Context: Institute Scholars on Hamas, Hostages, and the Gaza Conflict

Reminder: The Hostages (or: Why an ‘All for All’ Deal Doesn’t Help Them)
The impasse in negotiations boils down to a choice between getting the hostages out or staying in Gaza—and Netanyahu has seemingly picked the latter.
Sep 24, 2024
  • David Makovsky
Hamas Diplomacy: From Haniyeh to Sinwar
The group has sought to build legitimacy and prepare for a postwar role in Gaza by engaging with various countries since October, but the death of Ismail Haniyeh will complicate those efforts.
Aug 28, 2024
  • Aaron Y. Zelin
The Only Way to Stop Hamas Is to Stop Iran from Rebuilding It
Tehran may simply revive the group or replace it with another terrorist proxy, so Washington and its partners will need to disrupt the flow of Iranian arms and informal financial support to extremist elements in the West Bank and Gaza.
Jan 31, 2024
  • Michael Singh
  • Matthew Levitt
Hamas Is Weakened, But a Prolonged Guerrilla Conflict Looms
The group maintains significant control over Gaza’s population despite its considerable losses, and removing it from power will necessitate a long campaign that no actor seems willing to undertake.
Sep 12, 2024
  • Ido Levy

Recent Institute Analysis

How Trump Can Remake the Middle East
If he uses his major regional leverage to curtail the Iranian nuclear threat and end the Gaza war, he will be well-placed to resume other important tasks that have been sitting on the back burner—including Israeli-Saudi normalization.
Jan 16, 2025
  • Dennis Ross

In Focus: Tehran's Nuclear Choices, Washington's Strategic Options

Book cover with Iranian missiles, including Shahab-3
Maps & Graphics
If Iran Gets the Bomb:
The decision would require tradeoffs affecting the security, survivability, and military credibility of Tehran's nascent arsenal.
Nov 25, 2024
  • Michael Eisenstadt

The Syria Breakdown, Episode Three: Turkey Turns an Enemy into an Ally

In this episode of the Institute’s Syria Breakdown series, Turkey analyst Soner Cagaptay traces the revolutionary transformation of Ankara's relationship with Damascus from heated enemies to the closest of allies.

In-Depth Study

Semiconductor image over map of UAE with U.S. Capitol dome
Maps & Graphics
Semiconductors, AI, and the Gulf:
In seeking to bolster partnerships and simultaneously protect U.S. technology, officials will need to navigate export options ranging from permissive to restrictive.
Nov 18, 2024
  • Elizabeth Dent
  • Grant Rumley

Interactive Map: ISIS Global Activity

Interactive Tool: Tracking Maritime Attacks in Middle East Waters Since 2019

Arab Public Opinion 2014 to Today

Fikra Interactive Public Polling Platform Thumbnail
Maps & Graphics
TWI Interactive Polling Platform
Interactive datasets, from 2014 to today
Jun 30, 2022