All Policy Analysis by David Schenker

American withdrawal would doom efforts against the Islamic State, undermine confidence in Baghdad, exacerbate Iraq's economic crisis, and deliver the country completely to Tehran.

The former assistant secretary of state in charge of the Middle East portfolio from 2019-2021 discusses his time in office and how the region’s challenges and opportunities are evolving at the start of the Biden administration.

The compiled series provides a timely country-by-country guidebook for engaging non-Islamist, pluralistically inclined actors in North Africa, the Gulf, and the Levant.

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

Both countries appreciate the benefits of the bilateral relationship, but the longer the crisis continues, the more problematic quiet coordination will become.

Despite collusion between the LAF and Hezbollah, the United States may still have an interest in funding the Lebanese military.

The latest demonstrations are unusual in that they highlight the divergence of the Western-oriented palace from much of the Jordanian people, who according to polling do not like the United States very much.

By setting limits on Iranian deployments in southern Syria, Washington could insulate Jordan from problems on the border and encourage Iranian caution in the east, potentially decreasing the likelihood there of a U.S.-Iran clash.

In the Egyptian capital, the Sisi government frees a billionaire imprisoned for a sensational murder, for reasons only known to itself.

Even as Washington adapts to changing circumstances, the risks for U.S. military personnel in Jordan will likely persist.

Although the new legislation constitutes another win for Hezbollah, potential shifts in Lebanese political alignments may not be in the militia's favor.

Cairo has demonstrated a stunning lack of will to eradicate ISIS from Egyptian territory and has been losing ground against a virulent but numerically small insurgency in the Sinai.

Under increasing pressure from regional wars and more than a million refugees, Amman is ratcheting up taxes on ordinary citizens to bridge the budget gap.

Although the Trump administration is looking to decrease foreign aid, Amman's request for more U.S. funding deserves special consideration given its close cooperation in the region.

To help Washington in the war against the Islamic State, Cairo must first help itself, in part by adopting a modern COIN approach in Sinai and refocusing its military spending toward that end.

News that Israel has begun exporting gas to Jordan indicates that commercial logic can prevail despite adverse political rhetoric.