Unpacking Israel’s deterrence strategy after Iran’s missile attack Stacie Goddard and Boaz Atzili - April 25, 2024 A conversation with Boaz Aztili on Israel’s deterrence moves – and Iran's calculations
A viral poll result got debunked. People are learning the wrong lesson. John Sides - March 11, 2024 Are all polls with opt-in samples wrong? Not quite.
What to expect from the UN in the Israel-Hamas war Erik Voeten - February 1, 2024 The UN will have to overcome deep distrust among Israelis.
UN court says Israel may have violated the Genocide Convention Kelebogile Zvobgo - January 30, 2024 South Africa’s case against Israel for suspected violations in Gaza may take years to resolve.
A closer look at the Gaza casualty data Marc Lynch and Sarah Parkinson - December 14, 2023 Casualty counts can be a political tool – and how we report the data has real consequences.
75 years on, why is the UN Genocide Convention so hard to enforce? Kelebogile Zvobgo - December 9, 2023 Often states deliberate and debate while people die.
Why Colombia’s ELN freed a soccer star’s parents Danielle Gilbert - November 15, 2023 Research on kidnappings by armed groups explains the impact on Colombia’s peace process.
Will Congress shut down the government over aid to Israel and Ukraine? Elizabeth N. Saunders, Sarah Binder, Michael Tesler, Jordan Tama, and Andrew Payne - November 14, 2023 Four experts examine how U.S. foreign policy is dividing both Republicans and Democrats.
Putin’s Russia navigates Middle East conflict and war in Ukraine Joshua Tucker, Samuel Greene, and Kathryn Stoner - November 6, 2023 Two experts discuss the broader impact of the Israel-Hamas war.
What India is saying about the Israel-Hamas war Christopher Clary and Shubha Kamala Prasad - November 2, 2023 Can India balance support for Israel with its long-standing commitment to Palestine?
How can international law protect civilians in the Israel-Hamas war? Stacie Goddard and Tanisha Fazal - October 30, 2023 An expert explains the laws of war.
Will protests over the Israel-Hamas war shift U.S. policy? Marc Lynch, Jeremy Pressman, and Jay Ulfelder - October 27, 2023 Two experts share their insights on the growing number of U.S. protest events.
What political scientists know about occupation, applied to Gaza Elizabeth N. Saunders, Diana Greenwald, Dana El Kurd, David Edelstein, and Alexander Downes - October 24, 2023 Experts on the politics of foreign occupations tackle big questions in this week’s Good Chat.
How should we think about a mass exodus of Palestinians from Gaza? Elizabeth N. Saunders and Kelly M. Greenhill - October 20, 2023 Governments and non-state actors use mass migration as a tool of war.
The ICC is investigating violence in Israel and Palestine Kelebogile Zvobgo - October 18, 2023 Israel doesn’t recognize the court’s jurisdiction – but it should.
Biden will visit Israel during a war. That’s unprecedented. Elizabeth N. Saunders - October 17, 2023 The humanitarian crisis and escalation fears heighten uncertainty.
Why the Gaza hostage crisis is different Danielle Gilbert - October 13, 2023 What we know about Hamas hostage-taking and Israel’s hostage recovery policy.
Will the Hamas attack on Israel lead to a broader regional war? Elizabeth N. Saunders and Austin Carson - October 12, 2023 Even bitter adversaries have tools to control escalation.
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.
Why does Biden want Saudi-Israeli normalization so badly? Marc Lynch - September 20, 2023 The Abraham Accords may define a new regional order.
Israel’s Religious Zionists gained ground in the November election Brendan Szendro - December 16, 2022 What is Religious Zionism, and why is it getting more popular in Israel?
What Middle East scholars really think about boycotting Israel Shibley Telhami and Marc Lynch - November 22, 2022 The latest Middle East Scholars Barometer survey explored this contentious issue — and more
In the Middle East and North Africa, people are worrying about food Michael Robbins and Amaney Jamal - October 6, 2022 Five things to know from Arab Barometer’s latest survey
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.
It’s risky for Biden to go to the Middle East Shibley Telhami - July 6, 2022 Fewer than one-quarter of Americans approve of the president’s mid-July trip, our survey found
Ukraine war has side effects on Middle East geopolitics Shibley Telhami and Marc Lynch - April 10, 2022 Here’s what our 2022 survey of Middle East scholars found.
Germany convicted a Syrian man of war crimes in Syria. Can national courts prosecute injustices everywhere? Maximo Langer, Margaret E. Peters, and Leslie Johns - January 14, 2022 The landmark case invoked the principle of ‘universal jurisdiction’
Archbishop Tutu’s radical commitment to humanity led him to criticize parties, people and institutions Carolyn E. Holmes - December 27, 2021 The beloved anti-apartheid activist demanded that the African National Congress also meet the standards of ‘ubuntu’
Academic experts believe that Middle East politics are actually getting worse Shibley Telhami and Marc Lynch - September 16, 2021 Nearly two-thirds of our recent survey group think the Israeli-Palestinian situation is akin to apartheid
20 years later, America’s ‘War on Terror’ language has gone global Somdeep Sen and John Collins - September 9, 2021 Right-wing governments and movements often use these words to justify authoritarian and racist policies.
