U.S. Policy

Policy Analysis on U.S. Policy

The Russian leader has achieved most of his goals in Syria at minimal cost, and he will continue to have his way there so long as Washington keeps deferring to him.

Sep 26, 2017

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Anna Borshchevskaya

Articles & Testimony

Memories of an Anti-Semitic State Department

A veteran diplomat reflects on how Jews have been perceived within the national security apparatus over the years, and why false presumptions only impede efforts to formulate better policies in the Middle East.

Sep 26, 2017

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Dennis Ross

Brief Analysis

The United States Needs a Middle East Strategy

Without a defined strategy, events will determine policy.

Sep 19, 2017

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James Jeffrey
Dennis Ross

Articles & Testimony

Congress, Don't Meet with the Muslim Brotherhood

The refined appearance of Amr Darrag, who served as minister of international cooperation in the Morsi government, belies his extremist views.

Sep 13, 2017

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Eric Trager

Articles & Testimony

Trump Can Make the Most of a Bad Iran Deal

In concert with its European allies, the United States should close loopholes, increase intelligence cooperation, and push international inspectors to interpret their mandate more broadly.

Sep 13, 2017

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Michael Singh

Articles & Testimony

16 Years after 9/11, Our Patriotism Remains 'Uninformed'

An approach to jihadism rooted in "informed patriotism," a concept introduced by Ronald Reagan, would likely be more realistic and successful than one rooted in absolutism.

Sep 11, 2017

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Jacob Olidort

Articles & Testimony

The Iran Deal Is on Thin Ice, and Rightly So

In responding to Tehran's dangerous regional behavior, Washington can pursue measures short of a full-scale JCPOA annulment.

Sep 8, 2017

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James Jeffrey

Articles & Testimony

The Right Way to Pressure Iran

Instead of decertifying the nuclear deal, and thus isolating the United States from its allies, Washington should impress upon Tehran the immense costs of producing a weapon.

Sep 8, 2017

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Dennis Ross

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Preventing a Jihadist Factory in Idlib

The international coalition must take the same comprehensive approach to HTS as it is taking to the Islamic State.

Aug 31, 2017

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Fabrice Balanche

Brief Analysis

Maintaining the U.S. CT Mission in Southern Syria

Despite the end of CIA support to the rebels, Washington can still counter the Islamic State by coordinating more deeply with Israel and Jordan, and by managing other regional actors.

Aug 28, 2017

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Evan Barrett

Articles & Testimony

Why the Two-State Solution Is Here to Stay

A lack of policy alternatives and the political risks associated with choosing one side over the other help explain the resilience of the beleaguered model.

Aug 28, 2017

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Mitchel Hochberg

Brief Analysis

Trump's Afghanistan Policy and the Gulf

The new U.S. strategy, predicated on a changed approach to Pakistan, will need the support of Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE to succeed.

Aug 23, 2017

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Washington's Unfocused Decision on Aid to Egypt

The recent announcement will undermine President Trump's credibility with Cairo, which now has reason to question whether his vocal support for Sisi carries any weight.

Aug 23, 2017

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Eric Trager

Brief Analysis

The al-Abbas Combat Division Model:

Reducing Iranian Influence in Iraq's Security Forces

One large faction of Shia volunteers demonstrates how the PMUs can function under Iraqi -- not Iranian -- control, offering a model that coalition forces should support.

Aug 22, 2017

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Michael Knights
Hamdi Malik

Brief Analysis

On Libya Policy, Trump Defers to Europe

Rather than leaving the job to Europe, Washington can articulate a clear Libya policy at the September UN General Assembly meeting, thereby making a political deal more likely to achieve and enforce.

Aug 21, 2017

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Ben Fishman

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

The Race for Deir al-Zour Province

The SDF and U.S.-supported Arab fighters likely lack the might and unity to overcome Assad-regime advances and other obstacles.

Aug 17, 2017

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Fabrice Balanche

Articles & Testimony

President Trump's Syria Conundrum

A vacuum in Raqqa following the defeat of the Islamic State will embolden Iran and lay the grounds for future jihadists.

Aug 14, 2017

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Dennis Ross

Articles & Testimony

President Trump Needs to Go to the Moon

A successful return to the Moon could serve as a stepping-stone for a manned mission to Mars or even more ambitious goals.

Aug 11, 2017

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Michael Singh

Articles & Testimony

Focus on Clear Goals to Contain Iran in Iraq and Syria

The Powell Doctrine, a set of principles devised in the 1980s, can guide the United States in promoting regional stability and averting future disasters.

Aug 11, 2017

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James Jeffrey

Turkish president Erdogan - Source: Reuters

Turkey Has Lost Its Biggest Cheerleader: The U.S. Military

A discussion of Ankara's strained relationship with the European Union, its a la carte approach to NATO, and the weakening of formerly solid U.S.-Turkey military-to-military ties.

Aug 4, 2017

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Soner Cagaptay

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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