Policy Analysis

"The idea that Iran can negotiate with the United States and be recognized as a responsible member of the international community just fills the House of Saud with complete dread." As the P5+1 countries approach a deal on Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, veteran Gulf analyst Simon Henderson assesses the significance

The ongoing war has changed not only Syrian society, but also the lives of many young men from other countries who are willing to die in the name of God.

Since winning a second term, Iraqi prime minister Nouri Maliki has strengthened his grip on power.

Two years ago, I argued in a Post op-ed that Turkey was pivoting toward the United States. This policy has not ushered in what Ankara wanted: American firepower to oust the Assad regime in Syria. And feeling alone, Turkey has started to seek other allies, including Beijing. When the Justice

Saudi nervousness over Iran's nuclear advances may prompt the kingdom to act on its own longstanding nuclear preparations.

When Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) entered office in 2002, it launched an ambitious plan to become a regional power. Aided by phenomenal economic growth, Turkey ultimately became the Middle East’s largest economy with a foreign policy based on wielding soft power to gain influence. To this end, the

On October 1, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy presented its 2013 Scholar-Statesman Award to former secretary of state Dr. Condoleezza Rice and paid special tribute to publisher and philanthropist Mortimer B. Zuckerman at a gala dinner in New York City. The following is a selection of excerpts from

Secretary Kerry's planned visit to Abu Dhabi to reinforce the U.S.-UAE strategic partnership comes at an awkward time, as the country opens another controversial trial.

Assuming the group is patient and willing to accept that the events of this summer are irreversible, it has several options for eventually regaining national influence.

Traveling through southern Turkey, an expert spoke with Syrian opposition members about how to come together politically while keeping al-Qaeda affiliates at arm's length.

Given Algeria and Morocco's highly developed intelligence apparatuses, strong militaries, and common extremist foes, the United States should use its leverage with each country to sidestep renewed enmities and strengthen regional security.

Eliminating Assad's chemical arsenal, while somewhat helpful, would do nothing to stem the more potent conventional means that his regular and irregular forces have used to kill thousands of civilians.

In the wake of recent tensions, the House of Saud could make things very unpleasant for Washington in these seven ways.

The fast-food chain's departure is only the latest sign of battered markets that have left approximately 4 million Syrians facing food insecurity.

There is no muting Iraq, so the best way to get the troubled country on the path to stability is through high-level engagement on electoral transparency, sectarian reconciliation, arms transfers to Syria, oil revenue sharing, and other key issues.

Talks with Iran are gaining momentum, but its centrifuges are still enriching uranium, and its Arak facility may soon be capable of producing plutonium.

A deal struck for its own sake on Tehran's nuclear program would be worse than no deal at all.

Since Policy Focus 130 was first published in October 2013, the number of registered Syrian refugees in Turkey has nearly doubled, from roughly 440,000 to 747,000. Although Turkey's national burden is relatively small when compared with Syria's other neighbors—namely Lebanon and Jordan—pressures are increasingly intense in five southern Turkish provinces

An original founder of the banned Salafi organisation reveals its true origins, the extent of its links with al-Nahda, and what lies "behind the curtain."

Whether legitimate charges are announced or not, yesterday's arrest of a popular cleric will no doubt be another turning point in the relationship between the Tunisian government and local jihadists.