Canada’s prime minister called for early elections. Will this gamble pay off? Tyler Kustra - August 20, 2021 Opposition parties might not have the votes to stop a Liberal Party majority this time
Israeli extremists are attacking Palestinians. But are these mobs or pro-government militias? Hannah Bagdanov - June 28, 2021 Who’s behind the violence?
An Islamist party is part of Israel’s new coalition government. How did that happen? Guy Grossman and Devorah Manekin - June 6, 2021 Israel has marginalized Arab parties and Arab voters for decades
Can Jews and Palestinians live peacefully in Israel? Here’s a closer look. Stephanie Dornschneider, Sarina Schäfer, Samer Halabi, Oliver Christ, Miles Hewstone, and Danit Sobol-Sarag - June 4, 2021 Three things to know about Israel's "mixed cities."
Israel’s left hates Netanyahu. But his real problem is that some right-wingers hate him, too. Noam Gidron and Lior Sheffer - June 2, 2021 A small Never-Netanyahu party deprived him of his majority
Bunny Wailer, ‘Ceasefire’: The Week In One Song Christopher Federico - May 20, 2021 A cease-fire is reached in the Gaza conflict.
Hamas wasn’t behind the Jerusalem protests. So why is it fighting? Somdeep Sen - May 17, 2021 This confrontation with Israel overshadows the fundamental question of Palestinian liberation.
Israel’s Iron Dome defense protects lives – but there’s an unexpected effect Yagil Levy - May 14, 2021 The defense system may leave Israel fewer incentives for a political solution to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Young people led the 2021 Palestinian protests in Jerusalem Dana El Kurd - May 12, 2021 Four things to know about the Sheikh Jarrah clashes.
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
The Proud Boys and Oath Keepers allegedly teamed up for the Capitol invasion. Should we worry? Brian Phillips - April 4, 2021 Here’s what we know about what happens when armed militant groups collaborate
Biden reversed Trump’s sanctions on International Criminal Court officials. What happens now? Kyle Rapp and Kelebogile Zvobgo - April 4, 2021 Past U.S. administrations supported the court’s work — when it aligned with U.S. interests
Negotiating peace the same old way doesn’t work. Here’s what does. Séverine Autesserre - March 21, 2021 Over 20 years of research, these three things emerged as key to building a lasting peace
Israel will hold national elections on Tuesday. Here’s a guide for the totally unfamiliar. Noa Balf - March 20, 2021 Don’t expect a stable governing coalition
The International Criminal Court just elected a new chief prosecutor. Here’s what you need to know. Nastaran Far, Hailey Robertson, and Kelebogile Zvobgo - February 16, 2021 The ICC’s future will rest on the new prosecutor’s success in opening, trying and closing cases — and being fair
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
The pandemic compromised Jordan’s parliamentary elections Kristen Kao and E.J. Karmel - November 19, 2020 This was one of the least democratic elections in the country’s recent history.
Pompeo just visited the West Bank. That’s likely to deepen the partisan division over Israel-Palestine. Jeremy Pressman and Dov Waxman - November 19, 2020 Trump administration decisions on Israel marked a shift away from decades of U.S. policy.
What do ordinary Arabs think about normalizing relations with Israel? Dana El Kurd - October 25, 2020 Our research suggests many oppose normalization but may be reluctant to say so
Why Gulf nations are normalizing ties with Israel Jonathan Hoffman - September 24, 2020 Bahrain is the latest Arab nation to recognize Israel
Israel is about to reveal its West Bank annexation plans. How will Congress respond? Shibley Telhami / Managing Editor - June 21, 2020 Our new poll finds Americans are open to questioning the Israeli-U.S. relationship.
Despite U.S. sanctions, the International Criminal Court will keep investigating alleged war crimes in Afghanistan Stephen Chaudoin and Kelebogile Zvobgo - June 16, 2020 The U.S. public may not agree with Trump’s move
China’s making inroads in the Middle East. The Trump administration isn’t happy. Jonathan Fulton - June 2, 2020 But U.S. pressure to reject China could bring out a great power rivalry in the region
Israel’s Arab parties may help determine who runs the next government. Omar H. Rahman - March 13, 2020 The last election boosted their clout.
China already leads 4 of the 15 U.N. specialized agencies — and is aiming for a 5th Shing-Hon Lam and Courtney J. Fung - March 3, 2020 Beijing is campaigning to lead the global intellectual property agency
El Salvador’s president sent troops to occupy the legislature. Here’s what’s going on. Michael Paarlberg - February 17, 2020 Nayib Bukele is popular with the people, but not with lawmakers.
The White House peace plan puts Israel’s concerns first — and shortchanges Palestinians Brent E. Sasley - January 30, 2020 The deal is one-sided in these five ways
How terrorism helps — and hurts — Iran Daniel Byman - January 3, 2020 Why Iran supports terrorist groups — and what the consequences can be.
