Policy Analysis

By establishing this Iraqi version of an Iranian IRGC conglomerate, militias aim to quickly dominate the country's growing economy.

If talks with the Houthis continue to ignore key Yemeni stakeholders, al-Qaeda is poised to absorb disillusioned tribal groups into its ranks.

Other countries that have restored democratic norms in recent years have seen progress in five distinct areas.

The Israeli prime minister appears to have avoided a wider military conflict and received a boost in opinion polls, but minefields await.

English translation of the March 16, 2023, draft regulation on digital content by the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission.

A rare public opinion poll in Saudi Arabia, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in March/April 2023 by a reputable regional firm, reveals an intriguing mix of attitudes—some in line with emerging Saudi government policies; others, not so much.

President Erdogan has tried to reshape the country in his own image, as socially conservative, politically Islamist, and Middle Eastern, with the ultimate goal of reviving its great power status.

After falling under the control of “resistance”-linked board members, this key Iraqi media institution began a widespread crackdown on freedom of expression. Its head commissioner is a member of U.S.-designated terrorist group Asaib Ahl al-Haq.

In areas such as basing, air superiority, high-tech weapons, and intelligence, America must act assertively to maintain its edge against competitors like Russia and China.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's recent decisions aim to refresh the image of UAE leadership, ushering in the next generations of rulers.

Though the Turkish opposition has a serious shot at unseating Erdogan, their success is far from guaranteed—even if they win in the polls.

Western gestures on trade and defense could reinforce a pro-democratic outcome and counter interference by Vladimir Putin.

In a series of articles, op-eds, videos and media appearances, Institute scholar Soner Cagaptay, as well as other Institute experts and contributors, map out possible outcomes, discussing what the elections mean for Turkey’s trajectory, NATO, the Middle East, and the rest of the world.

Activity in Cyprus and Lebanon could have significant implications for regional energy and diplomacy.

Though GCC member states may disagree on Syria's normalization, the collective memory of past conflicts and the desire for regional stability will likely override internal divisions.

Watch an expert webcast as scholars and journalists preview Turkey's historic 2023 elections and their implications for Turkish policy, the wider Middle East, and Washington's relationship with Ankara.

In this video, Beyer Family Fellow Soner Cagaptay provides context for the upcoming election and assesses Erdogan's prospects for success.

The country has been described as “too big to fail,” but further deterioration is possible amid mounting debt, major inflation, and delayed military divestment.

Washington may be tempted to give up after the country’s democratic backsliding; instead, it should take targeted, supportive actions that have worked in other cases.

Watch video or read a transcript of a new Biden administration speech on U.S. policy in the Middle East, delivered at The Washington Institute’s 2023 Soref Symposium.