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Shia Politics

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Ali Khamenei and Muqtada al-Sadr

Why did the Sadrists Withdraw from the Iraqi Political Process?

The current stalemate in Iraq may lead to a complete collapse of its political institutions and prompt the international community to intervene if domestic political actors fail.

Mohanad Faris

Tahira

Maps & Graphics

Muqawama Cyber-Surge (Part 2): Attributing Attacks to Militia Platforms

Sabereen News has seemingly broadened its capabilities to include simple hacking tactics like DDoS attacks, and it might quickly proceed to more complex exploits.

Hamdi Malik
Crispin Smith

◆ Militia Spotlight

Tahira

Maps & Graphics

Muqawama Cyber-Surge (Part 1): Chronology of Recent Attacks

Sabereen News appears to have added cyberattacks to its normal activities of spreading militia propaganda and disinformation, claiming operations against Israeli, Turkish, and Saudi targets.

Crispin Smith
Hamdi Malik

◆ Militia Spotlight

Hezbollahland book cover, Dahiya map, Hassan Nasrallah, fighters

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

Mapping Dahiya and Lebanon's Shia Community

The southern Beirut suburb encompasses multiple layers of clashing and besieged identities that pose major internal challenges to Hezbollah’s hold over Lebanon.

Hanin Ghaddar

Abu Hussein in public

Maps & Graphics

Exposing Kataib Hezbollah's Royal Family? Insights from Recent Leaks

The unmasking of Abu Hussein and his brothers puts the deposed Kataib Hezbollah official on the receiving end of his favorite tactic: leaking the faces and names of rivals.

Hamdi Malik
Michael Knights
Crispin Smith

◆ Militia Spotlight

Qaani in Najaf

Maps & Graphics

Militia Lionization of Esmail Qaani: Consolidation or Covering Embarrassment?

The Iranian general has never received such intense praise from the Iraqi "resistance," but it may just be his attempt to spin his recent disappointing visit.

Hamdi Malik
Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

Akram and Abu Fadak, Basra, Jan 1, 2022

Maps & Graphics

Muhandis Replaced by Not One Man, But Two?

Abu Fadak and Akram Kaabi seem to have inherited the PMF and "resistance" parts of the late militia leader's portfolio.

Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

Abu Fadak

Maps & Graphics

Abu Fadak Tries to Split the Shrine Units

Recent moves by the senior PMF commander are seemingly aimed at sowing divisions among four key militias that do not answer to the so-called "resistance."

Hamdi Malik

◆ Militia Spotlight

Muqawama assassination

Maps & Graphics

The Militia Assassination Surge (Part 2): December Attacks

Desperate militias are now killing Shia civilians in mass-casualty bombings as they try to assassinate Iraqi investigators and intelligence personnel.

Michael Knights
Hamdi Malik
Crispin Smith

◆ Militia Spotlight

Maps & Graphics

The Militia Assassination Surge (Part 1): Sabereen and Unit 10,000 Threaten Iraqi Forces

Both outlets are openly advocating the murder of Iraqi security forces at a time of escalated shootings and bombings.

Hamdi Malik
Michael Knights
Crispin Smith

◆ Militia Spotlight

KSS recruitment numbers

Maps & Graphics

A Fake KSS Recruitment Drive

Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada may have exaggerated its recruiting numbers, but the episode points to militias' desperation to look potent and regain leverage by threatening to destabilize Iraq in early 2022.

Hamdi Malik
Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

Nujana Syria 2

Maps & Graphics

Interpreting the Reemergence of the Allies of Syria Operations Room

The recent attack on al-Tanf base and the identity of the Iraqi factions that reportedly helped carry it out indicate Iran's plans to establish a new "deterrence equation" in Syria.

Hamdi Malik

◆ Militia Spotlight

Iraqi forces marching

In-Depth Reports

U.S.-Iraq Security Cooperation in the Post-Combat Era

Questions about the viability of the Iraqi security forces—brought into sharp focus by the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan—require a data-led analysis of where the forces are today and what mix of U.S., NATO, and European efforts can help them thrive in the future.

Michael Knights
Alex Almeida

Articles & Testimony

Hezbollah’s Grip on Lebanon Is Weakening. Here’s How Washington Can Help.

Instead of continuing to work with corrupt Lebanese state institutions, the United States should pursue opportunities with the business community and civil society, whose members are eager to separate themselves from the group.

Hanin Ghaddar

Hossein Moanes

Maps & Graphics

Hossein Moanes Sparks Angry Words Between Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq

The senior KH member now leads a new political movement that is competing with other Iran-backed militia factions for votes in the coming election.

Hamdi Malik

◆ Militia Spotlight

Nasrallah

In-Depth Reports

A Strategy to Contain Hezbollah:

Ideas and Recommendations

Since securing a parliamentary majority, the group has consistently prioritized its own interests over those of the Lebanese people through practices such as illicit drug production, sex trafficking, and the buildup of its military arsenal.

Hanin Ghaddar

PMF

Maps & Graphics

The Iraqi Muqawama Are Feeling Isolated and Threatened

The brazen approach taken by "resistance" factions in recent weeks was designed to undermine the government, but it is now coming back to hurt them.

Hamdi Malik

◆ Militia Spotlight

Syrian Shia youth training for military

In-Depth Reports

In the Service of Ideology:

Iran's Religious and Socioeconomic Activities in Syria

The dalliance between the Assad family and Iran’s Shia clerics began in the 1970s. Back then, before the Islamic Revolution, the Syrian leader held leverage. Now the tables have been turned.

Oula A. Alrifai

Articles & Testimony

Hezbollah Is Vulnerable. Lokman Slim's Assassination Proves It.

The Biden administration and the French government must draw clear redlines, or the group will escalate its campaign of terror.

Hanin Ghaddar

Frech president Emmanuel Macron inspects the site of the Beirut port explosion

In-Depth Reports

A Paris Reset on Hezbollah?

Implications for French Interests and Regional Security

In this study, counterterrorism expert Matthew Levitt explores the history and current status of Hezbollah operations against French interests, and details how a change in Paris's longstanding opposition to designating the group could bolster French efforts to stabilize Lebanon.

Matthew Levitt

Pagination

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