Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

Iraqi Kurds Face Legitimacy Issues Amid Election Deadlock and Internal Division

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) has been heading for unprecedented political and financial uncertainties as a result of the growing disputes between the two ruling parties and the central government’s moves to erode the KRI’s autonomous status.

Aug 7, 2023

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Bekir Aydoğan

Lebanese protesters demonstrate against central bank official Riad Salameh in Tyre in 2019 - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Lebanon Is a Global Sanctuary for Criminals

Even if much-needed prosecutions against Hezbollah members are deemed too dangerous at present, donors must still pressure Beirut to extradite other individuals charged with crimes abroad, starting with banking official Riad Salameh.

Aug 2, 2023

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David Schenker

A Beirut money changer handles Lebanese pound and U.S. dollar notes - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Economic and Security Conditions in Lebanon

Lebanon’s current problems stem from persistent economic and political corruption, and Hezbollah remains the de facto enforcer of this mafia-like status quo.

Jul 2023

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Matthew Levitt

Crown Prince Muhammad and President Xi walking in Riyadh.

Fikra Forum

How a Small Saudi City Explains China’s Role in the Saudi-Iran Agreement

China's recent mediation efforts between Riyadh and Tehran were motivated by a combination of strategic outlook and economic interest in the Middle East, signaling a gradual shift away from its traditional "free-riding" approach.

Jul 31, 2023

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Essa Nahari

Photo of Israelis in Tel Aviv protesting proposed judiciary changes, February 2023.

Fikra Forum

Israel and Algeria: Protests, Politics, and Colonialism

Exploring the parallels in the Israeli and Algerian experiences provides insight into the future of democracy in both countries.

Jul 28, 2023

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Bruce Maddy-Weitzman

A Sudanese protester against military rule

Video

Brief Analysis

Sudan's Civil War: Mediation Challenges and the U.S. Role

Three experts assess the conflict’s effects on regional humanitarian and security issues, outlining the requirements for a durable ceasefire.

Jul 28, 2023

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Yasir Zaidan
Reem Abbas
Alex Rondos

Fikra Forum

Could Libya Become Africa’s Afghanistan?

As political figures vie for influence in Libya, Islamist groups have been empowered to crack down on religious freedoms, women, and minority groups across the country.

Jul 26, 2023

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Khalil El Hasse

Fikra Forum

Sinjar: Challenges and Resilience Nine Years after Genocide

The ninth anniversary of the Yazidi Genocide in Sinjar, Iraq is drawing near, a tragedy in which thousands of Yazidis were murdered, Yazidi women and children were enslaved, and Yazidi villages and compounds were destroyed by ISIS in August 2014.

Jul 25, 2023

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Izat Noah

A priest leads an Easter mass at the Grand Immaculate Church in Al-Hamdaniya, Iraq, April 9, 2023 - source: Reuters

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Blunting the Militia Campaign Against Iraq’s Christian Leaders

A U.S.-sanctioned, Iran-backed militia leader aims to sideline the country’s Chaldean Patriarch and take over billions of dollars’ worth of Christian property.

Jul 25, 2023

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Yaqoub Beth-Addai
Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

Fikra Forum

Egypt Has Not Revealed Any Workable Plan for Sudan

Despite numerous conferences and promises, Sudan's regional neighbors have done little to defuse the current conflict.

Jul 21, 2023

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Mon’im Omer

Brief Analysis

Middle East Visits to the United States Under Biden, Trump, and Obama

The pandemic left President Biden with fewer opportunities to host regional leaders early in his term, but the quantities and patterns in each administration’s invitations offer additional revelations about their policy priorities.

Jul 20, 2023

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Ahmad Sharawi
Essa Nahari

Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syria

Fikra Forum

The SDF’s Approach to Erdoğan’s Victory

Worried by the implications of Erdoğan's reelection, the Kurds in northeastern Syria need active support from the United States now more than ever.

Jul 19, 2023

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Baraa Sabri

Fikra Forum

Saudi Survey Says: Nearly Half Back “Moderate Islam”; Few Support Internal Protests or War with Iran

Saudi minds have become considerably more open to a modern version of Islam since this question was first asked in 2017.

Jul 14, 2023

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David Pollock
Daniel Chodorow

Fikra Forum

The Abu Ragheef Committee Crisis: Security Repercussions for Iraq

The repercussions of the Abu Ragheef committee are still playing out in Iraq, as the Sudani government attempts to assign blame and pursue justice.

Jul 14, 2023

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Fawzi al-Zubaidi

Khamenei present day, underneath: as a youth, with clerics, with military

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

The Regent of Allah:

Ali Khamenei's Political Evolution in Iran

The authoritarian infrastructure honed over decades by the Supreme Leader is designed to outlast his time in office.

Jul 14, 2023

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Mehdi Khalaji

Fikra Forum

Hakan Fidan and the New Turkish Diplomacy in Iraq

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan will have to navigate urgent changes and new challenges in crafting Turkish policy towards Iraq.

Jul 13, 2023

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Firas Elias

Articles & Testimony

Global Ambitions and Tunisia’s Crisis Could Spur Algeria to Rethink Its Non-Intervention Policy

By involving Algiers in enhanced multilateral efforts, Washington can nudge it toward more effective strategies abroad while simultaneously improving Tunisia’s political and economic situation.

Jun 27, 2023

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Sabina Henneberg

Fikra Forum

Egypt’s Approach to Conflict in Sudan: A Simmering Crisis

With no end in sight, the Sudan conflict will put significant pressure on Egypt's economic, political, and security infrastructure.

Jun 23, 2023

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Anthony Skinner

Fikra Forum

New Poll Shows Lebanese Frustrations with Government, Iran, and Other Powers

New polling results from Lebanon emphasize ways in which the country’s public is frustrated domestically and at key Hezbollah ally Iran, while expressing mixed views of other powers.

Jun 22, 2023

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Catherine Cleveland

Banque du Liban, BDL commissioner Riyad Salameh, Hezbollah symbol, ATM machine

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

Cash Cabal:

How Hezbollah Profits from Lebanon's Financial Crisis

The Lebanese economy requires an urgent overhaul, and the international community must press for deep reforms.

Jun 22, 2023

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Samara Azzi
Hanin Ghaddar

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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