Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

Israel's Geostrategic Position at a Time of Regional Instability

2014 Scholar-Statesman Award Dinner

On December 2, 2014, Ambassadors Itamar Rabinovich and Michael Oren were presented with the 2014 Washington Institute Scholar-Statesman Award for their contributions to the academic study of the Middle East and the practice of diplomacy. Oren is the author of two acclaimed books -- Power, Faith and Fantasy: America in

Dec 5, 2014

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Itamar Rabinovich
Michael Oren

Fikra Forum

The Battle for Kobane Is also Political

The attack on Kobane, pitting ISIS against Kurdish forces, is a political as well as military battle given its presence on the border between Turkey and Syria.

Dec 5, 2014

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John Saleh

Multimedia

Brief Analysis

Jihadism on the Rise in Europe: The Dutch Perspective

An intensive discussion with the head of Dutch intelligence covering the role of the Syria campaign, advances by the new generation of European jihadists, and steps officials can take to understand and reduce the threat.

Dec 4, 2014

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Rob Bertholee

◆ Counterterrorism Lecture Series

Articles & Testimony

The Egyptian Revolution Isn't Dead Because It Never Happened in the First Place

A crucial bloc within Egypt mainly wants stability, rather than the deep institutional reforms that a true revolution would require.

Dec 4, 2014

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Eric Trager

Brief Analysis

Jordan's King Abdullah Comes to Washington

Friday's meeting offers an opportunity to discuss the kingdom's domestic challenges, the proposed no-fly zone in northern Syria, and the potential ramifications of ramped-up training of Syrian opposition forces on Jordanian territory.

Dec 4, 2014

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David Schenker

Articles & Testimony

Not Alright With Syria's Alawites

Assad's power base is not monolithic, and rising discontent could serve as a vital opportunity to reconcile various Syrian religious groups.

Dec 4, 2014

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Oula A. Alrifai

Brief Analysis

Making the Iraqi Revenue-Generating Deal Work

Leaders in Baghdad and Iraqi Kurdistan have taken a brave step toward reunifying the country through revenue sharing. The United States should support implementation of the deal.

Dec 3, 2014

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Michael Knights

Articles & Testimony

Hezbollah: The Party of Iran, Not Lebanon

A tactical shift by Hezbollah should not be seen as a genuine change in its ideology: it was and remains the party of Iran, not Lebanon.

Dec 3, 2014

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David Daoud

Brief Analysis

Between ISIS and Iran: Bahrain Tweaks Washington

Amid electoral boycotts and continued concerns about ISIS and Iran, King Hamad has reappointed a prime minister whom Washington regards as an impediment to political progress.

Dec 1, 2014

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Friday's Islamist 'Uprising' in Egypt Could Be Bloody

Although past uprisings have been quickly snuffed out, the latest calls for mass protests have been more strategically savvy and explicitly violent than usual.

Nov 26, 2014

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Eric Trager

Brief Analysis

Tunisians Elect a President

Regardless of who enters Carthage Palace in January, a free and fair election will represent an achievement worthy of international recognition.

Nov 21, 2014

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Sarah Feuer

An Egyptian guard inspects bomb damage near the Gaza border in Sinai

Articles & Testimony

Obama Administration Should Be Helping Egypt, Not Punishing It

Helping Cairo defeat jihadis -- at minimum by delivering long-postponed weapons systems -- would be more productive than punishing it for its repressive approach in Sinai.

Nov 19, 2014

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David Schenker
Eric Trager

Articles & Testimony

Welcome to a Post-Post-Cold War World

If the United States and its allies fail to manage the Syria and Iraq crises, victorious "anti-order" actors such as Russia, Iran, and ISIS could usher in an unstable era similar to the late 1930s.

Nov 17, 2014

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James Jeffrey
Soner Cagaptay

Brief Analysis

Qatar Makes Peace With Its Gulf Neighbors

A late-night agreement in Riyadh appears to have resolved the diplomatic spat between Qatar and its GCC partners, opening up the possibility of more diplomatic coordination and greater unity.

Nov 17, 2014

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

The Islamic State's Archipelago of Provinces

The group's now-formalized annexation model could have direct political and security consequences in several countries, creating a more complex threat environment for the U.S.-led coalition.

Nov 14, 2014

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Aaron Y. Zelin

Articles & Testimony

Morocco Deepens Anti-IS Gulf Ties, but Neglects Returning Jihadi Threat

Even as Rabat sends delegations abroad to garner support for its security programs, the question remains: Why is Morocco one of the largest sources of IS fighters in the Arab world?

Nov 13, 2014

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Vish Sakthivel

Video

Brief Analysis

The New 'Tri-Border' Region: Emerging Threats Along the Israel-Lebanon-Syria Frontier

A detailed discussion of the various factors fueling or constraining chaos on Syria's borders, including Arab tribal politics, Israeli security calculations, Iranian-Hezbollah military strategy, and a seemingly hesitant U.S.-led air campaign.

Nov 12, 2014

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Boaz Ganor
Hussain Abdul-Hussain

Articles & Testimony

Iraq's Future: It's the Oil, Stupid

At this crucial time in Iraq's history, only one factor is holding the country together: the wealth created by the south's oil exports, and how these funds will be distributed in the 2015 budget.

Nov 10, 2014

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Michael Knights

Brief Analysis

The 1968 Siege of Sana: A Houthi Historical Parallel

Locals tend to perceive today's conflict less as a struggle between external forces than as a continuation of long-running tensions between Zaydi tribal elite and the modern Yemeni state.

Nov 10, 2014

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Asher Orkaby

In-Depth Reports

Libya as a Failed State:

Causes, Consequences, Options

Is post-Qadhafi Libya destined to become a "Somalia on the Mediterranean"? Analyst Andrew Engel studies the causative factors in Libya's failed transition to democracy.

Nov 9, 2014

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Andrew Engel

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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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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