Policy Analysis

Uncontrolled weapons are the most prominent barrier to the electoral process, along with insufficient international observation to ensure free and transparent elections.

The recent saga surrounding the implications of American withdrawal from Afghanistan has not gone unnoticed in Cairo. Egyptian policy circles believe it has opened the door for Islamist and extremist groups to gain momentum across the region, and regime messaging is framing the situation accordingly.

Iraqi PM Kadhimi’s recent visit demonstrates a positive vision of U.S.-Iraqi relations and improved confidence among Iraqi leaders.

Women and children in the al-Hol Camp are conducting ISIS operations and perpetuating ISIS's ideology.

Yemen's Islah Party and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a special relationship for over a decade, but now internal politics threaten to tarnish this unique partnership.

If the United States will not provide Egypt with greater air to air capabilities, Egypt will risk sanctions in order to acquire them.

The removal of Iranian militias from Syria could be a source for cooperation between the United States and Russia.

Without an exerted international peace effort, the siege on Marib could destroy the possibility of a unified Yemen.

The Islamic State's strategic understandings of geographic territory, time, and victory are critical elements in its potential for a resurgence.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq are using fraudulent loans to bankroll their community activities, drawing into question their adherence to Islamic laws and mores.

The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan could mean heightened activity from terrorist organizations other than the Taliban.

Protestors in Iraq are using the "Who Killed Me" hashtag to call out militia influence in the Iraqi government and demand greater protection for demonstrators.

Without radical reform, Iraq faces potential dissolution and geographic fragmentation in the case of an increasingly likely economic crisis.

Unregulated weapons, corruption, and mismanagement are pushing Iraq's political system towards potential collapse.

The United States should address Iranian soft-power expansion in Gaza when approaching Israeli-Palestinian issues.

The Kadhimi government must move quickly if it wants to avoid a potential popular uprising among dissatisfied Shias in Iraq.

The United States should capitalize on closer ties between its regional allies to combat Iranian expansionism, with a special focus on Syria.

Russian-Turkish compromise in Syria puts Syrian Kurds in a dangerous position.

As India seeks to grow in its self-reliance, developing more balanced relations with the Gulf will strengthen ties while helping to balance against Chinese influence in the region.

Iran is building military, social, and economic influence among eastern Syrian tribes, which are poised to invade SDF-controlled regions in the event of a U.S. withdrawal.