Policy Analysis

THE ISLAMIC STATE is now largely defeated militarily, with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces taking the eastern bank of the Euphrates River and a mosaic of largely Iran- and Russia-supported Assad-regime forces taking areas west of the river. As anti-IS operations wind down and the Trump administration considers its options

The formation of a large opposition block and other electoral dynamics are clouding Erdogan’s longer-term political future.

The cartel’s latest meetings may solidify a Saudi-Russian axis on oil, and could portend future diplomatic cooperation and military sales as well.

For too long, U.S. policymakers have tailored their approach toward Cairo as if Washington were the only player in the sandbox.

When asked at a March 28th press conference whether he still favored pulling U.S. troops out of Syria, President Donald Trump responded to the question with the statement “I want to get out. I want to bring our troops back home. I want to start rebuilding our nation.” At a

Three ascending candidates are whittling away at Erdogan's base, posing a long-term challenge to his rule even if they can't unseat him in this election.

The president will probably become even more authoritarian in the coming months, knowing that a majority of citizens would vote him out in a fair election.

Among accusations of elections fraud and the burning of a warehouse storing half of Baghdad’s ballot boxes, Iraq’s electoral process appears to have experienced a dramatic challenge to its credibility. However, Iraqi voters’ disaffection with the polling process is longstanding and was openly expressed through a major boycott of the

Encouraging more liberal policies remains difficult when America’s Gulf partners believe certain reforms run counter to their security interests.

David Pollock’s thoughtful item on Chinese views of the Middle East reminded me of my periodic discussions with Chinese officials over the years on the same subject. Overall, China has a negative opinion of the U.S. role in the region—though Beijing’s views are sometimes nuanced and occasionally outright positive. Why

Using the money cut from UNRWA to restore electricity, water, and sewage treatment in Gaza could help prevent another conflict and reopen peace diplomacy.

Pending policy decisions on reimposing sanctions will give Washington opportunities to calibrate its arsenal of measures against illicit Iranian financial activity.

With little risk for the United States, making the offer would provide an opportunity to restate important non-nuclear demands and show the Iranian people their leaders’ true priorities.

By securing regional buy-in for a new peace plan before making it public, Washington has a much better chance of getting the Palestinians back to the negotiating table.

The regime’s most vulnerable point is its precarious banking system, whose persistent mismanagement, capital shortfalls, and lack of transparency have already sparked public protests.

Now that the operation has begun, bipartisan congressional threats to sever U.S. military assistance because of humanitarian concerns will be tested.

As the Iraqi Kurds reach out to Russia, the Kremlin’s sway over their politics and energy resources is growing.

Despite significant logistical and diplomatic challenges, liberating the port is vital to providing more humanitarian relief and meeting coalition war aims.

A new government, delayed tax hikes, and extra Gulf aid can alleviate unrest for now, but such measures cannot mask the kingdom’s fundamental need for unpopular economic reforms.

Curbing Iran's foreign meddling and ending the cycle of destructive fighting will require greater political engagement by the Trump administration.