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Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

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Imed Khemiri, a senior official in the Ennahda party and member of the Salvation Front (L) takes part in a protest, demanding the release of imprisoned journalists, activists, opposition figures and setting a date for fair presidential elections in Tunis, Tunisia May 12, 2024 - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
Beyond the Ballot Box: U.S. Priorities in North Africa’s 2024 Elections
By recognizing the limits of electoral processes in countries like Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia, Washington can focus more on addressing economic, social, and institutional challenges, managing regional dynamics, and engaging strategically with global competitors.
May 30, 2024
◆
  • Sabina Henneberg
  • Amine Ghoulidi
Map of North Africa framed by U.S., Chinese, and Russian flags
Maps & Graphics
In-Depth Reports
North Africa in an Era of Great Power Competition:
Challenges and Opportunities for the United States
Washington can demonstrate its decisive edge in areas like climate change remediation and economic development, while highlighting the many dangers posed by partnership with Russia and China.
May 29, 2024
◆
  • Anna Borshchevskaya
  • Louis Dugit-Gros
  • Ben Fishman
  • Sabina Henneberg
  • Grant Rumley
Delegates and flags at the 2018 China-Arab Forum - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
What to Expect from the Latest China-Arab Forum
Attendees will likely focus on the Gaza crisis and trumpet new cooperation agreements, but these CASCF meetings are more notable for what they reveal about the limits of Chinese influence in the Middle East.
May 29, 2024
◆
  • Rebecca Redlich
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh speaks in Tehran, Iran, in May 2024 - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
“Moderate” Hamas Statements Are an Old Ploy
Hamas leaders have recently tempered their fiery rhetoric with more moderate-sounding statements about a ceasefire along the 1967 lines, but this is merely a tactical move designed to advance the group’s main goal—establishing an Islamist state “between the river and the sea.”
May 23, 2024
◆
  • Neomi Neumann
  • Matthew Levitt
Brief Analysis
A Year of Arab Engagement with Assad Has Failed
The “carrots” approach only emboldened the regime to increase its smuggling of Captagon and weapons, but Caesar sanctions remain a potent stick.
May 15, 2024
◆
  • Andrew J. Tabler
UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon in front of a poster depicting Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
An Israel-Lebanon Agreement May Not Be Worth the Costs
The lesson from past deals involving Hezbollah is clear: the group will try to pocket any U.S. concessions on the presidency and other issues while simply jettisoning whatever border commitments it may make in return.
May 14, 2024
◆
  • David Schenker
Flags of Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Turkey on display in Riyadh
Articles & Testimony
The Arab Approach to Mediation—Reshaping Diplomacy in a Multipolar World
Given their unique cultural concepts and major economic and political clout, the Gulf states are poised to play an even more significant role in future peace and security initiatives.
Spring 2024
◆
  • Nickolay Mladenov
Secretary of State Blinken meets Iraqi PM Sudani
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Navigating the US-Iraq Relationship: Toward Stability and Cooperation
Both sides have a role to play in developing an U.S.-Iraq relationship built on Sudani’s vision of "sustainable cooperation" and in addressing the actors that can limit this potential.
Apr 29, 2024
◆
  • Khairuldeen Makhzoomi
  • Minatullah Alobaidi
KRG and Iraq flags, Erbil
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Obstacles and Options in Baghdad-Erbil Negotiations
By finding lasting solutions in coordination with both parties, relations can be mended and the gridlock and animosity that is crippling cooperation between the two parties can be put to an end.
Mar 25, 2024
◆
  • Fawzi al-Zubaidi
Egyptian President Sadat meets with generals during the 1973 October War.
Articles & Testimony
There’s No Such Thing as a “Ramadan Truce”
For Hamas and its extremist fellow travelers, military campaigns and terrorist attacks during the holy month have long been perfectly acceptable tactics.
Mar 12, 2024
◆
  • Robert Satloff
A woman casts her ballot in the 2009 Iranian election - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
Five Questions for Iran’s Elections
The vote is more interesting for its long-term implications than its immediate results.
Feb 29, 2024
◆
  • Omer Carmi
Army Day military parade, Tehran 2023
Brief Analysis
Elections Expose Iran’s Fading Democratic Pretensions
The latest election cycle offers further proof that the regime is counting on centralization and open repression as its main tools of control, with elected bodies becoming increasingly irrelevant.
Feb 28, 2024
◆
  • Saeid Golkar
Ameri
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Hadi al-Ameri’s Bad(r) Month
The Badr Organization leader has suffered bruising blows from other Iran-backed militias seeking to exploit the group's internal dysfunction and divisions.
Feb 21, 2024
◆
  • Ameer al-Kaabi
  • Michael Knights
  • Hamdi Malik
◆ Militia Spotlight
Articles & Testimony
Libya’s Armed Group Catch-22
Because the government ceded too much authority to local militias and tribal intermediaries, no one can dismantle them without risking their lives.
Feb 15, 2024
◆
  • Ben Fishman
Brief Analysis
Sinwar, Mashal, and Israel’s Dilemma for the “Day After”
The long-term political struggle against Hamas will be just as challenging for Israel as the current military campaign.
Feb 9, 2024
◆
  • Neomi Neumann
Israeli flag, Hezbollah flag, implied Lebanon border
Maps & Graphics
In-Depth Reports
Reinforcing U.S. Diplomacy to Stop a Hezbollah-Israel War
Only a comprehensive initiative aimed at curbing Hezbollah’s influence both within Lebanon and in the region stands a chance of delivering peace for the long term.
Feb 8, 2024
◆
  • Hanin Ghaddar
A Palestinian views a building reduced to rubble in Gaza - source: Reuters
Articles & Testimony
The Road to Peace in Gaza:
A Veteran Negotiator’s Plan
For opportunity to emerge from tragedy, two bridges must be built: one leading from the current situation to the “day after” the war, and a second creating a viable path to a Palestinian state.
Feb 5, 2024
◆
  • Dennis Ross
PM Sudani
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
What the U.S. Should Demand in a Dialogue with Iraqi PM Sudani
With regard to Sudani’s visit to America, we need to see what the Iraqi PM can achieve before confirming this important invitation. Sudani can be a real prime minister of a real sovereign state if he wants to be, but that will require taking risk.
Feb 1, 2024
◆
  • Michael Knights
Brief Analysis
Two Tough Scenarios for U.S.-Iraq Relations
Washington’s ever-narrowing Iraq policy has left it with unpalatable choices, but muddling through is a better short-term option than allowing the relationship to rupture.
Feb 1, 2024
◆
  • Bilal Wahab
Par2
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Badr Fall Out Over Controlling the New Parliamentary Speaker
AAH conspired with a politicized judiciary to remove the speaker but failed to coordinate the replacement with Badr.
Jan 29, 2024
◆
  • Hamdi Malik
◆ Militia Spotlight

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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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