U.S. Policy

Policy Analysis on U.S. Policy

For a Second Time, Iran Fires Missiles at IS Targets in Syria

Tehran likely used the attack to demonstrate its unhindered regional reach, while flashing its enhanced deterrent posture through the testing of new military hardware.

Oct 1, 2018

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Farzin Nadimi

Articles & Testimony

Nuclear Deal Was Not a Magic Wand for Rouhani—Iran in New Crisis

The Iranian president focused on the nuclear file to the exclusion of all other issues, and his country is feeling the consequences today.

Sep 28, 2018

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Mehdi Khalaji

Articles & Testimony

Israel, Iran, Syria and Trump Strategy: The Best Way Forward

Enhanced Russian support for the Syrian regime could dramatically boost risks for Israeli operations, and U.S. intervention alone can shift the calculus.

Sep 27, 2018

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Dennis Ross

Articles & Testimony

Iran and Hezbollah in Syria: U.S. Policy Options

A veteran Lebanese journalist discusses achievements by Iran and its chief proxy over seven years of war, and how U.S. countermeasures could still help restore stability and deter jihadism in Syria.

Sep 27, 2018

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Hanin Ghaddar

Articles & Testimony

Containing Iranian Proxies in Iraq

A former U.S. ambassador offers recommendations on how Washington can most effectively employ sanctions against Shia militias, reengage with Baghdad, and welcome a role from its Arab allies.

Sep 26, 2018

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Barbara A. Leaf

Multimedia

Brief Analysis

The Future of Regional Cooperation in the War on Terror

Four veteran counterterrorism experts discuss whether America's alliances with Middle East partners have helped or hindered the fight against global extremism.

Sep 19, 2018

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Matthew Levitt
Stephen Tankel
Tricia Bacon
Barak Mendelsohn

◆ Counterterrorism Lecture Series

Brief Analysis

The Smart Way to Sanction Iranian-Backed Militias in Iraq

Timing is everything, so Washington should coordinate its designations with Baghdad to avoid upsetting the government formation process or throwing Iran a lifeline.

Sep 17, 2018

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Michael Knights
Barbara A. Leaf
Matthew Levitt
Phillip Smyth

Articles & Testimony

Reshaping U.S. Aid to the Palestinians

Plenty of good actors remain on both sides of the Green Line, and by partnering with them, Washington can build on what has worked since Oslo and discard what has failed.

Sep 13, 2018

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Dennis Ross
Dave Harden
David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

Trump’s Policy Toward the Palestinians Is Dazed and Confused—and Dangerous for Israel

The administration’s actions appear to contradict its statements about preserving the two-state solution, negotiating core issues like Jerusalem, facilitating PA economic growth, and pressuring Israeli leaders.

Sep 13, 2018

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Neri Zilber

Articles & Testimony

The Myth of ‘Failed’ Peace

The much-maligned peace process has been a great success from America’s perspective, and if we hold fast to its founding principles, its best days are yet to come.

Sep 12, 2018

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Robert Satloff

Articles & Testimony

Why Trump's Closure of the Palestinian Diplomatic Mission in Washington Could Backfire

Both sides may have reached a dead end, with Washington seemingly running out of pressure points and the PA increasingly backing away from the eroding diplomatic process.

Sep 12, 2018

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Ghaith al-Omari

Articles & Testimony

On Syria, the U.S. Can Drive a Hard Bargain with Russia

Putin gives nothing away without a price. To protect America’s interests, neither should Trump.

Sep 9, 2018

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Dennis Ross

Articles & Testimony

Survey of Terrorist Groups and Their Means of Financing

A former Treasury official discusses how governments, banks, and other entities need to adapt constantly just to keep up with the evolving financial tactics used by terrorists and their supporters.

Sep 7, 2018

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Katherine Bauer

Articles & Testimony

Afghanistan Central to Pompeo’s Meeting with Pakistani PM

President Trump is likely expecting some progress to emerge from this week’s diplomacy, but ongoing concerns with Islamabad’s stances on terrorism, Iran, and other issues mean he shouldn’t hold his breath.

Sep 4, 2018

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

Trump Wants to Help Israel by Cutting Aid to Palestinians. Why Are Some Israelis Worried?

Top IDF officials believe cuts could deepen the economic crisis in the West Bank and Gaza, put thousands of Palestinians out of work, and ultimately lead to violence.

Aug 29, 2018

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Neri Zilber

Video

Brief Analysis

Turkey Sanctions: Navigating a Historic Bilateral Crisis

Three experts examine the past drivers and near-term consequences of Washington’s rapidly escalating diplomatic conflict with Ankara.

Aug 17, 2018

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Amanda Sloat
Max Hoffman
Steven Cook

A man manipulates cables on a bank of internet data servers - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Iran's Passive Defense Organization: Another Target for Sanctions

Despite its nominal defense role, the NPDO has helped the regime repress citizens online, a function that Washington should counter with sanctions.

Aug 16, 2018

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Farzin Nadimi

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking

Articles & Testimony

Iran Is Throwing a Tantrum but Wants a Deal

Defiant warnings aside, Tehran will eventually negotiate with President Trump—as long as Vladimir Putin mediates.

Aug 15, 2018

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Dennis Ross

Articles & Testimony

A Horrible Game Changer

Washington's frustration regarding UNRWA reform and budgetary issues is understandable, but cutting off aid indefinitely will only destabilize Gaza and Jordan.

Aug 8, 2018

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Ghaith al-Omari

Articles & Testimony

U.S. and Iran Ramp Up War of Words Ahead of Sanctions

Despite the fiery rhetoric, Washington has seen much worse over the course of its long non-relationship with the Islamic Republic.

Jul 30, 2018

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Barbara A. Leaf

Supported by the

Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East

The Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East focuses on the region as a setting for heightened competition between the United States and other world powers, such as China and Russia.

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Featured experts

Robert Satloff

Robert Satloff is the Segal Executive Director of The Washington Institute, a post he assumed in January 1993.

Dennis Ross

Dennis Ross, a former special assistant to President Barack Obama, is the counselor and William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute.

Michael Singh

Michael Singh is the Managing Director and Lane-Swig Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute.

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U.S. Policy

Policy Analysis on U.S. Policy

Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East

Featured experts

Regions & Countries

Issues

U.S. Policy

Policy Analysis on U.S. Policy

Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East

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