Policy Analysis

February 07, 2018 In the past few weeks, Iraqi politics were thrown into confusion as Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi briefly aligned his electoral coalition with the Fatih Coalition, the electoral alliance led by some of notorious Iran-backed Iraqi militia (PMF) leaders. The union lasted less than 24 hours, but for

Two experts diagnose the Shia militia problem in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, offering concrete advice for reducing the power of Iran's proxies.

This study, illustrated with 70 original maps and graphics, fosters a deeper understanding of the role sectarianism has played in Syria's war and reassesses the notion that the regime's divisive efforts singlehandedly transformed the secular and democratic revolution of 2011 into the brutal sectarian conflict of today.

In banishing any credible opponents, Sisi has shown his true intentions—and imperiled the future stability of his country.

Riyadh and its allies are finally moving to reduce the humanitarian impact of their blockade, so U.S. officials and other actors should take corresponding steps to assist aid flows, secure ceasefires, and promote a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

Supporters should see the administration's threats as a last chance to salvage the deal, while critics should seize the opportunity to correct its flaws.

February 02, 2018 The first meeting between China and Saudi Arabia, which took place in Oman in 1985, was an initial gesture towards official bilateral relations between the two countries. Before 1990, there were no diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and China, and Saudi Arabia refused to recognize China as

The concept of “fake news” has gained traction in the United States because of politically motivated conspiracy theories. In the Middle East, politics has always involved a discussion of conspiracies. Some satellite news channels detail Qatar’s alleged network of secret agents and illicit funding aimed at overthrowing Arab governments, while

The Syrian war has provided Iran with an unmatched opportunity to expand its "foreign legion," a collection of Shia regional proxy militias nurtured since the dawn of the Islamic Republic. The leading such group is undoubtedly Lebanese Hezbollah, which has been central to the Iranian push to bolster the Assad

February 01, 2018 The Palestinian refugee issue is of renewed controversy given the Trump Administration’s stance on both refugees and the Middle East peace process. It has been an ongoing crisis since Israel’s Declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948, which followed fighting at the local level, and led to

February 01, 2018 Arab and Western circles are anticipating the possibility of change in Iraq and some distancing from Iran. However, the basic fact is that Iraq is going through a very complex change that is transforming it into a province of Iran, fully tied to Iran politically, economically, and

Through Moscow meetings and public statements, Israeli officials have made clear that Iranian weapons facilities in Lebanon are a game changer, so escalation is quite possible if Tehran ignores their warnings.

Allowing Riyadh to produce its own nuclear fuel could have bad proliferation consequences in the Middle East and Asia, but Washington may not have the leverage to enforce a permanent ban.

The recent history of U.S. policy toward Iran shows why Washington must consistently treat its international leverage as a precious asset, not a mere political tool.

The State Department is upping the pressure on Tehran and the Brotherhood's violent progeny in Gaza and Egypt.

Given the continued Islamic State threat in Syria, Washington cannot afford what is shaping up to be a bloody conflagration between allies it needs to eradicate the group.

At a time when the prospects for Palestinian political reconciliation have faded, international donor initiatives and Israeli infrastructure projects could help avert further deterioration.

Exoneration of the convicted U.S. citizens, while a show of goodwill, would still not bridge the larger gap in U.S.-Egypt ties.

The fate of the fabulously wealthy but politically marginalized prince has become much more significant amid the kingdom's campaign to fight corruption and open up its economy.

This week's meetings indicate a substantial U.S. effort may be under way to end the Arab diplomatic rift over Qatar.