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Democracy & Reform

Policy Analysis on Democracy & Reform

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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
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Iraq’s Watergate and the Fallout for U.S. Relations
The politicized corruption of the country’s best intelligence agency has exploded into a major eavesdropping scandal directed from the prime minister’s office, and Washington should adjust bilateral intelligence sharing accordingly.
Sep 5, 2024
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  • Michael Knights
◆ Militia Spotlight
Central Bank of Libya headquarters building - source: Wikimedia Commons
Articles & Testimony
Banks Not Bullets: A New War Front Opens Up in Libya
Previous civil war combatants are now fighting a financial and resource war over the country’s vast wealth, but Washington and UNSMIL can still exert more leverage than other players if they so choose.
Sep 4, 2024
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  • Ben Fishman
Central Bank of Libya headquarters building - source: Wikimedia Commons
Articles & Testimony
All of Libya Held Hostage by Gunmen Targeting the Central Bank
A political and literal fight over Libya's top financial institution could enable Russia to enjoy the spoils of war without having to fight one.
Aug 22, 2024
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  • Ben Fishman
Iran's president-elect Pezeshkian speaks in Tehran - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
Pezeshkian’s Cabinet Reflects Iran’s Institutional Stagnation
The regime’s preference for ideological commitment over expertise has compromised its bureaucratic hiring processes and led to massive institutional decay, making it unlikely that the new president will be able to fulfill his campaign promises or otherwise govern effectively.
Aug 19, 2024
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  • Saeid Golkar
A Syrian girl waves a national flag during a protest in Idlib in support of demonstrations in Suwayda - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
A Year of Suwayda Protests Show That Assad Is No Partner
The regime’s increasing violence against a once-loyal Druze minority is yet another reminder that “normalizing” relations with Assad will never yield the stability neighboring states crave.
Aug 16, 2024
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  • Erik Yavorsky
Brief Analysis
Countering Iran in East Syria Means Moderating the SDF
Groups supported by Iran and the Assad regime have found some local traction due in part to grievances against the Kurdish-led SDF’s governance strategy in Arab tribal areas.
Aug 16, 2024
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  • Andrew J. Tabler
Photo of Turkish and Taliban officials meeting in Ankara, October 2021.
Articles & Testimony
Looking for Legitimacy: The Taliban’s Diplomacy Campaign
In this chapter from the Jihadist Governance and Statecraft compilation, Aaron Y. Zelin explores how Afghanistan's one-time insurgents are making greater use of key instruments of state.
Aug 6, 2024
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  • Aaron Y. Zelin
◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft
Articles & Testimony
Retreating from Legitimacy: Hamas's Engagement In and Disengagement From Governance
In this chapter from the Jihadist Governance and Statecraft compilation, Devorah Margolin explores how Hamas has balanced the contradictions between the demands of governance and of continued terrorist operations.
Aug 6, 2024
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  • Devorah Margolin
◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft
Hezbollah March
Articles & Testimony
Hezbollah Shadow Governance in Lebanon
In this chapter from the Jihadist Governance and Statecraft compilation, Mattew Levitt examines how Hezbollah exercises authority from outside the halls of formal state power.
Aug 6, 2024
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  • Matthew Levitt
◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft
Iraqi flag
Articles & Testimony
Shia Jihadist State Capture in Iraq
In this chapter from the Jihadist Governance and Statecraft compilation, Michael Knights explores the scope and nature of jihadist governance in Iraq.
Aug 5, 2024
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  • Michael Knights
◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft
Swearing-in ceremony for PA cabinet, March 31, 2024. Mahmoud Abbas is third from right; the new PM, Muhammad Mustafa, is to his left.
In-Depth Reports
Reforming the Palestinian Authority:
A Roadmap for Change
The beleaguered governing body requires an overhaul in order to support West Bank stability, postwar governance of Gaza, and a revived political process with Israel.
Jul 22, 2024
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  • Neomi Neumann
  • Ghaith al-Omari
Iran's president-elect Pezeshkian speaks in Tehran - source: Reuters
Video
Brief Analysis
Opportunities and Risks with Iran's New Government
Three experts discuss the domestic and foreign implications of Masoud Pezeshkian’s presidential election victory—including the need to temper any expectations that he is able or willing to pursue substantial change.
Jul 18, 2024
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  • Patrick Clawson
  • Holly Dagres
  • Saeid Golkar
Iranian presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian poses in front of a poster of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei prior to Iran's 2024 presidential elections - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
Talking Nicely with Pezeshkian While Postponing Major Steps
Iran’s new reformist president will need time to generate consensus at home before making any significant foreign policy moves; Washington should do the same.
Jul 9, 2024
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  • Patrick Clawson
Brief Analysis
What If Gaza’s “Day After” Converges with the Day After Abbas?
If the PA leadership collapses under the weight of Israeli pressure and West Bank deterioration, the result could be a destabilizing reset in the Palestinian arena and a postwar void in Gaza.
Jul 1, 2024
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  • Neomi Neumann
UNRWA workers at Nuseirat camp, Gaza, after Israeli strike (left); French diplomat Catherine Colonna (right)
In-Depth Reports
Evaluating UNRWA After the Colonna Report
The obvious nature of multiple recom­mendations points to scandalous mismanagement at the UN aid agency over decades.
Jun 27, 2024
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  • James G. Lindsay
Articles & Testimony
Why Is Hamas’ Popularity Soaring Among Palestinians in the West Bank?
The numbers reflect backlash against the Palestinian Authority, which many see as corrupt, illegitimate, and unable to provide a path toward independence—though the alternative would be worse.
Jun 24, 2024
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  • Moran Stern
A man walks past a billboard in Tehran displaying candidates for president in Iran's emergency 2024 elections - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
Khamenei’s Presidential Choice: Weak Reformer or Strong Hardliner
Iranian presidential elections often produce surprise results, so a victory by Pezeshkian, the one reformist candidate, cannot be ruled out.
Jun 20, 2024
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  • Patrick Clawson
People waiting to buy bread in Tunis, 2024.
Maps & Graphics
In-Depth Reports
Avoiding the Election Error in Tunisia:
Why U.S. Policy Should Focus on Real Reform, Not Votes
An opaque process and an apathetic electorate are among the reasons the contest does not warrant U.S. scrutiny.
Jun 13, 2024
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  • Sabina Henneberg
  • Sarah Yerkes
Kuwait City at sunset.
Brief Analysis
A Kuwaiti Reset?
The new emir’s suspension of parliament, followed by the appointment of a prime minister and crown prince, suggests a different direction for the oil-rich Gulf state.
Jun 7, 2024
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  • Simon Henderson
  • David Schenker
Gathering in Suwayda, Facebook: السويداء الثورة و الحراك السلمي
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Suwayda Protests Continue Despite Growing Pressure
The protest movement’s ability to weather pressures from the Assad regime has allowed Suwayda to remain an impressive display of solidarity, tenacity, and bravery, alongside a willingness after over a decade of conflict in Syria to still demand a better future.
Jun 7, 2024
◆
  • Ishtar Al Shami

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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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Featured experts

Catherine Cleveland
Catherine Cleveland
Catherine Cleveland is The Washington Institute's Croft-Wagner Family Senior Fellow and managing editor of Fikra Forum.
Ben Fishman
Ben Fishman
Ben Fishman is the Steven D. Levy Senior Fellow in the Linda and Tony Rubin Program on Arab Politics at The Washington Institute, where he focuses on North Africa.
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