• Policy Analysis
    LevantConflicts and Conflict Resolution

    The Arab Peace Initiative is Back on the Table; Netanyahu Is Not Budging

    The Arab Peace Initiative has not gone anywhere since it was launched in 2002. Developments in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict do not inspire confidence that …

  • Washington Policy Weekly
    IranUS Domestic Politics and Elections

    Congressional Update – Week Ending July 21, 2017

    Jul 21, 2017Marcus Montgomery

    House Appropriations Committee bolsters defense spending, cuts the State Department’s budget; Iran is back in the spotlight; Washington grapples with how to he…

  • Policy Analysis
    IraqConflicts and Conflict Resolution

    Turkey’s Hard Choices in Syria and Iraq

    Jul 19, 2017Mustafa Gurbuz

    Turkey finds itself in a strained position in post-Islamic State Syria and Iraq. It lacks leverage with Russia, the United States, and Iran and fears Kurdish a…

  • Washington Policy Weekly
    LevantMigrants, Refugees, and IDPs

    Congressional Update – Week Ending July 14, 2017

    Jul 14, 2017Marcus Montgomery

    The House eyes funding for the Departments of Defense and State; the Tunisian Prime Minister visits Washington; Qatar decries the humanitarian costs of the Gul…

  • Policy Analysis
    QatarConflicts and Conflict Resolution

    Qatar-US Memorandum of Understanding: A Game Changer

    Jul 11, 2017Imad K. Harb

    The MOU is a game changer and provides a significant milestone on the road to a political solution that preserves GCC unity, stability, and prosperity.

  • Policy Analysis
    IraqIdentity Politics and Sectarianization

    The Independence Referendum: A Pyrrhic Victory for Barzani

    Jul 10, 2017Mustafa Gurbuz

    The Kurdish decision to hold a referendum on independence from Iraq may bring happiness to the Kurds but will come at a heavy price for the Kurdish leadership.

  • Policy Analysis
    The Arabian Peninsula and The GulfConflicts and Conflict Resolution

    Current Competing Dynamics in the GCC Region

    The competing strategic dynamics of Gulf and other actors complicate the current crisis and make its resolution contingent upon sometimes divergent interests.

  • Washington Policy Weekly
    IranUS Foreign Policy

    Congressional Update – Week Ending July 7, 2017

    Lawmakers have the week off for the Independence Day recess; the Iran-Russia sanctions bill hits another roadblock; terrorism finance experts discuss how the G…

  • Washington Policy Weekly
    IranUS Domestic Politics and Elections

    Congressional Update – Week Ending June 30, 2017

    Jun 30, 2017Marcus Montgomery

    Congress faces a setback in Iran-Russia sanctions legislation; the Senate explores authorizing the use of military force against ISIL; experts discuss US role …

  • Washington Policy Weekly
    IranUS Domestic Politics and Elections

    Congressional Update – Week Ending June 30, 2017

    Jun 30, 2017Marcus Montgomery

    I. CongressCapitol Hill was very busy again this week in the run-up to the July 4 recess. In the House of Representatives, there were several markups on budget…

  • Washington Policy Weekly
    IranSecurity and Defense

    Congressional Update – Week Ending June 23, 2017

    Jun 23, 2017Marcus Montgomery

    Congress faces a setback in Iran-Russia sanctions legislation; the Senate explores authorizing the use of military force against ISIL; experts discuss US role …

  • Policy Analysis
    Saudi ArabiaDemocracy and Governance

    Kingmaker: The Rise of Mohammed bin Salman

    Jun 22, 2017

    As Saudi King Salman appoints his 31-year-old son Mohammad bin Salman as Crown Prince, what are the implications for Saudi security, the GCC crisis and the reg…