Policy Analysis

A change to the Sainte-Laguë representation system will significantly hinder the ability of smaller parties and independent candidates to win seats in Iraq's next elections.

Leaders in the Middle East feel more threatened by the competition between China and the United States than by the individual powers themselves, so Washington needs to adapt accordingly.

An Iran-backed militia run by a notorious human rights abuser was kicked out of a Christian town after it tried to replace local police leaders.

Kataib Babiliyoun pretends to be a local Christian unit, but its members have been recruited from Shia Muslim communities in southern Iraq with the goal of dominating the strategic Nineveh Plains region.

Opposition factions face numerous difficulties in the lead-up to the next elections, as internal disputes may undermine their success.

Beijing has responded to regional conflicts with a bevy of multilateral forums, peace plans, and envoys, but without the deeper commitments and follow-through required to resolve them.

U.S.-designated terrorists and human rights abusers are beginning to receive senior ranks, staff college certification, and national security degrees at Iraqi and Arab military schools.

This year has seen a massive increase in the training of Iraqi militia officers at Defense Ministry academies, and a dedicated PMF training college might be developed under expanded legislation.

The PA’s weakening grip over its territory, coupled with the rise of a young generation frustrated with their political leaders, has helped accelerate the vicious cycle of Palestinian attacks and IDF crackdowns.

Four veteran journalists offer their insights from the frontlines of different combat zones, including Middle East conflicts and the Ukraine war.

Watch a special conversation about the murder of Lebanese activist and writer Lokman Slim between veteran Lebanese journalist Hanin Ghaddar and Slim's widow and colleague, Monika Borgmann.

نیروهای پهپادی و موشکی رژیم تهدیدی جدید علیه امیرنشین‌های خلیج ‌فارس و اسرائیل است، و مستلزم پاسخی جدی‌تر و منسجم‌تر از سوی آمریکا.

As waves of protest rock the country following mass arrests of political opponents, what will happen next?

The surprise development may have more to do with resolving the Yemen war than rebuking the Biden administration, but the full implications will take time to register.

As the conflict enters year two, it remains unclear if the West has fully internalized the right lessons about Moscow, its partners in the “Global South,” or the parameters of long-term victory.

تمایل تهران به توقف برخی از ابعاد برنامه هسته‌ای‌ به خاطر استراتژی کاهش ریسک می‌تواند فرصت‌هایی ایجاد کند که بتوان از نگرانی‌های رژیم درباره هزینه‌های بالقوه حرکت‌ رو به جلو بهره‌برداری کرد.

His government is using CT tools to go after the political opposition, but the ongoing lull in jihadist activity may give Washington some breathing room to press him on these issues.

The hard lessons learned in Syria have given European leaders the confidence and tools they needed to respond forcefully in Ukraine.

A panel of former senior Israeli officials discusses how the convulsive domestic debate may affect vital issues related to military preparedness, Iranian nuclear advancement, Palestinian terrorism, and more.

Growing domestic blowback presents a strategic opportunity to alter the balance of power in Lebanon, shrink Iran’s long-range influence, and promote true political diversity within the Shia community.