Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh speaks in Tehran, Iran, in May 2024 - source: Reuters

“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

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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

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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

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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

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Nickolay Mladenov

Secretary of State Blinken meets Iraqi PM Sudani

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

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Khairuldeen Makhzoomi
Minatullah Alobaidi

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

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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

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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

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Omer Carmi

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

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Saeid Golkar

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Dennis Ross

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

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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

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Bilal Wahab

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

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Hamdi Malik

◆ Militia Spotlight

Destruction from the Israeli strike on Hamas targets at the Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza.

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

How Hamas Manipulates Gaza Fatality Numbers:

Examining the Male Undercount and Other Problems

International media and NGOs have repeated the group's figures without caveats, giving credence to suspicions of Israeli misconduct and fueling accusations of war crimes and even genocide.

Jan 25, 2024

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Gabriel Epstein

Brief Analysis

Jordan’s Escalating Border Threats Amid Regional Upheaval

The kingdom is taking a firm hand against drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, drone infiltrations, and other threats, but it still needs enhanced defense capabilities and other crucial assistance from Washington.

Jan 9, 2024

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Abdullah Hayek
Ahmad Sharawi

Articles & Testimony

Algeria Takes a Seat on the UN Security Council

Twenty years after its last term, Algiers returns to make its mark, potentially affecting U.S. efforts on Gaza, Ukraine, the Western Sahara dispute, and more.

Jan 8, 2024

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Sabina Henneberg

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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Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

Linda and Tony Rubin Program on Arab Politics

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