Democracy & Reform

Policy Analysis on Democracy & Reform

Proceeding with Caution in Western Sahara

Given growing uncertainties in other North African states, Washington should avoid any sudden moves on the Sahara file even as it builds on the momentum of recent talks.

Apr 23, 2019

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Sarah Feuer

Brief Analysis

An Economic Roadmap to Humanitarian Relief in Yemen

Washington should accelerate common-sense economic efforts that can help right away, even as the fraught, slow-moving UN peace process continues.

Apr 16, 2019

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Dave Harden
Michael Knights

Brief Analysis

After Bashir’s Fall, What’s Next for Sudan?

To forge a better future, the country must break the vicious cycle of military rule followed by incompetent, corrupt rule under the same tired political class.

Apr 11, 2019

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Alberto Fernandez

Brief Analysis

Algeria’s Long Buildup to Mass Protests

The main drivers of the current crisis have been in play for many years, so Washington should focus on economic and security initiatives that can help Algeria regardless of which new leaders emerge.

Apr 9, 2019

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Sabina Henneberg

Articles & Testimony

Saudi Aramco Reveals Its Financials—and More Secrets

The oil giant’s latest moves will help fund ambitious infrastructure projects, but the implications for foreign investment and economic diversification remain to be seen.

Apr 7, 2019

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

After the Islamic State, Renewed Urgency for Religious Reform

The IS “caliphate” may have perished, but its ideology and capacity for future outbreaks will persist unless more vigorous reforms are instituted.

Apr 5, 2019

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Dina Al Raffie

Articles & Testimony

Erdogan Should Seize the Chance for Change in Turkey

The president seems pragmatic enough to recognize when he is beat and refocus his efforts on normalizing the severely polarized political system.

Apr 5, 2019

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Soner Cagaptay

Brief Analysis

Bouteflika Resigns: Next Steps in Uncharted Territory

The accelerating pace of events calls for a careful U.S. response, since instability in Algeria could cause significant disruptions in North Africa, the Mediterranean, energy markets, and counterterrorism.

Apr 3, 2019

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Ben Fishman

Articles & Testimony

How Bibi’s Bestie at the White House Is Helping Him Win the Israeli Election

President Trump’s recent Golan announcement and photo-op with Netanyahu could draw more voters to the beleaguered prime minister’s side.

Mar 25, 2019

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Neri Zilber

Brief Analysis

The New Palestinian Prime Minister Will Face Steep Internal Challenges

Fatah succession maneuvers, escalating tensions with Hamas, a financial crisis, and an uncertain security hierarchy will make it difficult for the incoming premier to improve the current situation.

Mar 13, 2019

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Ghaith al-Omari

Brief Analysis

A U.S.-Iraq Security Partnership: Avoiding the Pitfalls Just Ahead

Nationalist sentiment and Iranian pressure have led some Iraqi legislators to oppose a continued U.S. military presence, but Washington could make things much worse if it overreacts.

Mar 13, 2019

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Barbara A. Leaf
Bilal Wahab

Brief Analysis

Algeria on the Brink?

As Algiers braces for wider protests, Washington should coordinate with Arab and European allies to signal the government that it risks losing control unless it changes course.

Mar 8, 2019

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Sarah Feuer

Brief Analysis

U.S. Sanctions Are Hurting Hezbollah

To further tighten the noose, Washington should disrupt the group’s efforts to tap international aid, Lebanese ministry budgets, Syrian smuggling revenue, and other resources.

Mar 6, 2019

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Hanin Ghaddar

Articles & Testimony

Oslo’s Mangled Legacy

Despite their failures, the accords are inextricably linked with the Palestinian national movement and its associated diplomatic/security architecture, so allowing them to collapse completely could make a bad situation worse.

Mar 4, 2019

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Ghaith al-Omari

Brief Analysis

Organizational Split and Radicalization Within Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood

Internal structural changes and ideological rifts have given rise to new strategies for legitimizing violence.

Mar 4, 2019

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Annette Ranko
Mohammad Yaghi

Syrian flag over a ruined building destroyed by bombing

Brief Analysis

Assad Needs the United States and Its Allies for Reconstruction

Damascus and its partners can’t rebuild the country by themselves amid their growing budget crunch, so Washington has leverage on key transition issues even if Assad keeps stalling.

Feb 28, 2019

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Jomana Qaddour

Brief Analysis

Repatriating Western Jihadists: The Impact of U.S. Syria Policy

Unless Washington changes its mixed message on foreign fighters and helps its European allies find practical solutions, it may soon face another mass outbreak of seasoned operatives from Syria.

Feb 27, 2019

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Matthew Levitt
Aaron Y. Zelin

Brief Analysis

Saudi Ambassador Switch Overshadows Important Defense Appointment

Sending a princess to head the embassy in Washington has grabbed the headlines, but her predecessor’s elevation to deputy defense minister may have greater policy and political implications.

Feb 25, 2019

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Dueling Narratives in Israel’s Election Campaign

A new political merger has distilled the campaign into a two-faction race, and each side is already crafting its message accordingly.

Feb 22, 2019

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David Makovsky

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

International Engagement in Iraq Is Tied to Military Presence

The U.S.-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State is the strongest alliance Iraq has ever enjoyed, but much of the resultant international attention and support could dissipate if forces are removed.

Feb 21, 2019

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Michael Knights

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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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Catherine Cleveland

Catherine Cleveland is The Washington Institute's Croft-Wagner Family Senior Fellow and managing editor of Fikra Forum.

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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