Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

Tourism Patterns Show Turkey Shifting from Europe to the Middle East

Many Turks traditionally got their only firsthand exposure to European values by interacting with European tourists, but lately this trend seems to be weakening even as visitors from Muslim-majority or former Soviet countries are on the rise.

Oct 30, 2017

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Soner Cagaptay
Oya Aktas

Brief Analysis

How a New Initiative Could Pave the Way to Gulf Reconciliation

One designation in particular by the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center suggests a foundation for better ties between Qatar and the GCC countries with which it has feuded.

Oct 30, 2017

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Matthew Levitt

Brief Analysis

Shia Unrest in Hezbollah's Beirut Stronghold

The group is hoping to rein in rampant social problems by allowing government authorities to crack down on its poorest constituents, but the plan could backfire amid unprecedented anti-Hezbollah riots.

Oct 30, 2017

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Hanin Ghaddar

Brief Analysis

Saving the KRG Is Vital to U.S. and Iraqi Interests

If the Kurdish region is rolled back by federal forces or implodes into civil conflict, the consequences would threaten Iraq's constitutional structure and undercut U.S. efforts to contain Iran.

Oct 25, 2017

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Bilal Wahab

Articles & Testimony

The U.S. Must Fulfill Role of Negotiator Between Baghdad, Kurds

To keep Iraq united and help minimize the divisive sectarianism that has characterized past elections, Washington and the UN need to push for dialogue on the KRG crisis.

Oct 20, 2017

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Michael Knights

Brief Analysis

How Egypt Can Help Hamas and Fatah Implement Their New Deal

The Cairo-brokered understandings can help Gaza, but their success should be judged by how Hamas and Fatah practically approach key issues, not by what they say.

Oct 18, 2017

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Ghaith al-Omari

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Saudi Royal Transition: Why, What, and When?

Speculation is widespread that King Salman may soon abdicate in favor of Crown Prince Muhammad, but that is just one of several possible options.

Oct 18, 2017

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

The UN Action Plan for Libya: Prospects and Challenges

The success of the initiative will depend on a serious commitment from Libya's various factions, broad international support, and improvements to daily life for the public.

Oct 17, 2017

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Ben Fishman

Brief Analysis

Interpreting the Fall of Islamic State Governance

Although the cessation of governance-related media releases suggests a full retreat, IS remains active in military campaigns and eager to rise again by taking advantage of local grievances.

Oct 16, 2017

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Aaron Y. Zelin

Brief Analysis

Egyptians Surprisingly Open to Key Trump Policies, New Poll Shows

From countering Iran and its proxies to working directly with Israel, Egyptian survey respondents seem remarkably willing to follow Washington's lead on multiple regional issues.

Oct 12, 2017

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David Pollock

Brief Analysis

Are Shia Dynamics in Iraq and Lebanon Turning Against Iran?

If Iraqi Shia reject Tehran's call for a unified bloc in next year's elections, it could have welcome implications for the future of Iranian influence in Baghdad -- and Beirut.

Oct 5, 2017

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Hanin Ghaddar

Articles & Testimony

Iran's Shadow over Lebanon

Beirut's tilt toward Tehran has dangerous implications when it comes to countering Sunni radicalization.

Oct 4, 2017

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David Schenker

Brief Analysis

King Salman's Moscow Visit Overshadowed by Past Tensions

The two countries have found themselves at odds on several decades' worth of regional issues, but Riyadh may finally be coming around to Moscow's views on Syria, energy, and trade.

Oct 4, 2017

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Anna Borshchevskaya

Video

Brief Analysis

After the Kurdish Referendum: Regional Implications

Watch experts discuss the potential fallout from the September 25 independence vote in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Oct 3, 2017

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Michael Knights
David Pollock
Bilal Wahab

Brief Analysis

Survey: Qatari Public Wants Compromise, Not Iran's Help

The findings strongly suggest that, to maintain his popularity, the emir should seek a middle-ground exit from Qatar's standoff with other Arab states.

Oct 2, 2017

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David Pollock

Brief Analysis

The Urgent U.S. Role in Post-Referendum Kurdistan

The Iraqi Kurds have angered their neighbors, but imminent punitive measures could quickly strengthen Iran and disrupt the campaign against the Islamic State.

Sep 29, 2017

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Michael Knights

Articles & Testimony

A Field Trip to the Front Lines of the Qatar-Saudi Cold War

The ongoing Gulf crisis is seen as an almost childish indulgence in Washington and Europe, but diplomacy and PR campaigns have made little progress in bringing it to an end.

Sep 28, 2017

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

Is Saudi Arabia Really Changing?

A woman's right to drive has much to say about the influence of the kingdom's hardline clerics and the prospects for deep, lasting reform.

Sep 27, 2017

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

Tehran Seeks to Consolidate Power in Iraq in 2018

Iran wants its local allies to create a Shia political bloc or Hezbollah-like arrangement next door, but Washington can curb such ambitions so long as it does not repeat its vanishing trick of 2011.

Sep 24, 2017

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Michael Knights

Brief Analysis

Is the Kurdish Referendum 'Mission Accomplished' for Barzani?

International pressure has raised the stakes of the planned referendum, but the Kurds have made their case even if the vote is canceled.

Sep 22, 2017

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Bilal Wahab

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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Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

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