Gaza and Israel: Five things to watch Marc Lynch - October 9, 2023 Here’s what you need to know following Saturday’s attack by Hamas.
Arab citizens know democracy’s not perfect. They want it anyway. Michael Robbins - July 20, 2022 That’s what Arab Barometer finds in its latest wave of surveys across 10 countries in the Middle East and North Africa
Will Israel further normalize relations with its Arab neighbors? Dana El Kurd - July 10, 2022 My research finds that closer ties with Israel means Arab regimes have new tools to repress their own citizens.
Tunisia’s draft constitution solidifies one-man rule Al Ali - July 8, 2022 Will Tunisia still be a democracy if the president controls the courts and legislature?
How much popular support does Tunisia’s president really have? Sharan Grewal and Mohamed Dhia Hammami - April 26, 2022 Surveys suggest Tunisians approved of Kais Saied’s power grab. But they’re not actually answering his calls to action.
Ukrainians are rallying global support via social media. But don’t call it a TikTok war. Jen Schradie - March 23, 2022 Here’s what my research finds
The E.U. granted Ukrainian refugees temporary protection. Why the different response from past migrant crises? Nicholas R. Micinski - March 16, 2022 People who fled the war in Ukraine wait for relocation
Tunisia’s president threatened the judicial system. What do Tunisians think about these power grabs? Elizabeth Nugent and Alexandra Domike Blackman - February 8, 2022 A new survey reveals support for the president — but also support for democracy
Are Africa’s leading democracies in trouble? Carolyn Logan and Brian Howard - November 25, 2021 The sixth in Afrobarometer’s special democracy summit series on Africa
Morocco’s Islamist party just lost power. So why is it turning to its old leader? Patrick S. Snyder - November 14, 2021 The king had dismissed Abdelilah Benkirane, who had mastered the art of blaming the king for his government’s failures
Why can’t Lebanon’s leaders fix its economic crisis? Jamal Ibrahim Haidar and Adeel Malik - October 20, 2021 Lebanese politicians and elites profit from their corrupt system — and foreign donors keep propping them up to hang onto their own influence
Tunisia has its first-ever female prime minister. That’s not as good for democracy as it sounds. Sivan Hirsch-Hoefler, Lihi Ben Shitrit, and Julia Elad-Strenger - October 12, 2021 Around the world, would-be authoritarians have been ‘pinkwashing’ policies that undermine democracy. Our research finds that it works.
Tunisia’s president launched a political crisis. Is it a coup? Nicholas J. Lotito - July 28, 2021 Sunday’s move started a fight for public approval and control of government institutions
Critics say it’s apartheid. Do Israelis and Palestinians think it is? Dahlia Scheindlin - May 6, 2021 A 2021 survey reveals surprising points of agreement.
Jordan detained a prince. The government’s determined to squash political dissent. Jillian Schwedler - April 5, 2021 Criticizing the king is considered an act of terrorism
Here’s how experts on the Middle East see the region’s key issues, our new survey finds Shibley Telhami and Marc Lynch - February 16, 2021 We asked about their views on the Israel-Palestine conflict, Iran’s nuclear program and more
It’s been 10 years since the Arab Spring. Why did people protest then — and not now? Stephanie Dornschneider - February 15, 2021 Egyptians are facing much the same conditions: military rule, harsh repression and economic difficulties. Here’s what makes the difference.
Myanmar’s military has a history of using deceptive tactics against protesters. Now it has social media, too. Van Tran - February 9, 2021 Military agents may be infiltrating online groups to sow distrust.
Are African governments doing enough to help young people? Here’s what Afrobarometer surveys reveal. Sadhiska Bhoojedhur, Ousmane Djiby Sambou, and Gildfred Asiamah - January 14, 2021 Job creation is citizens’ top priority — and they’re willing to pay for it.
Ten years in, Tunisian democracy remains a work in progress Sharan Grewal - January 14, 2021 Despite the country’s initial success, these three factors stand in the way of democratic consolidation.
Was the U.S. Capitol riot really a coup? Here’s why definitions matter. Naunihal Singh - January 8, 2021 Calling this a coup obscures important dynamics.
Chile voted to write a new constitution. Will it promise more than the government can deliver? Peter Siavelis and Jennifer Piscopo - October 29, 2020 In a global first, women will make up half the constitutional convention
Why Gulf nations are normalizing ties with Israel Jonathan Hoffman - September 24, 2020 Bahrain is the latest Arab nation to recognize Israel
Saudi Arabia is launching an oil price war. That’s risky. Jim Krane - March 22, 2020 Without oil revenues, the monarchy could be in trouble
Meet Oman’s new sultan. How will he navigate the region’s turmoil? Cinzia Bianco - January 14, 2020 The late Sultan Qaboos leaves behind a legacy of peace and diplomacy
Expect a tumultuous 2020 in the Middle East Marc Lynch - December 31, 2019 The embassy assault in Baghdad is just the beginning. Here are 3 trends to watch.
