Democracy & Reform

Policy Analysis on Democracy & Reform

Saudi Reform and Security Through a Gulf Lens

Encouraging more liberal policies remains difficult when America’s Gulf partners believe certain reforms run counter to their security interests.

Jun 19, 2018

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Lori Plotkin Boghardt

Brief Analysis

Iran's Vulnerabilities to U.S. Sanctions (Part 2): Working Smarter, Not Harder

Pending policy decisions on reimposing sanctions will give Washington opportunities to calibrate its arsenal of measures against illicit Iranian financial activity.

Jun 18, 2018

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Katherine Bauer

Brief Analysis

Iran’s Vulnerabilities to U.S. Sanctions (Part 1): Finding the Weak Spots

The regime’s most vulnerable point is its precarious banking system, whose persistent mismanagement, capital shortfalls, and lack of transparency have already sparked public protests.

Jun 14, 2018

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Patrick Clawson

Brief Analysis

Jordan’s Economic Protests: Repackaging Reform

A new government, delayed tax hikes, and extra Gulf aid can alleviate unrest for now, but such measures cannot mask the kingdom’s fundamental need for unpopular economic reforms.

Jun 13, 2018

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Ghaith al-Omari
Ben Fishman

Brief Analysis

Iranian Militias in Iraq's Parliament: Political Outcomes and U.S. Response

As Washington mulls sanctions on Asaib Ahl al-Haq and similar groups, it should mind the volatility of Baghdad’s near-term political situation and the questionable efficacy of ‘wing’ distinctions.

Jun 11, 2018

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Phillip Smyth

Brief Analysis

Recount Will Test the Integrity of Iraq’s Elections

If conducted in a transparent and accountable fashion, the process could infuse some much-needed confidence into the country’s democratic process, despite the risks.

Jun 11, 2018

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Bilal Wahab

Brief Analysis

Saudi Cabinet Changes: The 'March of Modernization'?

The raft of new appointments reflects the crown prince’s vision of transforming the economy, but a simultaneous statement about recent arrests shows the limits on political freedom.

Jun 4, 2018

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

Action and Reaction: Royal Rhetoric Responds to the PJD

The PJD and the monarchy will continue competing for stewardship of the reform process—and for the right to define what it means to be an Islamist party post-Arab Spring.

May 25, 2018

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Sarah Feuer

Articles & Testimony

Saudi Arabia Hits the Brakes on Reforms

Arresting feminists doesn’t inspire faith in the crown prince’s much-hyped reform agenda.

May 22, 2018

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Iraq’s Elections: Red Flags and Opportunities for Inclusion

A closer look at the local security changes, turnout obstacles, sectarian divisions, and other factors that could determine the shape of Iraq’s next government.

May 11, 2018

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Bilal Wahab

Brief Analysis

What Does Hezbollah’s Election Victory Mean for Lebanon?

Hezbollah has made further strides toward remaking state institutions in its image, but the international community can still slow the group's momentum by pressuring its domestic political enablers.

May 8, 2018

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Hanin Ghaddar

Video

In-Depth Reports

Toward a More Moderate and Tolerant Islam

Weinberg Founders Conference 2018 Plenary Dinner

Read a transcript or watch video of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammad Al-Issa's remarks on his vision for the future of the Islamic world.

May 3, 2018

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Mohammad Al-Issa

Tunisian police guard the site of a terrorist attack - soucre: Reuters

Brief Analysis

The Islamic State Targets Tunisia Ahead of Elections

The group has been conducting propaganda campaigns and violence against democratic processes throughout the region, so it may try to back up its latest warnings with attacks in Tunisia’s vulnerable interior.

Apr 30, 2018

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Aaron Y. Zelin

A Turkish soldier stands guard at a rally. Image source: Reuters

Video

Brief Analysis

Snap Elections, Syria Incursions: Turkey's Challenges and Risks

A panel of experts and policymakers grapples with the weighty implications of Turkey's early elections at home and its military intervention in Syria's Afrin pocket.

Apr 30, 2018

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Gonul Tol
Aaron Stein
Rich Outzen

Brief Analysis

Supporting Tunisia’s Moves Toward Local Governance

While successful local elections would mark a milestone in Tunisia’s democratic transition, the vote’s tangible impact will largely depend on the powers of local authorities, which have yet to be defined.

Apr 27, 2018

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Sarah Feuer

Articles & Testimony

Grading Counterterrorism Cooperation with the GCC States

A former Treasury official assesses Qatar and Kuwait's record on countering terrorist financing, with a focus on how to continue cooperation amid the Gulf's ongoing diplomatic rift.

Apr 26, 2018

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Katherine Bauer

Articles & Testimony

Trump’s Travel Ban Might Be Legal, But It’s Bad Policy

Most domestic terrorists don’t get radicalized abroad; they’re made in the USA.

Apr 25, 2018

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Matthew Levitt

Articles & Testimony

Awaiting Change: State of the Arab World Is Captured in Photo from Saudi Summit

Washington should continue looking past the public statements of the Arab League, an institution more famous for brakes than breakthroughs.

Apr 24, 2018

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

How President Erdogan Is Turning Turkey into Putin's Russia

Erdogan’s repressive policies are steadily driving out the educated and business classes needed to achieve his goal of transforming the country into a great power.

Apr 24, 2018

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Soner Cagaptay

Protesters hold Syrian and Hezbollah flags

Brief Analysis

Hezbollah Will Be the Big Winner in Lebanon's Elections

The group has essentially guaranteed itself a victory by coopting opponents and shuffling electoral districts, but the West can still contain the damage by pressing Beirut on economic reforms.

Apr 19, 2018

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Hanin Ghaddar

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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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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