Democracy & Reform

Policy Analysis on Democracy & Reform

A Syrian girl waves a national flag during a protest in Idlib in support of demonstrations in Suwayda - source: Reuters

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

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

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

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

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

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Ishtar Al Shami

Iran Air passenger plane undergoing maintenance

Brief Analysis

Iran’s Aviation Accidents Aren’t Caused by U.S. Sanctions

President Raisi’s fatal crash put a spotlight on the dire state of aviation safety in Iran, but the regime’s gross mismanagement and corrupt profiteering are to blame, not foreign sanctions.

Jun 5, 2024

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Farzin Nadimi

A campaign poster with an image of Majlis speaker Muhammad Baqer Qalibaf on display in Tehran's Azadi Square - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Most of Iran’s Latest Presidential Aspirants Have a Domestic Background

Few of the prospective candidates have shown much interest in or talent for national security affairs, and none has articulated a vision for tamping down Iran’s aggression at home or abroad.

Jun 4, 2024

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Patrick Clawson

Photo of Palestinian workers awaiting entry into Israel from Gaza.

Brief Analysis

West Bank Economics Are Key to Stabilizing the Palestinian Authority—or Forcing Its Collapse

If implemented in full, Israel’s latest tax, banking, and victim-compensation measures could bring the West Bank’s two decades of relative stability crashing down—along with any plans to have the PA play a postwar role in Gaza.

May 31, 2024

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Neomi Neumann

Imed Khemiri, a senior official in the Ennahda party and member of the Salvation Front (L) takes part in a protest, demanding the release of imprisoned journalists, activists, opposition figures and setting a date for fair presidential elections in Tunis, Tunisia May 12, 2024 - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Beyond the Ballot Box: U.S. Priorities in North Africa’s 2024 Elections

By recognizing the limits of electoral processes in countries like Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia, Washington can focus more on addressing economic, social, and institutional challenges, managing regional dynamics, and engaging strategically with global competitors.

May 30, 2024

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Sabina Henneberg
Amine Ghoulidi

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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Policy Analysis on Democracy & Reform

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