Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

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

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

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Matthew Levitt

◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft

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

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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

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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

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Neomi Neumann
Ghaith al-Omari

Iran's president-elect Pezeshkian speaks in Tehran - source: Reuters

Video

Brief Analysis

Opportunities and Risks with Iran's New Government

Three experts discuss the domestic and foreign implications of Masoud Pezeshkian’s presidential election victory—including the need to temper any expectations that he is able or willing to pursue substantial change.

Jul 18, 2024

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Patrick Clawson
Holly Dagres
Saeid Golkar

Brief Analysis

Demise of Syria’s “Second Lady” Shakes Up the Assad Regime

Although separating fact from fiction inside the Assad regime is often difficult, Luna al-Shibl’s death is likely a harbinger of further internal changes at a sensitive international juncture.

Jul 15, 2024

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Erik Yavorsky
Andrew J. Tabler

Chinese and Tunisian flags on display in Beijing in 2024 - source: Reuters

Video

Brief Analysis

Countering Chinese and Russian Influence in North Africa

The U.S. ambassador to Tunisia joins three Washington Institute experts to discuss the evolution of great power competition in North Africa.

Jul 10, 2024

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Joey Hood
Anna Borshchevskaya
Ben Fishman
Grant Rumley

Al-Shabab gives goats as zakat (alms) in Somalia.

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

Jihadist Governance and Statecraft

In this anthology, contributors discuss the policy challenges associated with an emerging phenomenon, but disabuse readers of any notion that jihadist governance and statecraft should be equated with political moderation.

Jul 10, 2024

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Devorah Margolin
Aaron Y. Zelin

◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft

A man walks past a billboard in Tehran displaying candidates for president in Iran's emergency 2024 elections - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Khamenei’s Second-Round Dilemmas

Allowing a runoff in the presidential election is a somewhat risky move for the Supreme Leader, but engineering a one-round outcome would raise domestic problems of its own.

Jun 27, 2024

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Patrick Clawson

Brief Analysis

Khamenei’s Presidential Choice: Weak Reformer or Strong Hardliner

Iranian presidential elections often produce surprise results, so a victory by Pezeshkian, the one reformist candidate, cannot be ruled out.

Jun 20, 2024

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Patrick Clawson

A man rides a scooter by a Hamas poster in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, May 18, 2024.

Brief Analysis

The Muslim Brothers Give Hamas a Foothold in Lebanon

Most Lebanese Sunnis have resisted the MB’s mobilization so far, but this sentiment could shift quickly due to pressures from the Gaza war, the economic crisis, the local political vacuum, and the inroads being made by Hamas and Hezbollah.

Jun 18, 2024

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Hanin Ghaddar
Aaron Y. Zelin

Hamas commander Yahya al-Sinwar speaks at a 2023 event in Gaza.

Brief Analysis

How Hamas Is Trying to Shape the “Day After” in Gaza

A detailed look at what the group has been telling other Palestinians as it maneuvers to retake a role in the wider national movement and rebuild its forces.

Jun 13, 2024

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Ehud Yaari

People waiting to buy bread in Tunis, 2024.

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

Avoiding the Election Error in Tunisia:

Why U.S. Policy Should Focus on Real Reform, Not Votes

An opaque process and an apathetic electorate are among the reasons the contest does not warrant U.S. scrutiny.

Jun 13, 2024

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Sabina Henneberg
Sarah Yerkes

Brief Analysis

A Kuwaiti Reset?

The new emir’s suspension of parliament, followed by the appointment of a prime minister and crown prince, suggests a different direction for the oil-rich Gulf state.

Jun 7, 2024

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Simon Henderson
David Schenker

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.

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Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

Linda and Tony Rubin Program on Arab Politics

Featured experts

Regions & Countries

Issues

Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

Linda and Tony Rubin Program on Arab Politics

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