and Poor Morale in the IRGC?
A recently leaked document—if genuine—may indicate substantial internal skepticism toward the regime’s handling of the current domestic crisis, and perhaps even pressure for limited reforms.
Mar 28, 2023
◆
  • Patrick Clawson
Brief Analysis
Planning Beyond a Baghdad-Kurdistan Budget Deal
Iraq’s bloated 2023 budget has created space for the Kurds to get a share of the wealth this year, but preparing for the next leap to permanent solutions is more important.
Mar 24, 2023
◆
  • Michael Knights
A man watches Russian president Vladimir Putin speak on television in the Crimean city of Simferopol - source: Reuters
Articles & Testimony
Russia’s Disinformation Machine Has a Middle East Advantage
The region has been most receptive to Moscow’s war narrative, which Russian state-run media outlets have been permitted to spread far and wide with no Ukrainian or Western counter-narrative.
Mar 23, 2023
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  • Anna Borshchevskaya
Lebanon Flag
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
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.
Mar 20, 2023
◆
  • Robert Rabil
Syrian refugees leaving Turkey after earthquake
Maps & Graphics
In-Depth Reports
Turkish Backlash:
How Street Interviews Spread Anti–Syrian Refugee Sentiment
A narrowing space for reliable media has encouraged alternative platforms that promote hateful language, bigotry, and racism directed toward Syrians.
Mar 20, 2023
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  • Sude Akgundogdu
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
How Iraqis View Life after the Fall of Saddam—Twenty Years Ago and Today
Two decades after the fall of Saddam Hussein, widespread frustration with the current state of Iraq is leading increasing numbers to express a negative view of life in the post-Saddam era in public opinion polling.
Mar 19, 2023
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  • Munqith Dagher
Articles & Testimony
Neglect for Human Rights Helped Produce the Crisis in Tunisia
Rampant corruption and economic instability facilitated Saied’s takeover, but Western governments need to recognize that these ills stem from deeper human rights problems such as unchecked police brutality, erosion of freedoms, and lack of respect for due process.
Mar 17, 2023
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  • Sabina Henneberg
Articles & Testimony
Four Possible Scenarios for Tunisia’s Political Crisis
As waves of protest rock the country following mass arrests of political opponents, what will happen next?
Mar 14, 2023
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  • Karim Mezran
  • Sabina Henneberg
Lebanese protesters hold signs reading "Fearless" in Arabic in response to the assassination of Lokman Slim - source: Reuters
Video
Articles & Testimony
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
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • 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
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
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  • Feyzullah Tuna Aygün
هيئة تحرير الشام
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
Crown Prince Muhammad and President Xi walking in Riyadh.
Fikra Forum
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
Iran Missile
Fikra Forum
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

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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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Featured experts

Ghaith al-Omari
Ghaith al-Omari
Ghaith al-Omari is a senior fellow in The Washington Institute's Irwin Levy Family Program on the U.S.-Israel Strategic Relationship.
Hanin Ghaddar
Hanin Ghaddar
Hanin Ghaddar is the Friedmann Fellow at The Washington Institute's Geduld Program on Arab Politics, where she focuses on Shia politics throughout the Levant.
Mehdi Khalaji
Mehdi Khalaji
Mehdi Khalaji, a Qom-trained Shiite theologian, is the Libitzky Family Fellow at The Washington Institute.
David Pollock
David Pollock
David Pollock is the Bernstein Fellow at The Washington Institute, focusing on regional political dynamics and related issues.
Bilal Wahab
Bilal Wahab
Bilal Wahab is the Nathan and Esther K. Wagner fellow at The Washington Institute.
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