Democracy & Reform

Policy Analysis on Democracy & Reform

Sunnis in Iran: Protesting Against Decades of Discrimination and Repression

After years of underrepresentation and repression at the hands of the regime, Iran's Sunni population is playing an important role in the current protests.

Nov 21, 2022

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Mehrzad Boroujerdi

Iranian women's rights activist Masih Alinejad speaks at the Institute's 2022 Scholar-Statesman Award dinner in New York City - source: The Washington Institute

Video

Brief Analysis

A Conversation with Masih Alinejad

Watch or read a conversation with Masih Alinejad, an Iranian American human rights activist and The Washington Institute’s 2022 Scholar-Statesman honoree.

Nov 21, 2022

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Masih Alinejad

New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attends the first regular session of the Council of Ministers in Baghdad in November 2022 - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Who Is Mohammed Shia al-Sudani?

A closer look at the new prime minister’s political career, past affiliations, and key cabinet picks as he attempts to balance relations with pro-Iran groups and wary U.S. officials.

Nov 18, 2022

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May Kadow
Erik Yavorsky

A statue of the men's FIFA World Cup trophy on display in downtown Tehran, Iran - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

A Politically Challenging World Cup for Iran

Instead of attracting tourists, boosting the economy, and rallying Iranians around the flag, this year’s tournament could turn into a Pyrrhic victory for the regime given its dire political situation at home.

Nov 18, 2022

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Omer Carmi

Qatari and Saudi soccer players in the 2014 Gulf Cup final game - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Gulf Rivalries and the Qatar World Cup

Nearly two years after Gulf neighbors put a splint on their diplomatic fracture with Doha, persistent tensions and historic quarrels will form a major part of the competition’s backdrop.

Nov 17, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

New EU Sanctions Indicate More Willingness to Hold Tehran Accountable

Although their ultimate effects are uncertain, the new sanctions are a powerful signal that European governments are readier than ever to confront the regime’s human rights violations, drone deliveries to Russia, and nuclear stalling.

Nov 15, 2022

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Henry Rome
Louis Dugit-Gros

Fikra Forum

Iraq’s ‘Armed Protest Syndrome’: From a Clash of Ideas to Violence

In order to restore the stability and authority of the Iraqi state, the Sudani government must endeavor to end the years-long connection between protests and reciprocal violence.

Nov 14, 2022

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Abbas Abboud Salem

President Joe Biden waves from the steps of Air Force One - source: White House photo

Brief Analysis

Biden Heads to Egypt Amid Economic Protests and Libyan Gridlock

Although climate issues will by definition headline the latest COP summit, Egypt’s human rights record, simmering protest movement, and questionable policies in neighboring Libya will provide plenty of additional fodder for Biden’s discussions with Sisi.

Nov 10, 2022

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David Schenker
Ben Fishman

Fikra Forum

Re-evaluating Turkish Nationalism: A Bulwark Against the Religious Establishment

While the past few decades saw a dip in any political references to Turkey’s founder, opposition groups and the AKP alike have returned to Atatürk as a key political symbol of nationalism ahead of the elections.

Nov 10, 2022

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M. Bahadırhan Dinçaslan

Arab Spring Tunisia Yemen Bahrain Egypt Libya Syria

Brief Analysis

The Sectarian Shadow Over Bahrain’s Election

The results will indicate how the Sunni government is managing its majority Shia citizenry.

Nov 10, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Fikra Forum

The Formation of Iraq’s New Government is a Major Victory for Iran and Its Allies

Although framed as a government of solidarity between Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish factions, the Sudani government in Iraq gives Iran a significant arena in which to wield its influence.

Nov 8, 2022

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Nawzad Shukri

Fikra Forum

MbS and Saudi Arabia’s Israel Policy: What Can We Expect from the New Prime Minister?

As Prime Minister, MbS won't throw out the Arab Peace Initiative altogether, but he will likely reframe it.

Nov 7, 2022

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Aziz Alghashian

Map of U.S. Army operations in Operation Torch, 1942 - source: U.S. Army

Articles & Testimony

From Torch to Tunis to El Alamein: Events 80 Years Ago Made the Modern Middle East

The second week of November 1942 has much to tell us about the region’s geopolitical centrality, its enduring political currents, and its role in the future of the Jewish people—not to mention the evolution of American foreign policy.

Nov 6, 2022

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Robert Satloff

Saudi men take pictures at the Al Souda mountain - source: Reuters

Video

Brief Analysis

Inside Saudi Arabia: A Trip Report

After leading an extensive group visit throughout the kingdom, Washington Institute scholars offer insights from their encounters with leaders in government, religion, business, and culture.

Nov 4, 2022

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Robert Satloff
David Schenker

Brief Analysis

Buying Time in Baghdad? What to Expect from Sudani’s Government

The hostile and corrupt forces arrayed behind him might ease their anti-American activities just to reassert their power at home, so Washington should make the new government’s honeymoon a short one—and work around it if necessary to help the Iraqi people.

Nov 3, 2022

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Bilal Wahab

Fikra Forum

The Legacy of Lebanon’s October Revolution

Although the results of the October 2019 protests and the May 2022 elections brought hope to many Lebanese desperate for change, entrenched political deadlock and dysfunction are as bad as ever.

Nov 3, 2022

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Ibrahim Karkouti

Articles & Testimony

A Narrow Government with Ben Gvir and Smotrich Threatens US-Israel Ties

Appointing senior ministers who incite against Arabs would undermine the shared values that buttress the bilateral relationship while giving fuel to Israel’s critics in Washington.

Nov 2, 2022

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Dennis Ross
David Makovsky

Video

Brief Analysis

Israel Goes to the Polls: The State of the Race Less Than One Week Out

Pollsters are finding little movement between the two main camps, though the dramatic rise of a new hard-right party has many observers on edge.

October 27, 2022

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David Makovsky
Tamar Hermann

Fikra Forum

Minister Allocation in Iraq’s New Government

Although ministry positions in Iraq have long been used as bartering tools, the new government could make a huge difference by supporting key ministries with real solutions and competent appointees.

Oct 27, 2022

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Nawras Jaff

Women and protesters in Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

Beyond Elections:

Evolving Arab Public Opinion on Democracy and Human Rights

U.S. efforts in the region stand a better chance of success if they consider rising demand for accountable governance, skepticism about democratic institutions, and various nation-specific trends.

Oct 27, 2022

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Catherine Cleveland
David Pollock

◆ Reform, Protest, Change

Supported by the

Project Fikra: Defeating Extremism through the Power of Ideas

Fikra n. [Arabic] "Idea"

The Washington Institute's Project Fikra is a multiyear program of research, publication, and network-building designed to generate policy ideas for promoting positive change and countering the spread of extremism in the Middle East.

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