In India, thousands are protesting the new citizenship law. Here are 4 things to know. Shivaji Mukherjee, Aditi Malik, and Ajay Verghese - December 30, 2019 Some object to its Muslim exclusions, while others object to the broad welcome for other groups.
International troops are leaving Yemen. Here’s what will help bring peace. Alexandra Stark - December 12, 2019 Here’s how mediation from other countries can end civil wars.
Yes, aid workers are getting killed more often. But why? Emily K. M. Scott - December 6, 2019 Aid groups are protecting international staff — while local staff are getting killed in their own countries.
We checked 100 years of protests in 150 countries. Here’s what we learned about the working class and democracy. Tore Wig, Sirianne Dahlum, and Carl Knutsen - October 24, 2019 The success of mass protests depends on who is doing the protesting.
Winners and losers of Tunisia’s parliamentary elections Sharan Grewal - October 7, 2019 Exit polls suggest a narrow victory for the moderate Islamist party Ennahda, followed closely by newcomer Qalb Tounes
African dictators have been losing power — some to democratic governments. Militaries can tip the scales toward democracy. Nathaniel Allen and Alexander Noyes - September 15, 2019 These five factors make the difference between militaries that support autocracy and those that allow free elections.
In 2011, Egyptians quickly tired of protest. Here’s why that matters for Sudan and Algeria. Thoraya El-Rayyes and Neil Ketchley - September 4, 2019 New research suggests demonstrations eroded popular support for democracy during the Arab Spring
Why Russia’s garbage protests turned violent Alla Baranovsky-Dewey - August 18, 2019 The bigger stink may be corruption, not trash.
In Hong Kong, are ‘thugs for hire’ behind the attacks on protesters? Here’s what we know about these groups. Lynette H. Ong - July 23, 2019 This type of violence could easily backfire.
Why Jordan’s identity can’t be bought Sean Yom and Katrina Sammour - June 24, 2019 The deal of the century promises billions of dollars — and a future of regional instability.
How is MBS’s consolidation of power affecting Saudi clerics in the opposition? Raihan Ismail - June 3, 2019 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Islamic Summit
Jordanians worry that the ‘deal of the century’ will come at their expense Curtis Ryan - May 31, 2019 At a protest against the United States’ Middle East peace
Iran’s network of fighters in the Middle East aren’t always loyal to Iran Ariane Tabatabai and Becca Wasser - May 20, 2019 They are more than willing to ignore what Iran tells them to do.
Trump changed U.S. policy toward Libya. This is why it matters. Mieczysław P. Boduszyński and Christopher K. Lamont - May 2, 2019 The Trump administration’s about-face on Libya leaves few options in the face of a dramatic escalation of violence.
South Africa’s apartheid regime ended 25 years ago Evan Lieberman - April 26, 2019 Democracy has taken root with substantial success.
Sudan ousted two autocrats in three days. Here’s what’s next. Mai Hassan and Ahmed Kodouda - April 15, 2019 Protesters want a civilian transition government. That hasn’t happened.
Guaidó backed an amnesty plan for Venezuela’s military. How might that play out? Mieczysław Boduszyński and Victor Peskin - February 11, 2019 Three weeks into Venezuela’s political standoff, will there be a
Will Venezuela’s military back — or abandon — Maduro? Here are the 4 things it will consider. Eva Bellin and David Pion-Berlin - February 1, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83327" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Security forces guard the entrance of
Why are so many African leaders shutting off the Internet in 2019? Chipo Dendere - January 30, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83225" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Protesters gather near a burning tire
Eight years after Egypt’s revolution, here’s what we’ve learned about social media and protest Korhan Koçak and Killian Clarke - January 25, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83047" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Egyptians wave the national flag in
Behind Russia’s cyberwarfare lies a serious case of cyber-phobia Lincoln Pigman - January 17, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82702" align="aligncenter" width="960"] (Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg News)[/caption] After two U.S.
