Policy Analysis

The Israeli prime minister appears to have avoided a wider military conflict and received a boost in opinion polls, but minefields await.

After falling under the control of “resistance”-linked board members, this key Iraqi media institution began a widespread crackdown on freedom of expression. Its head commissioner is a member of U.S.-designated terrorist group Asaib Ahl al-Haq.

English translation of the March 16, 2023, draft regulation on digital content by the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission.

A rare public opinion poll in Saudi Arabia, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in March/April 2023 by a reputable regional firm, reveals an intriguing mix of attitudes—some in line with emerging Saudi government policies; others, not so much.

In areas such as basing, air superiority, high-tech weapons, and intelligence, America must act assertively to maintain its edge against competitors like Russia and China.

جدیدترین گزارش «خانه آزادی» حاکی از سیر قهقرایی در سال گذشته و از زمان بهار عربی است، همراه با افول چشمگیر حقوق سیاسی و مدنی در چند کشور و حاوی هشدارهایی درباره افول بیشتر در سال آتی.

دو کارشناس بحث می‌کنند که چرا دولت‌های عرب هرچه بیشتر در حال عادی‌سازی مناسبات با رژیم سوریه‌ هستند و پیامدهای آن برای سیاست‌گذاری آمریکا چه خواهد بود.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's recent decisions aim to refresh the image of UAE leadership, ushering in the next generations of rulers.

به رغم سی سال دستاوردهای چشمگیر، تلاش بی‌وقفه دولت اقلیم کردستان برای استقلال اقتصادی تنها منجر به افزایش اختلاف‌های داخلی و گسترش فساد و دزدسالاری شده و وابستگی آن را از عراق به ترکیه و از کمک‌های خارجی به درآمدهای نفتی تغییر داده است.

Though the Turkish opposition has a serious shot at unseating Erdogan, their success is far from guaranteed—even if they win in the polls.

Western gestures on trade and defense could reinforce a pro-democratic outcome and counter interference by Vladimir Putin.

In a series of articles, op-eds, videos and media appearances, Institute scholar Soner Cagaptay, as well as other Institute experts and contributors, map out possible outcomes, discussing what the elections mean for Turkey’s trajectory, NATO, the Middle East, and the rest of the world.

Activity in Cyprus and Lebanon could have significant implications for regional energy and diplomacy.

Though GCC member states may disagree on Syria's normalization, the collective memory of past conflicts and the desire for regional stability will likely override internal divisions.

نظرسنجی‌ها رقبا را امیدوار می‌کند، ولی کنترل اردوغان بر رسانه‌ها و دیگر عوامل می‌تواند تلاش آن‌ها را برای بالاخره سرنگون کردن رئیس‌جمهور و بلوک حاکم او عقیم بگذارد.

Watch an expert webcast as scholars and journalists preview Turkey's historic 2023 elections and their implications for Turkish policy, the wider Middle East, and Washington's relationship with Ankara.

In this video, Beyer Family Fellow Soner Cagaptay provides context for the upcoming election and assesses Erdogan's prospects for success.

The country has been described as “too big to fail,” but further deterioration is possible amid mounting debt, major inflation, and delayed military divestment.

Washington may be tempted to give up after the country’s democratic backsliding; instead, it should take targeted, supportive actions that have worked in other cases.

A closer look at how the levers of state—and powerful friends—could help Erdogan win his toughest election yet.