Policy Analysis

Serious progress is unlikely given Moscow's intransigence on Syria, Iran, and missile defense.

Washington should pursue a measured but assertive course with Syria, because the longer the conflict lasts, the greater the threat it poses.

Knee-deep in Syria's civil war and surrounded by family quarrels, Qatar's emir is looking to hand over the country to his thirty-three-year-old son.

A firmer combination of pressure and incentives, with appropriate attention to Moscow's domestic concerns, could tip the balance toward greater U.S.-Russian cooperation in Syria.

Although Bahrain's ongoing troubles are domestically focused, the latest developments are a reminder of the region's wider Sunni-Shiite divide and the problematic role played by Iran.

The United States and other countries should avoid downplaying the threat from Iranian agents in Latin America.

Defeating Iranian designs in Syria would not halt Tehran's nuclear ambitions, but it could restore the credibility of American power and force Iran's leaders to reconsider the costs of their strategy.

On June 7, 2013, Saeid Golkar and Mehdi Khalaji addressed a Policy Forum at The Washington Institute. Mr. Golkar is a fellow at the Roberta Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies at Northwestern University and author of the new Institute report The Islamic Republic's Art of Survival. Mr. Khalaji

At a time of declining U.S. military spending and growing concern about Iran's hegemonic ambitions and nuclear intentions, the Gulf Cooperation Council states continue to view the U.S. military as the hub of their security efforts. How can Washington help bolster Gulf defenses against Iran without exacerbating military tensions, destabilizing

Similar to other conflicts, diplomacy on Syria is as much, if not more, about what one does away from the table to develop leverage as it is about talks themselves.

Helping the Libyan government root militias out of Benghazi and secure the city would go a long way toward securing the country as a whole.

The forthcoming elevation of Crown Prince Tamim to Qatar's top leadership roles could spur Iran and other rivals to play mischief.

Local Brotherhood groups range from regime irritants to regime supporters, and the security challenge they represent to the Gulf monarchies should be assessed on a country-by-country basis.

Subscribe to Washington Institute videos on YouTube. Sign up for live event broadcast alerts from The Washington Institute On June 3, 2013, Shai Feldman and Dan Schueftan addressed a Policy Forum at The Washington Institute. Dr. Schueftan is director of the National Security Studies Center at the University of Haifa

Over the past three decades, the Iranian regime has managed to survive numerous internal and external crises. From coup attempts to war and, most recently, mass uprisings and nuclear sanctions, the Islamic Republic has been able to neutralize threats at home and on its borders while avoiding foreign intervention. In

Turkey can become the first consolidated Muslim democracy if Erdogan begins to respect the will of his people.

Discussions with Chinese officials and analysts highlight the need for measured cooperation on various regional issues, including endgame diplomatic proposals for Iran and de-escalation in Syria.

Khamenei's handling of the presidential election highlights his desire to prevent foreign accommodation, including on the nuclear issue.

Abbas's chosen candidate will boost Fatah's profile in the near term, but international donors will ultimately judge the new premier based on how he handles fiscal transparency, economic stewardship, and security cooperation.

Even if this week's demonstrations fizzle away, grassroots activism and middle-class demands for liberties have apparently become a force in Turkish politics.