Democracy & Reform

Policy Analysis on Democracy & Reform

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

Video

Brief Analysis

Iraq Goes to the Polls: Progress and Pitfalls

Watch an expert panel preview upcoming Iraqi elections and the possible outcomes for vital American and Iraqi interests.

Apr 19, 2018

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Ranj Alaaldin
Michael Knights
Phillip Smyth
Bilal Wahab

Articles & Testimony

How Erdogan Wins

Turkey will formally begin a new era in June, with the president becoming the ultimate head of state, government, police, army, and the ruling party.

Apr 19, 2018

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Soner Cagaptay

Brief Analysis

Libya After Haftar

Given the potentially imminent demise of a key powerbroker, Washington will need to refocus on transition issues in Libya and help the UN implement its action plan.

Apr 18, 2018

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Ben Fishman

Brief Analysis

How Iraqi Sovereignty Supports U.S. National Interests

By providing a clear and consistent roadmap for American interests in Iraq and future international support, Washington can help Baghdad steer the country in the right direction after next month's elections.

Apr 17, 2018

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James Jeffrey
Michael Knights

Brief Analysis

The IRGC May Try to Divert Iraq's Electricity Payments

As Baghdad prepares to send large back payments to Tehran, any misappropriation could threaten the flow of electricity to Iraq and bolster sanctioned entities in Iran.

Apr 5, 2018

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Michael Knights

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking

Brief Analysis

The Most Important Speech of the Year in Iran

The Supreme Leader's latest Nowruz speech signaled concern about the regime's political legitimacy while remaining notably silent on the nuclear deal.

Apr 5, 2018

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Patrick Clawson

In-Depth Reports

Cultural Heterogeneity in Post-Revolutionary Iran

The widening rift between religious traditionalists and "hybrid-postmodernists" could undermine the regime's guiding principle of Islamism.

Apr 5, 2018

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Saeid Golkar

Brief Analysis

Sisi's Reelection and Egypt's Next Political Establishment

The president now has all the time he needs to continue restocking the political system with handpicked youths while snuffing out the opposition for good.

Apr 2, 2018

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Haisam Hassanein

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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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Project Fikra: Defeating Extremism through the Power of Ideas

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