Policy Analysis

Changes in the leadership of the Kurdistan Workers Party suggest preparations for a return to a more hardline stance toward Turkey should the peace process between them break down. They also signal that the PKK is likely to take a more active military role in Syria, potentially in alliance with

The coordinator of the U.S. Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications describes how the "new normal" in global jihadist radicalization will require Washington and its allies to use public diplomacy as a major soft-power tool in countering violent extremism, both online and on the ground. Watch video or read his remarks.

U.S., Israeli, and Palestinian negotiations could lower the heat and shed some light on the clash over Jordan Valley security arrangements by promoting a public debate grounded in the facts of current and prospective Israeli deployments.

On January 27, 2014, Dr. Soner Cagaptay presented insights from his book, The Rise of Turkey, and discussed Turkey's future during a special event at the Ralph J. Bunche Library of the U.S. Department of State.

By focusing on the Syrian regime's faltering commitment to eliminate its chemical weapons, Washington can decisively push Damascus and Russia toward real progress on larger issues -- and also set the table for limited military strikes if they prove necessary.

A fatal shootout involving security forces and Shiites coincides with a change in the kingdom's intelligence leadership.

Despite offering nominal support for Iran's nuclear negotiating team, Khamenei and his circle continue to criticize the talks and could sabotage them outright if internal dynamics go against President Rouhani.

Although Tehran worries about internal threats from Salafi jihadists, it may well cooperate with such groups if they attack Western interests.

Iran expert Nima Gerami examines the evolution of the country's domestic nuclear politics before and since Geneva, discussing how the underlying elite divisions and general culture of secrecy could complicate long-term efforts to convince Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

President Obama's reaffirmed pledges of assistance to Jordan are helpful, but they may not be enough to safeguard the country if the situation in Syria continues to fester.

If Washington is to secure an Iranian nuclear deal that is sustainable and advances American interests, it must make several adjustments to its diplomatic strategy.

Sisi's military background and his strong support from security and intelligence leaders make another coup less likely in the short term, but continued economic problems could trump even that advantage.

Baghdad's promising offer on oil exports and revenues could provide vital breathing room to build a permanent revenue-sharing law, and Washington should encourage the Iraqi Kurds to sign on.

The rising number of Iranian exchange students presents an opportunity to revitalize U.S. public diplomacy outreach to Iran. This infographic highlights key findings of a new Washington Institute report.

The Russian-Egyptian "2+2" meeting in Moscow does not signify a foreign policy realignment in Cairo.

Lee Smith interviews Washington Institute fellow Matthew Levitt on Hezbollah's internal workings and international reach.

Why Hezbollah is fighting alongside Bashar al-Assad -- and how it almost didn't.

On February 4, 2014, Ambassador Dennis Ross addressed a Policy Forum at The Washington Institute after participating in the Institute for National Security Studies annual conference in Tel Aviv. He was joined by Washington Institute executive director Robert Satloff and former national security advisor Stephen Hadley. The following is a

Washington Institute Turkey expert Soner Cagaptay explains the lessons of the last decade of transformative growth and change in Turkey and charts a course for the country to continue its rise.

The rising number of Iranian exchange students presents an opportunity to revitalize U.S. public diplomacy outreach to Iran. In this new report, Steven Ditto demonstrates how lowering barriers, reaffirming America's commitment to human rights, and fulfilling past pledges can help pave the way for long-term and short-term change in Iran.