Policy Analysis

Enlisting Afghan locals in their own defense offers a more sustainable model for combating the Taliban in rural areas.

Hezbollah's commitment to the Syrian conflict will likely change the course of the war.

The war in Syria could bring Ankara and Washington closer together.

It is late 2013 and Israel's prime minister has just received a phone call from the White House relaying the findings of a recent U.S. intelligence assessment: neither international sanctions nor negotiations have persuaded Iran to halt its nuclear program. What should they do? This scenario is the launching point

Even as it prods Egypt's political actors to dial down the tension, Washington should help the country's military leaders prepare for even greater instability.

As the conflict in Syria rivets international attention, Iran's nuclear program continues apace. Unfortunately, while the Iranians install the next generation of centrifuges -- machines that can produce enriched uranium three to four times faster than before -- the "P5+1" negotiations on Iran's nuclear program have ground once again to

Sectarian flames are melting away Turkey's hard-earned soft power in the Middle East and pushing Ankara closer to Washington.

Ayatollah Khamenei is determined to push for a completely loyal president, but the decision to dismiss Rafsanjani could undermine the regime in the long run.

The MFO faces growing pressure in the Sinai, but its presence remains crucial to maintaining peace between Egypt and Israel.

Institute Baker fellow and energy expert Simon Henderson led a conversation at the 2013 Soref Symposium on May 9, 2013, on the rapidly evolving energy landscape in the Middle East within the context of Israel's emergence as a regional energy producer. Sir Michael Leigh is consultant and senior advisor to

The factional disputes that have long paralyzed Iranian policymaking will likely persist after the upcoming election, leaving the regime with no choice but to persist in its diplomatic standoff with the West.

The Washington Institute made the full text of the IAEA's May 22, 2013 report on Iran's nuclear program available. Click on the button to the left to download the report (PDF).

Washington Institute fellow Eric Trager sat down with Foreign Policy Association blogger Reza Akhlaghi to discuss how Egypt's leaders view Iran's regional strategy and the upcoming presidential election.

More decisive American engagement would simultaneously end doubts about the United States’ commitment to Syria and save Turkey from being pulled further into a conflict that threatens to derail the impressive political and economic progress of the last decade.

A new report on how Washington can help Jordan deal with continuing turmoil at home and abroad.

Turkey's worsening border situation gives President Obama considerable asking power with Erdogan on a variety of issues, including Iran, Israel, and domestic reform.

Assuming the Brotherhood is "democratic" and "nonviolent" has left the international community unprepared for the very undemocratic and violent reality. Alison Pargeter is not so deluded.

Loosening the ties that bind Iraq together is a risk, but holding too tightly is the greater danger.

A detailed look at the group's robust criminal and support networks in Latin America, including its close relations with drug cartels.

Whichever way the latest tensions unfold, Tunis is unlikely to return to its "light touch" of old, and further confrontations with the Salafists could become the norm.