Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

Tweet Signals Major Upgrade in Relations Between U.S. Gulf Allies

Yet the photo of an informal meeting among the Saudi, Qatari, and UAE leaders also suggests their uncertainty about American support.

Sep 20, 2021

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Simon Henderson

Middle East doctor, Turkish protestor, veiled voter

In-Depth Reports

A New Start for the U.S. on Mideast Democracy and Human Rights

In a region where publics are clamoring for healthcare, housing, jobs, and freedom of expression, progress toward electoral democracy need not always be the top priority.

Sep 19, 2021

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David Pollock
Robert Satloff

◆ Reform, Protest, Change

Brief Analysis

Sistani vs. the Militias: The Future of Iraqi Sovereignty

The international community needs to pay more attention to developments in Najaf, where Sistani-backed groups are forcefully pushing back against Iran but still face the longer-term question of who will continue his message.

Sep 14, 2021

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Hamdi Malik

A Taliban fighter at a police station in Kabul

Articles & Testimony

How Not to Repeat My History with the Taliban

To avoid the worst outcomes, Washington needs to assiduously enforce any deals with the new Afghan leadership, cooperate effectively with other world powers, and explain to a domestic audience how the withdrawal will facilitate a focus on different priorities.

Sep 2, 2021

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David Pollock

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Profile: Badr Organization

Badr is the wellspring of many of today's armed resistance groups and still operates under the indirect and sometimes direct control of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Sep 2, 2021

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Michael Knights
Crispin Smith
Hamdi Malik

◆ Militia Spotlight: Profiles

Brief Analysis

Political Uncertainty Deepens in Tunisia

Washington should publicly emphasize the importance of preserving hard-won progress on political pluralism and human rights, while privately conveying that Tunis must return to the constitutional framework in order to receive MCC and IMF funding.

Aug 31, 2021

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Sarah Feuer
Grant Rumley
Ben Fishman
Aaron Y. Zelin

Articles & Testimony

Algeria-Morocco Rupture:

An Unfunny Comedy of Errors

Algiers likely wanted to deflect attention from challenges at home, but missteps from other actors may have tipped the scales.

Aug 27, 2021

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David Pollock

Articles & Testimony

What's Happening with the HDP?

Tracking Legislators in Turkey's Liberal, Pro-Kurdish Party

Erdogan knows that a flourishing opposition could mean his political demise.

Aug 26, 2021

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Soner Cagaptay
Umut Can Fidan
Nibras Khudaida

In-Depth Reports

A Strategy to Contain Hezbollah:

Ideas and Recommendations

Since securing a parliamentary majority, the group has consistently prioritized its own interests over those of the Lebanese people through practices such as illicit drug production, sex trafficking, and the buildup of its military arsenal.

Aug 24, 2021

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Hanin Ghaddar

Militia with 23mm driving west outside IZ, May 26, 2021

Articles & Testimony

After Afghanistan, Iraqis Fear They Could Be Next

Aug 19, 2021

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Bilal Wahab

The Taliban flag on display in Kabul, Afghanistan

Brief Analysis

Return of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: The Jihadist State of Play

Regardless of the Taliban’s promises to keep foreign terrorist elements in check, its victory is already boosting elements within the jihadist movement and may once again spur foreign fighter traffic to Afghanistan.

Aug 18, 2021

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Aaron Y. Zelin

Brief Analysis

UN Session on GERD Dispute Strains Egypt-Russia Relations

Moscow is keen on courting Ethiopia, and Cairo is beginning to realize its partner’s limitations, yet the two governments will nevertheless continue cooperating on hot-button issues like weapons procurement.

Aug 17, 2021

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Haisam Hassanein

Articles & Testimony

Jihadi Schadenfreude Over al-Nahdah in Tunisia

Whether or not Tunis repeats its past security mistakes, al-Qaeda and the Islamic State may see the president’s destabilizing power move as an opportunity to prod the government’s capabilities.

Aug 12, 2021

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Aaron Y. Zelin

Flag of the Syrian Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)

Brief Analysis

From Global Jihad to Local Regime: HTS Builds Different Forms of Legitimacy

Ironically, the Syrian jihadist group now acts much like a typical Middle Eastern regime, from the way it mobilizes local support to the abuses it commits against those who oppose its rule.

Aug 6, 2021

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Aaron Y. Zelin

Brief Analysis

Russia and Iran Are Supporting Assad’s Latest Attack on Deraa

The actions of Moscow and Tehran’s local forces say much about each country’s true intentions in the area, and the most immediate result could be more ethnic cleansing.

Aug 5, 2021

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Oula A. Alrifai

Articles & Testimony

Tunisia’s Crisis Couldn’t Come at a Worse Time—for Libya

If Libya rushes to elections without resolving its long list of contested constitutional issues, it risks creating a more dangerous form of the legitimacy crisis currently unfolding next door.

Jul 29, 2021

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Ben Fishman

Articles & Testimony

Assessing Lebanon’s Political Paralysis, Economic Crisis, and Challenges for U.S. Policy

A former assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs diagnoses the country's incapacitated institutions and prescribes remedies for its entrenched corruption and Iranian/Hezbollah domination.

Jul 29, 2021

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David Schenker

Brief Analysis

Iran and Russia Are Exploiting America’s Absence in Northeast Syria

By redeploying their military and proxy forces, boosting Assad’s political campaigns, and resorting to various local intimidation tactics, the two countries are increasingly working together on establishing full control in Deir al-Zour.

Jul 29, 2021

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Oula A. Alrifai
Ali Alleile

Brief Analysis

A Mikati Government Will Not Save Lebanon

Instead of resuming a shell game that the country’s beleaguered people no longer have the luxury to play, Europe and the United States should proceed with additional sanctions against corrupt leaders.

Jul 28, 2021

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Hanin Ghaddar

Brief Analysis

Political Crisis in Tunisia: U.S. Response Options

As the fragile Arab democracy faces its most serious test in nearly a decade, Washington should oppose any unconstitutional centralization of power, urge President Saied to clarify his roadmap for ending the impasse, and consider additional economic and medical assistance.

Jul 27, 2021

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Sarah Feuer

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 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.

Bilal Wahab

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

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Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

Linda and Tony Rubin Program on Arab Politics

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