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.
Michael Knights is an Adjunct Fellow at The Washington Institute and cofounder of the Militia Spotlight platform, which offers in-depth analysis of developments related to Iran-backed militias.
Brief Analysis
Join us for an expert conversation on Iranian proxies and their likelihood of escalation in light of Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran. Watch live starting at 1:00 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT) on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
For decades, the Iranian regime has relied on a constellation of partners and proxy groups across the Middle East to project power, deter adversaries, and threaten U.S. and allied interests. During the current war, members of this “axis of resistance” have made some moves to support the regime and respond to U.S. and Israeli attacks, but with different strategies and calculations—including about whether and how to use force. From Lebanese Hezbollah to the Hashd militias in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen, what do the actions they have taken so far reveal about their longer-term goals, their degrees of independence from Tehran, and their likelihood of escalating? And how should Washington, Israel, and other actors counter the military, economic, and political threats they pose as the war continues?
To discuss these questions, The Washington Institute is pleased to announce a virtual Policy Forum with Hanin Ghaddar, April Longley Alley, and Michael Knights, moderated by Taube Senior Fellow David Schenker.
April Longley Alley is a senior fellow at the Institute and former senior political advisor to the UN’s Yemen envoy (2020-24).
Michael Knights is an adjunct fellow with the Institute, cofounder of its Militia Spotlight platform, and chief product officer for the strategic intelligence firm Horizon Engage.
The Policy Forum series is made possible through the generosity of the Winkler Lowy Foundation.
