Arab & Islamic Politics

Policy Analysis on Arab & Islamic Politics

How Syria's Civil War Threatens Lebanon's Fragile Peace

Less than a generation removed from the 15-year civil war that claimed nearly 200,000 lives, Lebanon again appears to be hurtling toward instability.

Apr 1, 2014

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David Schenker

Articles & Testimony

Understanding the Gulf States

A closer look at the most pressing economic, diplomatic, territorial, and succession issues in each of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Mar 31, 2014

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

The Saudi Problem and the Head of the Snake

Does Obama still have pull over Riyadh when the king's point man -- Prince Bandar -- is pulling the strings from afar?

Mar 28, 2014

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

U.S. Strategic Dialogues with Morocco and Algeria: Take Two

Secretary Kerry's visit comes amid Morocco's efforts to expand its regional influence and an upcoming vote in Algeria.

Mar 28, 2014

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Vish Sakthivel

Brief Analysis

Saudi Succession Change Risks Royal Family Squabble

King Abdullah's appointment of Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, his half-brother, as deputy crown prince could marginalize Crown Prince Salman.

Mar 27, 2014

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Egypt's New Military Brass

A closer look at how the supreme military council will operate now that Field Marshal Sisi has thrown his hat into the presidential ring, including a chart illustrating the SCAF's likely new membership.

Mar 26, 2014

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Gilad Wenig

Articles & Testimony

Next Test for Obama: Soothing the Saudis

The kingdom will have a raft of complaints for the president when he visits Riyadh.

Mar 24, 2014

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Dennis Ross

Articles & Testimony

Egypt's Invisible Insurgency

Young Islamists are using Facebook to organize violent opposition.

Mar 19, 2014

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Eric Trager

Video

Brief Analysis

Turkey's Transformation: Prospects and Limits

Two former U.S. ambassadors to Ankara joined the head of NATO LANDCOM and the author of a new book on Turkey to discuss the AKP government's foreign and domestic policies. Read a summary or watch video.

Mar 13, 2014

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Soner Cagaptay
Ben Hodges
Ross Wilson
James Jeffrey

Brief Analysis

Jordan's Energy Balancing Act

A deal to buy Israeli natural gas can help mitigate the kingdom's energy shortage and steer Amman away from problematic nuclear plans, but it risks stirring domestic opposition.

Mar 12, 2014

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David Schenker
Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Gulf Arabs in Crisis

The withdrawal of several ambassadors from Qatar is a setback to U.S. diplomacy with Gulf allies and another item for President Obama's upcoming meeting with the Saudi king.

Mar 5, 2014

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Turkey's Muted Reaction to the Crimean Crisis

Issues such as energy dependence, deep-rooted fears of the Russian military, and Black Sea navigation policy all offer clues to Prime Minister Erdogan's vacillating response to Russian activities in Crimea.

Mar 4, 2014

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Soner Cagaptay
James Jeffrey

Brief Analysis

Egypt's Arms Deal with Russia: Potential Strategic Costs

Cairo's possible purchase of advanced weapons systems from Russia could become another irritant in U.S.-Egyptian relations.

Mar 4, 2014

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David Schenker
Eric Trager

Articles & Testimony

Libertarian Turkey

The rise of a middle class in Turkey has resulted in a society where rival political blocs and formerly violent factions are forced to coexist despite their enduring rancor.

Mar 3, 2014

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Soner Cagaptay

Articles & Testimony

Obama the Pragmatist

The president's approach to recent crises shows an emphasis on the feasibility of successfully intervening, so he may yet decide to take action in Syria if his assessment of the stakes changes.

Mar 3, 2014

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Dennis Ross

Articles & Testimony

Algeria's Presidential Elections amid the Bickering of a Polarized Regime

Abdelaziz Bouteflika's decision to run for a fourth term blocks a historic opportunity to achieve a safe and peaceful transition of leadership.

Feb 28, 2014

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Yacine Boudhane

Brief Analysis

Implications of a Sisi Presidency

The military chief has some strong assets and likely staying power, but he will still face great pressure if he is elected as anticipated, since the benchmark for success will be his ability to satisfy an Egyptian polity filled with unrealistically high socioeconomic expectations.

Feb 28, 2014

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Adel El-Adawy

Brief Analysis

The Key to Pressuring Assad Is UNSCR 2118

By focusing on the Syrian regime's faltering commitment to eliminate its chemical weapons, Washington can decisively push Damascus and Russia toward real progress on larger issues -- and also set the table for limited military strikes if they prove necessary.

Feb 21, 2014

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Andrew J. Tabler

Brief Analysis

Saudi Arabia's Domestic and Foreign Intelligence Challenges

A fatal shootout involving security forces and Shiites coincides with a change in the kingdom's intelligence leadership.

Feb 21, 2014

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Simon Henderson

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking

Brief Analysis

Ayatollah Khamenei: Pessimistic Negotiator, Optimistic Strategist

Despite offering nominal support for Iran's nuclear negotiating team, Khamenei and his circle continue to criticize the talks and could sabotage them outright if internal dynamics go against President Rouhani.

Feb 21, 2014

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Mehdi Khalaji

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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