Terrorism

Policy Analysis on Terrorism

New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attends the first regular session of the Council of Ministers in Baghdad in November 2022 - source: Reuters

Buying Time in Baghdad? What to Expect from Sudani’s Government

The hostile and corrupt forces arrayed behind him might ease their anti-American activities just to reassert their power at home, so Washington should make the new government’s honeymoon a short one—and work around it if necessary to help the Iraqi people.

Nov 3, 2022

◆

Bilal Wahab

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Militia Journalist to Head New Prime Minister's Communications Team

Rabee Nader has a long history of working with U.S.-designated terrorist groups Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq, so appointing him could place Prime Minister Sudani's office at risk of potential sanctions.

Nov 3, 2022

◆

Hamdi Malik
Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

Iranian presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi speaking in 2021

Brief Analysis

The Islamic State Attacks the Islamic Republic

The jihadist group has been actively plotting against Iran for years, though the recent upsurge in threats from its Afghan branch may presage a new wave of cells and attacks inside the embattled Islamic Republic.

Oct 31, 2022

◆

Aaron Y. Zelin

Fikra Forum

Daesh’s Forgotten Massacre in Deir al-Zour

Justice for the victims of the al-Shaitat massacre is only just starting to emerge, and the international community must do its part.

Oct 24, 2022

◆

Omar Abu Layla

Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badruddin al-Houthi addresses a rally in Sanaa, Yemen - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

The Houthi Jihad Council: Command and Control in ‘the Other Hezbollah’

The Houthi relationship with the IRGC and Lebanese Hezbollah has grown to the point that regardless of whether fighting in Yemen wanes, the Gulf movement may still play an integrated role in Iran’s future military adventures.

October 2022

◆

Michael Knights
Adnan al-Gabarni
Casey Coombs

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

Fighting Jihadists By, With, and Through U.S. Partners:

Lessons Learned and Future Prospects

Special forces have succeeded especially in such missions, but any BWT effort requires some U.S. ground presence to achieve its goals.

Oct 20, 2022

◆

Ido Levy

Brief Analysis

Scoring Iraq’s New Government: Metrics for Preserving U.S. Interests

The protracted post-election process has been a step backward for Iraqi democracy, so Washington will need to closely monitor the new leadership’s actions and hold Baghdad to measurable benchmarks.

Oct 19, 2022

◆

Michael Knights

Flag of the Syrian Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)

Fikra Forum

Shifting Lines and IDPs: Azaz, Afrin, and the HTS Incursion

HTS is on the move through northern Syria, leaving locals in Afrin and Azaz even more vulnerable.

Oct 19, 2022

◆

Rena Netjes

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Militias Pivot Away from U.S. Targets, Toward Kurdistan and Turkish Bases

Attack metrics prove that Iran-backed groups currently see more profit in striking "near enemies" than American forces.

Oct 17, 2022

◆

Eric Feely

◆ Militia Spotlight

Fighters of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), walk together near Baghouz, Deir Al Zor province - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

The SDF Is Caught Between Turkey and the Islamic State Again

As happened with past incursions, Erdogan’s latest invasion threats and preparatory strikes are fatally distracting the SDF from its crucial counterterrorism mission—and at a time when jihadist activities against it are on the rise.

Oct 12, 2022

◆

Ido Levy

Fikra Forum

Insight into As-Suwayda’s Position in the Syrian Situation

As-Suwayda has been unstable since the onset of the Syrian revolution. The increasingly fractured political leadership in this majority-Druze region reflects how Syria’s ongoing conflict has warped and splintered local governance.

Oct 12, 2022

◆

Ishtar Al Shami

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Iraqi Militia Group Makes Credible New Threat Against the Gulf States

The facade group in question tends to follow through on its warnings, so its latest rhetoric about using developments in Yemen as cause for new attacks should be taken seriously.

Oct 3, 2022

◆

Hamdi Malik
Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

A woman at the Al-Hawl (or Al-Hol) detention camp in Syria - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Detention Facilities in Syria, Iraq Remain Vulnerable to Islamic State Attacks

An attempted suicide operation against al-Hawl camp highlights the ongoing risks posed by indefinite detention of foreigners associated with IS.

Sep 29, 2022

◆

Devorah Margolin

Brief Analysis

For Hezbollah, a Maritime Border Deal Is a Way to Avoid War

Hezbollah leaders are not ready to act on their many threats of major escalation, so Washington and its allies should prevent the group from reaping the nascent agreement’s reputational and financial benefits.

Sep 23, 2022

◆

Hanin Ghaddar

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Profile: Al-Warithuun

Al-Warithuun is a "resistance" brand with a recurring connection to kinetic operations that are directed by Iran's Qods Force but intended to be deniable.

Sep 13, 2022

◆

Michael Knights
Hamdi Malik
Crispin Smith

◆ Militia Spotlight: Profiles

U.S. Capitol rioters, Taliban forces, last U.S. soldier to leave Afghanistan

In-Depth Reports

U.S. Counterterrorism Reimagined:

Tracking the Biden Administration's Effort to Reform How America Addresses Violent Extremism

This collection reveals the growing prevalence of nonkinetic tools while exploring the balance authorities must strike between preventing attacks and protecting civil rights.

Sep 7, 2022

◆

Matthew Levitt

◆ Counterterrorism Lecture Series

Sadrist protestors, Republic Palace, Baghdad, August 29, 2022

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Militias Show Message Discipline During Sadrist Clashes

Centralized direction was evident as "resistance" outlets carried out their (apparently successful) public relations campaign to claim the moral high ground.

Aug 30, 2022

◆

Hamdi Malik
Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, speaks in a recorded interview released in Jan. 2019. Photo credit: Screenshot by Cole Bunzel via Twitter.

Articles & Testimony

Jawlani’s “State of the Union”

The Syrian jihadist leader’s growing efforts to garner legitimacy and build up local institutions can only go so far amid the group’s continued terrorist sympathies and minority repression.

Aug 29, 2022

◆

Aaron Y. Zelin

U.S. Central Command graphic, Aug 15, 2022 drone attack on Al Tanf

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Kataib Hezbollah's Role in the August 15 al-Tanf Attack

The Syria strike was launched from the militia's bastion in Iraq and used Iranian-provided KAS-04 explosive drones.

Aug 25, 2022

◆

Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

Fikra Forum

The Killing of al-Zawahiri: Repercussions for the Taliban

Following the drone strike against al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, many variables are up in the air that could significantly alter the stability of a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan as well as the future of the al-Qaeda framework.

Aug 16, 2022

◆

Mohamed Mokhtar Qandil

Supported by the

Jeanette and Eli Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence

The Washington Institute's Jeanette and Eli Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence serves as Washington's premier center for the study of international terrorism.

Never miss a breaking event on U.S. policy interests in the Middle East. Customize your subscription to our expert analysis, op-eds, live events, and special reports.

Featured experts

Matthew Levitt

Matthew Levitt is the Fromer-Wexler Senior Fellow and director of the Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence at The Washington Institute.

Devorah Margolin

Devorah Margolin is the Blumenstein-Rosenbloom Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute.

Aaron Y. Zelin

Aaron Y. Zelin is the Gloria and Ken Levy Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy where his research focuses on Sunni Arab jihadi groups in North Africa and Syria as well as the trend of foreign fighting and online jihadism.

Regions & Countries

Issues

Terrorism

Policy Analysis on Terrorism

Jeanette and Eli Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence

Featured experts

Regions & Countries

Issues

Terrorism

Policy Analysis on Terrorism

Jeanette and Eli Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence

Sign Up for Email Updates from The Washington Institute

Featured experts