Egypt banned the sale of yellow vests. Are the French protests spreading? Dawn Brancati and Adrián Lucardi - January 8, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82291" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Demonstrators wearing yellow vests carry a
Military defections didn’t determine the Arab uprisings Kevin Koehler and Amy Holmes - December 21, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81832" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Egyptian security forces reach Tahrir Square
Youth revolts and political opposition in Jordan Wael Al-Khatib and Sean Yom - December 20, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81819" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Protesters demonstrate outside the Prime Minister's
How the long history of leaderless movements helps us understand the ‘yellow vests’ protests Gabriel Leon - December 12, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81455" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Police clashed with the “yellow vests”
What the UAE’s arrest of Matthew Hedges means for political science research in the Middle East Marc Lynch - November 29, 2018 [caption id="attachment_80799" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Jaber al Lamki, executive director of
Has Mohammed bin Salman finally gone too far? Coates Ulrichsen - October 16, 2018 [caption id="attachment_78928" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Does the Russia-Turkey deal on Idlib signal a new era of relations in the Middle East? Peter Henne - October 5, 2018 [caption id="attachment_78547" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, left,
Two Moscow teens were released from jail after thousands protested in the streets. Here are 5 things you need to know. Nicolè Ford - August 29, 2018 [caption id="attachment_77156" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Protesters gather on a street in
Are protests in Africa politically or economically motivated? This new book has answers. Kim Yi Dionne - August 24, 2018 [caption id="attachment_77099" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Protesters surround a bonfire on a
China’s power in the Middle East is rising Jonathan Fulton - August 9, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76548" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, crown
Why the prospects for democracy are so much better in Tunisia than Egypt or Libya Sabina Henneberg and Mieczysław Boduszyński - July 20, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75910" align="aligncenter" width="960"] From left, Libyan Field Marshal Khalifa
Why many failed to predict the leftist-Islamist alliance that won Iraq’s 2018 elections Benedict Robin - June 7, 2018 [caption id="attachment_74248" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In this May 14 photo, supporters
Islamists are losing support in Jordan Wael Al-Khatib and Sean Yom - May 17, 2018 [caption id="attachment_63878" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A woman casts her ballot at
Putin wants a shining legacy. He has to solve 3 big problems first. Philipp Casula and Camille-Renaud Merlen - April 17, 2018 [caption id="attachment_72203" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the
How did voters register their protest in Egypt’s presidential election? Elizabeth Nugent - April 16, 2018 [caption id="attachment_72231" align="aligncenter" width="960"] An Egyptian woman casts her vote
Why haven’t reformists joined the protests sweeping Iran? Ali Kadivar - January 5, 2018 [caption id="attachment_67875" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Anti-riot Iranian police prevent university students
Offering pensions can help autocrats stay in power longer Magnus Rasmussen and Carl Knutsen - December 4, 2017 [caption id="attachment_66851" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, shakes
The dangers of unscientific surveys in the Arab world Justin Gengler - October 27, 2017 [caption id="attachment_65142" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Doha, Qatar's capital. (Reuters)[/caption] Hardly a day
Saudi Arabia finally let women drive. Don’t mistake it for democratic reform. Stéphane Lacroix - October 5, 2017 In September 2017, Saudi Arabia granted its female citizens the
Why Tunisia just passed controversial laws on corruption and women’s right to marry Nadia Marzouki - September 21, 2017 [caption id="attachment_63812" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Tunisians take part in a demonstration
How Egypt wound up in the center of a Gulf Cooperation Council dispute on Qatar Karen Young - August 23, 2017 [caption id="attachment_62679" align="aligncenter" width="960"] FROM LEFT: Saudi Foreign Minister Adel
How a few young leaders are shaking up foreign policy in the Gulf Cooperation Council Russell Lucas - August 11, 2017 [caption id="attachment_62243" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Trump’s plan to work with Putin on cybersecurity makes no sense. Here’s why. Henry Farrell - July 9, 2017 http://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/does-trump-believe-russia-meddled-in-election-washington-weighs-in/2017/07/09/53e0918e-64c2-11e7-94ab-5b1f0ff459df_video.html President Trump announced Sunday on Twitter that he and
What the Qatar crisis shows about the Middle East Gregory Gause - June 27, 2017 [caption id="attachment_60415" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man walks past the Qatar
Is democracy on the decline? Not as much as some pundits want you to believe. Valeriya Mechkova, Matthew Wilson, and Anna Lührmann - June 26, 2017 [caption id="attachment_55669" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A huge “Vote!” flag waves above
