Policy Analysis

U.S. efforts in the region stand a better chance of success if they consider rising demand for accountable governance, skepticism about democratic institutions, and various nation-specific trends.

To maximize the benefits for the Lebanese people and regional stability, Washington must now increase pressure on Beirut to implement crucial reforms, particularly in the energy sector.

The Abraham Accords agreement between the UAE and Israel has made important steps in the direction of regional economic and political cooperation.

Combining a wide range of of political views and principles, the Democratic Forces of Change hope to provide the Iraqi people with an action-driven opposition platform.

From barn owls and crop sensors to 3D-printed steak and animal-free baby formula, Israeli firms are finding—and exporting—innovative ways to address challenges in the agricultural and food sectors.

Threatening to reimpose old UN sanctions would likely have little practical effect on Tehran’s ability to trade oil and export drones, while the plethora of other potential complications suggest that it should be treated as a tool of last resort.

Participants will probably issue potent-sounding statements on Iran, oil production, and other key issues, but their rhetoric is unlikely to result in any substantive policy shifts or internal dispute resolution.

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

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.

As Libya's political dynamics continue to change, Washington's next moves are more important than ever.

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

Conflicted between a desire for political and social integration and a disillusionment with Israeli politics, Israel’s Arab population—particularly Arab youth—will be an unpredictable element in the upcoming elections.

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.

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

A more assertive Beijing means that Washington must work harder to protect its traditional partnerships and secure sensitive information.

Most of the region supported the measure, with one nay vote, a pair of notable changes since the March resolution, and several strong statements in support of territorial integrity.

Although Iraq’s new government has ended the year-long deadlock, the path forward is still rife with obstacles.

Israel’s maritime deal with Lebanon, facilitated by U.S. mediation efforts, reduces the risk of war and establishes a precedent in Lebanese recognition of a boundary line.

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

In order to create more lasting changes, the current wave of protests in Iran must be inclusive of the demands and expectations of ethnic minorities.