Policy Analysis

On November 14, 2013, Michael Knights and David Pollock addressed a Policy Forum at The Washington Institute to discuss their recent trips to the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Kirkuk, and Azerbaijan. Knights is a Lafer Fellow with the Institute and has worked extensively in Iraq as an advisor to local

One of the most influential Sunni clerics in the Middle East, Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, has been calling on Egyptians to “go out to the streets” and confront the military. His controversial edicts have enraged Egypt’s new leaders and incited violence between the rival camps.

Watch a Policy Forum discussion of the evolving shape of efforts to counter violent extremism.

Washington Institute senior fellow Andrew Tabler addressed the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, outlining steps the United States can take to help the Syrian opposition maintain its national character and contain the influence of extremist groups. The following is an excerpt from his prepared remarks; download the PDF

President Obama should use this week's visit to revitalize the bilateral partnership, offering careful assurances and encouragement on issues such as countering violent extremism, resolving the Western Sahara dispute, and pursuing reform.

The requirements of a credible, sustainable agreement are at odds with Tehran's goal of confirming its status as a nuclear threshold state while preserving ambiguity about its capabilities.

Conversations with senior Egyptian officials indicate that Washington should focus on preserving its strategically important geopolitical interests, not on using aid suspensions to influence the country's domestic politics.

How a neurosurgeon from Maryland cleaned up one of the most notoriously violent cities in Iraq.

Violence between protesters and militias, the bloodiest since the 2011 revolution, has put Libya on the brink of renewed internal warfare.

A full explanation of Tehran's past and current nuclear activities should be a vital part of any interim agreement.

New rifts in U.S.-Israeli cooperation could mean that time is running out for peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.

The first round of Iran nuclear talks in Geneva broke down earlier this month after the P5+1 failed to reach consensus on a short-term deal that would have eased up sanctions and allowed Iran to continue enriching uranium at reduced levels. Talks apparently ended over France's demand that Iran stop

The IAEA Board of Governors has released its latest report on Iran, assessing the status of the regime's nuclear activities since the previous report in August 2013, among other issues. To read the full text, download the PDF.

Dennis Ross, former senior Middle East advisor to President Obama, Olli Heinonen, former deputy director-general of the IAEA, and Robert Satloff debate the terms of an emerging interim nuclear deal with Iran and the implications for U.S. allies in the region.

Samuel Rubenfeld interviews Washington Institute fellow Matthew Levitt about how Hezbollah raises and uses its money.

There is a broad consensus among Iran's elite that a nuclear deal with Washington would serve Iran's hegemonic objectives. In this view, the real barrier to such a nuclear accord is not the United States but Europe and Israel, supported by the Saudis. The ongoing nuclear talks are playing very

The administration needs to reassure its allies that the West can reach a limited nuclear agreement without damaging its negotiating position or the sanctions architecture.

Saudi nervousness over Iran's nuclear advances may prompt the kingdom to act on its own longstanding nuclear preparations.

Protests against an increasingly unpopular Gaza leadership are scheduled for November 11, but the scale of participation is in doubt, given the threat of a harsh Hamas response.

"The idea that Iran can negotiate with the United States and be recognized as a responsible member of the international community just fills the House of Saud with complete dread." As the P5+1 countries approach a deal on Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, veteran Gulf analyst Simon Henderson assesses the significance