Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

With a massive Israeli crackdown under way, the militant Palestinian movement is struggling to determine its true identity.

Jun 27, 2014

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Neri Zilber

In-Depth Reports

The War Between ISIS and al-Qaeda for Supremacy of the Global Jihadist Movement

Aaron Y. Zelin examines the history and evolution of relations between ISIS and al-Qaeda, detailing factors that could help determine their respective agendas in the global Jihadi arena.

Jun 26, 2014

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Aaron Y. Zelin

Q&A on Turkey

Soner Cagaptay is the author of the new book The Rise of Turkey: The Twenty-First Century's First Muslim Power . His other work includes the book Islam, Secularism, and Nationalism in Modern Turkey: Who is a Turk? He is the Beyer Family Fellow and director of the Turkish Research Program

Jun 26, 2014

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Soner Cagaptay

Articles & Testimony

Securing al-Sham: Syria and the Violence in Iraq

For the second time in less than a year, U.S. President Barack Obama is considering military strikes in the Middle East. But they will not fix the region's problems -- especially the ongoing war between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Jun 25, 2014

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Andrew J. Tabler

Articles & Testimony

Saddam Hussein's Faithful Friend, the King of Clubs, Might Be the Key to Saving Iraq

Failing a unified response by Iraq’s political factions, a rival insurgent group may represent the best chance of stopping ISIS from forming an Islamic caliphate in the heart of the Middle East.

Jun 24, 2014

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Michael Knights

Articles & Testimony

Could Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri Maliki Be Forced Out?

In conventional political terms, Maliki likely remains the frontrunner for the premiership, but the argument that he is unable to stabilize the country by sharing power is once again gaining currency.

Jun 23, 2014

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Michael Knights

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei delivers public remarks.

Articles & Testimony

Iran Is Not an Ally in Iraq

ISIS would likely welcome deeper involvement from the IRGC.

Jun 17, 2014

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Michael Singh

Brief Analysis

Eye on the Ball Amid Qatar-FIFA Corruption Charges

Washington should use the State Department's upcoming annual "Trafficking in Persons" report to amplify international calls for strategic Persian Gulf partners to reform their expatriate labor practices.

Jun 16, 2014

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Lori Plotkin Boghardt

Articles & Testimony

The ISIS Guide to Building an Islamic State

The group's approach to other areas it has seized -- a mix of harsh repression and soft-power outreach -- offers insight into how it might consolidate control in Mosul.

Jun 13, 2014

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Aaron Y. Zelin

Articles & Testimony

Jordan Has a Jihadi Problem Too

The full extent of Salafi jihadist inroads in the kingdom will likely remain unknown until the war in Syria ends, but the current indicators are troubling.

Jun 13, 2014

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David Schenker

Articles & Testimony

The Battle for Iraq Is a Saudi War on Iran

The ISIS invasion of Iraq reflects a wider war between Shiites and Sunnis for control of the Middle East.

Jun 12, 2014

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

Hillary: I'm Done with Crazy Egyptian Conspiracy Theories

The former secretary of state's memoirs illustrate how Egypt's misplaced focus on supposed American conspiracies has exacerbated U.S. skepticism regarding Cairo's recent political direction.

Jun 11, 2014

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Eric Trager

Brief Analysis

Lebanon Unstable and Insecure

Military coordination with Hezbollah may be providing a quick fix, but the country's long-term strength can only be achieved with a reconstituted March 14 coalition.

Jun 11, 2014

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David Schenker

Articles & Testimony

Sisi's Fearful Egypt

Despite the Muslim Brotherhood's extrication, fear is still the primary motivator of Egyptian politics, which does not bode well for fostering stability and inclusiveness.

Jun 11, 2014

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Eric Trager

Brief Analysis

Ailing Official Highlights Concentration of Power in Iran

The Assembly of Experts may soon have a new leader, but hints of a name have yet to emerge.

Jun 11, 2014

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Mehdi Khalaji

Brief Analysis

Mosul Security Crisis: A Chance to Break Iraq's Political Logjam

The loss of government control in a major city may be just the wakeup call Iraqi politicians need to embrace a more ambitious reconciliation agenda.

Jun 10, 2014

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Michael Knights

Current Crisis in Syria

A senior fellow testifies on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria, with an emphasis on its effect on children.

Jun 10, 2014

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Andrew J. Tabler

Articles & Testimony

Battle for Mosul: Critical Test Ahead for Iraq

A political-military solution supported by all of Iraq's factions is likely the only measure that can reverse the situation, but it is too soon to gauge whether the Baghdad recognizes this reality.

Jun 10, 2014

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Michael Knights

Video

Brief Analysis

Toward the Sisi Era: A New Page in U.S.-Egypt Relations?

Three experts offer firsthand observations on Egypt's presidential election and its aftermath, including recommendations for the future direction of U.S. policy and aid dollars.

Jun 6, 2014

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Eric Bjornlund
Eric Trager
Michele Dunne

Articles & Testimony

Syria's Jihadis Are Coming Home to Roost

The death of operative Fawzi Ayoub shows the extent of Hezbollah involvement in the fight.

Jun 6, 2014

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Matthew Levitt

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.

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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