Why key Arab countries have cut ties with Qatar — and what Trump had to do with it Michael Stephens - June 7, 2017 The decision by five Arab states to sever ties with
Why Jordan and Morocco are doubling down on royal rule Sean Yom - May 16, 2017 [caption id="attachment_58366" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Morocco's King Mohammed VI, right, and
Why so many Syrians living abroad support U.S. intervention Dana Moss - April 19, 2017 [caption id="attachment_56989" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Syrians chant slogans and wave pre-Baath
Hosni Mubarak is free again. What does this say about Egypt? Mieczyslaw Boduszynski - March 28, 2017 [caption id="attachment_55949" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak looks
By not taking refugees, the U.S. may make them more dangerous Jonah Eaton and Adnan Naseemullah - March 24, 2017 [caption id="attachment_55795" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A displaced Syrian child, fleeing from
Middle East regimes are using ‘moderate’ Islam to stay in power Annelle Sheline - March 1, 2017 [caption id="attachment_54789" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A day before Pope Francis celebrated
Morocco just joined the African Union. Here’s why that matters. Hannah Armstrong - February 20, 2017 [caption id="attachment_54370" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The king of Morocco, Mohammed VI,
Why the Women’s March may be the start of a serious social movement Emily Gade - January 30, 2017 This is the fourth post in our series on what social
Why are so many Tunisians joining the Islamic State? Luke Waggoner and Geoffrey Macdonald - January 27, 2017 [caption id="attachment_53193" align="aligncenter" width="960"] An Islamic State fighter in Raqqa,
Trump has threatened to rip up the “deal” with Cuba. Would that work? Javier Corrales and Dawn Brancati - November 29, 2016 [caption id="attachment_38163" align="aligncenter" width="908"] U.S. President Barack Obama delivers his
Food scarcity causes conflicts — but so can food abundance. Here’s why. Ore Koren - November 23, 2016 [caption id="attachment_49828" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Displaced Iraqis receive food at a
The Islamists are back in Morocco. How did they do it? Marwa Shalaby - October 20, 2016 [caption id="attachment_48191" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man casts his ballot at
Moroccans vote Friday, but neither main party will really win Adria Lawrence - October 6, 2016 [caption id="attachment_47417" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A demonstrator shouts slogans as he
Jordan’s holding elections next week. Here’s what to expect. Curtis Ryan - September 16, 2016 [caption id="attachment_46340" align="aligncenter" width="982"] A Jordanian man looks at election
What can public opinion surveys tell us about what is going on in Gabon? Kim Yi Dionne - September 16, 2016 The following post is part of our Friday Afrobarometer series, which highlights findings
How a new youth movement is emerging in Jordan ahead of elections Wael Al-Khatib and Sean Yom - September 14, 2016 [caption id="attachment_46209" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Supporters line a street in Amman to receive
How social media helps young people — especially minorities and the poor — get politically engaged Matthew Luttig and Cathy Cohen - September 9, 2016 [caption id="attachment_46000" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In this July 8, 2016 file
Will Turkey’s coup attempt prompt others nearby? Jonathan Powell and Curtis Bell - July 30, 2016 [caption id="attachment_44724" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Riot police secure a police station
How Middle Eastern monarchies survived the Arab Spring Sean Yom - July 29, 2016 [caption id="attachment_44203" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders meet
Who supports violent extremism in developing countries? Youssouf Kiendrebeogo and Elena Ianchovichina - June 20, 2016 [caption id="attachment_42441" align="aligncenter" width="960"] An Islamic State fighter waves the terrorist group's
Peru rejected Keiko Fujimori, but most new democracies vote authoritarian parties back into office. Here’s why. James Loxton - June 16, 2016 [caption id="attachment_42106" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Demonstrators rally against presidential candidate Keiko
What to expect from Jordan’s new prime minister Curtis Ryan - June 1, 2016 [caption id="attachment_41469" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Two youths carrying a large Jordanian
Are Muslim countries more violent? Nils Gleditsch and Ida Rudolfsen - May 16, 2016 [caption id="attachment_37168" align="alignnone" width="908"] Syrian government troops drive an armored
Are ‘democracy’ and ‘human rights’ Western colonial exports? No. Here’s why. El Amine - April 2, 2016 [caption id="attachment_37649" align="aligncenter" width="908"] In this image from October 2014,
Why some (but not all) Middle East militaries stand by their leaders Holger Albrecht and Dorothy Ohl - March 29, 2016 [caption id="attachment_38143" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Egyptian security forces and others gather
Why it’s wrong to say that the Arab uprisings failed Marc Lynch - March 28, 2016 [caption id="attachment_37971" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Egyptians wave their nation's flag in
After the political science relevance revolution Marc Lynch - March 23, 2016 [caption id="attachment_37723" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Secretary of State John F. Kerry
How long will Putin stay in power? Nelli Babayan - March 20, 2016 [caption id="attachment_22253" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to