Policy Analysis

Despite discord between the Wagner Group and the Russian government, the entrenched economic and military engagement of Wagner forces in Syria is unlikely to change soon.

Despite numerous conferences and promises, Sudan's regional neighbors have done little to defuse the current conflict.

Worried by the implications of Erdoğan's reelection, the Kurds in northeastern Syria need active support from the United States now more than ever.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan will have to navigate urgent changes and new challenges in crafting Turkish policy towards Iraq.

The current conflict in Sudan has been exacerbated by a limited democratic process after the fall of Omar al-Bashir that failed to incorporate a diversity of Sudanese civilian voices.

With no end in sight, the Sudan conflict will put significant pressure on Egypt's economic, political, and security infrastructure.

New polling results from Lebanon emphasize ways in which the country’s public is frustrated domestically and at key Hezbollah ally Iran, while expressing mixed views of other powers.

Though Syria policies were at the center of the Turkish elections, the future for many Syrians remains unclear even after an Erdoğan victory.

In a new public opinion poll, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in March/April by an independent regional firm, Jordanian citizens demonstrate a strong aversion toward Israel but remain in favor of regional de-escalation.

A new public opinion poll of Egyptian citizens, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in late March/April by a regional commercial firm, showed that despite the current economic doldrums, street protests remained unpopular.

With a focus on "the future of Syria," the Brussels Conference can be a platform through which Western and Arab countries can coordinate aid to Syria in an era of normalization.

A fresh opinion poll of UAE citizens, commissioned by The Washington Institute and conducted by a reliable independent regional firm in April 2023, reveals some of the most pro-American and anti-Iranian attitudes of any Arab country surveyed lately. On normalization with Israel, views are more mixed—yet surprisingly moderate, given this poll’s timing during Ramadan.

Driven by forced conscription, economic deterioration, and lack of opportunities, Syrians are increasingly crossing the M4 in northern Syria on their journey to Europe.

Though Yemen struggles with economic, political, and environmental issues of its own, more and more migrants are crossing the country's borders in hopes of a better life.

In order to reach a sustainable political settlement in Yemen, all parties must be involved in negotiating the geographic and military dimensions of the country's future.

On May 11, Saudi Arabia and the United States announced that representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had signed a Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan.

In a new public opinion poll commissioned by The Washington Institute and conducted in March-April by an independent regional firm, Kuwaitis appeared averse to any disruptions at home or around the region, even as tensions grow across Kuwait’s political scene.

If talks with the Houthis continue to ignore key Yemeni stakeholders, al-Qaeda is poised to absorb disillusioned tribal groups into its ranks.

A rare public opinion poll in Saudi Arabia, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in March/April 2023 by a reputable regional firm, reveals an intriguing mix of attitudes—some in line with emerging Saudi government policies; others, not so much.

Though GCC member states may disagree on Syria's normalization, the collective memory of past conflicts and the desire for regional stability will likely override internal divisions.