U.S. Policy

Policy Analysis on U.S. Policy

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

Articles & Testimony

Will Iran Retaliate Against U.S. Sanctions?

IRGC hardliners have pushed for an aggressive response to U.S. measures, but they will have to convince the Supreme Leader that escalation does not pose too great a risk.

Aug 3, 2017

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Omer Carmi

Brief Analysis

U.S. Security Assistance to Lebanon at Risk

Despite collusion between the LAF and Hezbollah, the United States may still have an interest in funding the Lebanese military.

Aug 3, 2017

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David Schenker

Articles & Testimony

The Institute of Peace Is Successful Against ISIS -- The U.S. Must Fund It

The cost-effective, nonpartisan institute can help promote broader reconciliation in Mosul and other areas now retaken from the jihadist group.

Aug 2, 2017

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James Jeffrey

Articles & Testimony

The Smart Way to End 'Pay to Slay'

Rather than seeking indiscriminate cuts to Palestinian aid, U.S. legislators must craft a bill that encourages the PA to reform its behavior.

Aug 2, 2017

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David Makovsky
Dennis Ross
Lia Weiner

Articles & Testimony

Tillerson Can End the Qatar Standoff

To preserve his credibility as a diplomat, the secretary of state needs to put a win on the board.

Aug 1, 2017

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Dennis Ross

Articles & Testimony

Assessing the U.S.-Qatar Relationship

The Institute's leading counterterrorism expert discusses Washington's ties with the Gulf country, contending that Qatar must take substantive, verifiable steps to address the shortcomings in its posture toward Islamist extremism.

Jul 26, 2017

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Matthew Levitt

Articles & Testimony

Russia Will Overshadow Trump's Presidency Unless He Takes Action

Moscow's increasingly bold challenges to the West are heightening the risk for a Great Power conflict.

Jul 25, 2017

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Michael Singh

Articles & Testimony

Yemen: The View from Riyadh

In a conflict with no viable path to peace -- and in which the Yemeni people are threatened by violence, famine, and cholera -- the Trump administration and regional players must bring a sense of urgency to diplomatic efforts.

Jul 23, 2017

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Stephen Seche
Eric Pelofsky

As Syria Crumbles, Only Iran Is a Sure Winner

A discussion of Syria's Sykes-Picot origins, the recent U.S.-Russia de-escalation deal, and the Sunni-Shia contest in the region.

Jul 23, 2017

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Andrew J. Tabler

Articles & Testimony

The Best Thing America Built in Iraq:

Iraq's Counter Terrorism Service and the Long War Against Militancy

A compact size, high pay, and rigorous standards have helped the service thrive, but now it needs sustained support to become a lasting monument to U.S. good intentions in Iraq.

Jul 19, 2017

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Michael Knights
Alex Almeida

Brief Analysis

What to Expect From the State Department's Annual Counterterrorism Report

Areas of focus will likely include a damaged but still dangerous Islamic State, a regrouping al-Qaeda, and the wide network fielded by Iran and its proxy Hezbollah.

Jul 18, 2017

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Matthew Levitt
Katherine Bauer
Aaron Y. Zelin

Articles & Testimony

Turkey Can Ally with Syria's Kurds Someday

Most Kurds are now seeking rights in their respective countries, while downplaying the pan-Kurdish dream, giving Turkey more room to separate the PYD from the PKK instead of lumping them together.

Jul 18, 2017

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David Pollock

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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