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Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

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(left to right) al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem; an Israeli tank in Ramallah; Hamas (top) and Fatah (bottom) protests in Hebron
In-Depth Reports
Understanding Geographic Distinctions in West Bank Public Opinion
Respondents to an extensive new poll shared remarkably independent views on issues ranging from Hamas’s success in the Gaza war to the likelihood of Israel’s collapse.
Oct 8, 2024
◆
  • Catherine Cleveland
Nasrallah
Brief Analysis
What Nasrallah’s Death Could Mean for the Hezbollah Network
Iran’s proxy faces steep challenges on the leadership and military fronts, and the international community can now act vigorously to free Lebanon from its grip.
Sep 28, 2024
◆
  • Hanin Ghaddar
Flag of Tunisia
Brief Analysis
Tunisia Is Holding an Election—But Will Voters Show Up?
To counter President Saied’s electoral manipulation and increased repression, Washington should work more closely with its contacts in Tunisia’s military, civil society, and European partner governments.
Sep 27, 2024
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  • Sabina Henneberg
  • Sarah Yerkes
H.E. Yahya Cholil Staquf (“Pak Yahya”) speaks at The Washington Institute in September 2024
Brief Analysis
A New Religious Strategy for Effective Peacebuilding in the Middle East
A leading Muslim thinker explains how religious figures can play a truly effective role in regional peacebuilding by questioning the embedded norms that fuel intercommunal violence, including in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Sep 23, 2024
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  • Yahya Cholil Staquf
Photo of a woman reading a document at a military checkpoint in the Philippines before being permitted to return home after fighting between government troops and Islamic State militants.
Video
Brief Analysis
Understanding Jihadist Governance: Contending with a Diverse Problem Set
Three experts discuss the findings of a new Washington Institute compilation on jihadist governance, highlighting several of the case studies and data points explored in the book.
Sep 19, 2024
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  • Devorah Margolin
  • Matthew Bamber-Zryd
  • Aaron Y. Zelin
Pro-Palestine demonstrations in Amman, Jordan
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Hamas's Misleading Narrative and Its Impact on Jordanian National Security
In Jordan, Hamas is working to create a misleading narrative that conflates support for ending the war in Gaza and the Palestinians' right to self-determination with supporting Hamas.
Sep 12, 2024
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  • Saud Al-Sharafat
A Jordanian man casts his ballot in parliamentary elections in September 2016 - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
Jordan’s Election Is a Positive Sign Amid Gaza War Tensions
Despite wartime security and economic challenges, the kingdom is holding its first election since a modernization plan was formulated in 2021.
Sep 6, 2024
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  • Ghaith al-Omari
U.S. and Algerian flags at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers - source: U.S. government
Brief Analysis
What Would Another Tebboune Victory Mean for U.S.-Algeria Relations?
The incumbent president is set to win another term, but shifting opposition politics at home and geostrategic realities abroad could raise bilateral bumps down the road.
Sep 6, 2024
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  • Sabina Henneberg
  • Souhire Medini
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
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Iraq’s Watergate and the Fallout for U.S. Relations
The politicized corruption of the country’s best intelligence agency has exploded into a major eavesdropping scandal directed from the prime minister’s office, and Washington should adjust bilateral intelligence sharing accordingly.
Sep 5, 2024
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  • Michael Knights
◆ Militia Spotlight
Iraqi Parliament
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Iraqi Parliament and Child Marriage: Iraqi Child Rights from One Tight Spot to Another
The new amendment has been met with concerns as it is believed to promote child marriage, raising the stakes of this proposed amendment and its potential implications.
Sep 4, 2024
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  • Bashar AlHadla
Tash Kopru bridge, Kirkuk
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Competition over Kirkuk: Between Internal Conflicts and Regional Rivalries
Kirkuk’s future remains uncertain due to the lack of any consensus-based projects between the governorate’s political actors. Even if these longtime rivals find a way to participate in the local government, it is possible that a slight grievance could devolve into political deadlock.
Aug 30, 2024
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  • Mohanad Faris
Infographic on Hamas diplomatic meetings during the Gaza war.
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Hamas Diplomacy: From Haniyeh to Sinwar
The group has sought to build legitimacy and prepare for a postwar role in Gaza by engaging with various countries since October, but the death of Ismail Haniyeh will complicate those efforts.
Aug 28, 2024
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  • Aaron Y. Zelin
Central Bank of Libya headquarters building - source: Wikimedia Commons
Articles & Testimony
All of Libya Held Hostage by Gunmen Targeting the Central Bank
A political and literal fight over Libya's top financial institution could enable Russia to enjoy the spoils of war without having to fight one.
Aug 22, 2024
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  • Ben Fishman
A Syrian girl waves a national flag during a protest in Idlib in support of demonstrations in Suwayda - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
A Year of Suwayda Protests Show That Assad Is No Partner
The regime’s increasing violence against a once-loyal Druze minority is yet another reminder that “normalizing” relations with Assad will never yield the stability neighboring states crave.
Aug 16, 2024
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  • Erik Yavorsky
Photo of Turkish and Taliban officials meeting in Ankara, October 2021.
Articles & Testimony
Looking for Legitimacy: The Taliban’s Diplomacy Campaign
In this chapter from the Jihadist Governance and Statecraft compilation, Aaron Y. Zelin explores how Afghanistan's one-time insurgents are making greater use of key instruments of state.
Aug 6, 2024
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  • Aaron Y. Zelin
◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft
Articles & Testimony
Retreating from Legitimacy: Hamas's Engagement In and Disengagement From Governance
In this chapter from the Jihadist Governance and Statecraft compilation, Devorah Margolin explores how Hamas has balanced the contradictions between the demands of governance and of continued terrorist operations.
Aug 6, 2024
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  • Devorah Margolin
◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft
Hezbollah March
Articles & Testimony
Hezbollah Shadow Governance in Lebanon
In this chapter from the Jihadist Governance and Statecraft compilation, Mattew Levitt examines how Hezbollah exercises authority from outside the halls of formal state power.
Aug 6, 2024
◆
  • Matthew Levitt
◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft
Iraqi flag
Articles & Testimony
Shia Jihadist State Capture in Iraq
In this chapter from the Jihadist Governance and Statecraft compilation, Michael Knights explores the scope and nature of jihadist governance in Iraq.
Aug 5, 2024
◆
  • Michael Knights
◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft
Articles & Testimony
After 2011, the United States Stayed on the Sidelines—to Libya’s Detriment
Despite missing many past opportunities for low-cost diplomatic action, Washington can still do much to counter Russia’s deepening presence in Libya and Africa.
Jul 30, 2024
◆
  • Ben Fishman
Swearing-in ceremony for PA cabinet, March 31, 2024. Mahmoud Abbas is third from right; the new PM, Muhammad Mustafa, is to his left.
In-Depth Reports
Reforming the Palestinian Authority:
A Roadmap for Change
The beleaguered governing body requires an overhaul in order to support West Bank stability, postwar governance of Gaza, and a revived political process with Israel.
Jul 22, 2024
◆
  • Neomi Neumann
  • Ghaith al-Omari

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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.

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Featured experts

David Schenker
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
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
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.
Bilal Wahab
Bilal Wahab
Bilal Wahab was the Nathan and Esther K. Wagner Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute.
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