Policy Analysis

Over the past three decades, the Iranian regime has managed to survive numerous internal and external crises. From coup attempts to war and, most recently, mass uprisings and nuclear sanctions, the Islamic Republic has been able to neutralize threats at home and on its borders while avoiding foreign intervention. In

Khamenei's handling of the presidential election highlights his desire to prevent foreign accommodation, including on the nuclear issue.

Turkey can become the first consolidated Muslim democracy if Erdogan begins to respect the will of his people.

Discussions with Chinese officials and analysts highlight the need for measured cooperation on various regional issues, including endgame diplomatic proposals for Iran and de-escalation in Syria.

Abbas's chosen candidate will boost Fatah's profile in the near term, but international donors will ultimately judge the new premier based on how he handles fiscal transparency, economic stewardship, and security cooperation.

Even if this week's demonstrations fizzle away, grassroots activism and middle-class demands for liberties have apparently become a force in Turkish politics.

The Muslim Brotherhood has no interest in adding an international crisis to its many domestic crises, so a strong U.S. response to today's court decision would likely bear fruit in Cairo.

The PBS NewsHour blog Rundown recently published a roundtable discussion on the prospect of more weapons flowing into Syria amid talk of a negotiated settlement. The following is Andrew Tabler's contribution; read the full discussion on the NewsHour website. Russia's supplying of the Syrian regime with S-300 anti-aircraft missiles would

Through professional military education, exchange-officer programs, and U.S.-based exercises, Washington can gain long-term influence with partner militaries throughout the Middle East and North Africa at modest cost.

Aaron Zelin, a Washington Institute expert on jihadist movements, joined with Evan Kohlmann and Laith al-Khouri of Flashpoint Global Partners to prepare this study charting the evolving role of Sunni foreign fighters in Syria's ongoing war. Below is an excerpt; download the PDF to read the full report, complete with

Patrick Clawson, Mehdi Khalaji, Michael Eisenstadt, Matthew Levitt, and Michael Singh have contributed material to this important ongoing project on Iran.

Given the regime's renewed offensive capabilities, delaying foreign military assistance any further is a recipe for more rebel defeats.

Anything short of Assad's defeat would be a setback not only for Syrians, but also for America and Europe.

The director of the Institute's Stein Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence addressed the Canadian parliament regarding Iranian-sponsored violence at home and abroad. The following is an excerpt from his prepared remarks; download the PDF to read the full testimony. In 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and

Notwithstanding current hostilities, there is a long history of cooperation between Sunni and Shiite extremists.

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.

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

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.