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.
Looking back at the Middle East’s 2019: Surprises from Trump, Saudi power moves, protests and more Stephanie Dahle - December 29, 2019 Here are 5 takeaways.
Why did Iran’s government shut down protests so quickly and violently? Dina Esfandiary - December 4, 2019 Doing so stopped the protests — but probably won’t next time.
Pompeo says Israeli West Bank settlements aren’t illegal. What does this mean in practice? Yael Berda - November 23, 2019 Israeli border police arrest a Palestinian protester following scuffles at
Could Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s indictment end Israel’s political stalemate? Jonathan Rynhold - November 22, 2019 Bibi probably has no political future, but he’ll keep trying.
Will a U.S.-Mexico border wall reduce crime? Here’s what we know from Israel’s West Bank. Guy Grossman, Austin L. Wright, and Anna Getmansky - October 7, 2019 Crime just moves to a different location.
The U.S. president asks you for ‘a favor.’ How could it hurt your country? Eugene Finkel - October 2, 2019 Let’s look at what happened in Israel when Netanyahu acceded to Trump’s request to ban two members of Congress.
Israel’s next government won’t put peace with the Palestinians first — even if Netanyahu is defeated Brent E. Sasley - September 23, 2019 Neither of the nation’s two big parties shows interest in negotiations.
World leaders are gathering at the U.N. Yes, U.S. sanctions can make this complicated. David Bosco - September 19, 2019 Travel restrictions are a popular way to punish foreign leaders.
An HBO series looks at political violence in Jerusalem. Here’s the reality behind the drama. Chagai Weiss - September 13, 2019 We researched the explosive summer that the series portrays.
Here’s what the Israeli public thinks about Netanyahu’s campaign promise to annex parts of the West Bank. Dahlia Scheindlin - September 12, 2019 Hint: The voters he’s courting are very supportive
Trump just said buying Greenland would be ‘a large real estate deal.’ He’s making a dangerous mistake. Stacie Goddard - August 16, 2019 Trump doesn’t seem to understand that nations don’t buy and sell territory any more.
The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees faces another crisis Jo Kelcey and Anne Irfan - August 15, 2019 An ethics report detailing serious abuses of power has only added to the agency’s woes.
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.
Amílcar Cabral’s life as a Pan-Africanist, anti-colonial revolutionary still inspires Kim Yi Dionne - June 20, 2019 He was a prolific scholar — and also masterminded the end of Portuguese rule in two African nations
Trump’s ‘deal of the century’ ignores reality in the Middle East Francesca Albanese and Elizabeth Ferris - June 20, 2019 The Trump administration’s solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will be unveiled later this month in Bahrain — and a critical U.N. program for Palestinian refugees may be at risk
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
Israel responded to a Hamas cyberattack with an airstrike. That’s not such a big deal. Jacquelyn Schneider and Erica D. Borghard - May 8, 2019 Policymakers are debating how best to retaliate against cyberwarfare actions — and how not to.
Attempts to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization have failed before. Why is it returning now? Marc Lynch - May 1, 2019 Trump’s Middle East policy pattern shows disregard for the consequences.
Key takeaways from the Israeli election Brent E. Sasley - April 12, 2019 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not only survived but increased his party’s share of parliamentary seats.
Trump’s Golan Heights tweet will have global consequences on territorial expansion Stacie Goddard - March 23, 2019 As if undercutting efforts to build a lasting peace with the Palestinians and the region weren’t enough.
Trump’s Golan Heights tweet disregards decades of U.S. commitment to U.N. resolutions Jeremy Pressman - March 22, 2019 Here’s what recognizing Israeli sovereignty of the strategic land could mean for the region.
Sorry, President Trump. Here’s why American Jews aren’t abandoning the Democratic Party. Michael Tesler - March 21, 2019 These three factors mean a “Jexodus” is unlikely any time soon.
Will Israel’s Palestinian Arab citizens turn out to vote? Shibley Telhami - March 19, 2019 Here is what our new poll shows.
Does the decline of U.S. power matter for the Middle East? Marc Lynch - March 19, 2019 Perceived or not, declining American primacy has real effects.
Anti-Semitism is linked to public opinion about Israel. But so is Islamophobia. Michael Tesler - March 11, 2019 Is bias behind the backlash against Rep. Ilhan Omar? Let’s check public opinion.
Netanyahu’s new rival is surging in Israel’s polls Mark Tessler and Alon Yakter - February 25, 2019 Here’s why Benny Gantz’s ambiguity on Palestinians is a winning strategy.
What the controversy over Ilhan Omar’s tweets tells us about AIPAC today Brent E. Sasley - February 12, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83695" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, flanked
It’s Christian politics, not AIPAC money, that explains American support for Israel Sam Goldman - February 12, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83672" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Mayor Muriel E. Bowser speaks at
Why Mahmoud Abbas dissolved the Palestinian parliament — and what it means for the future Samer Anabtawi and Nathan Brown - January 18, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82787" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has relied
Israel’s upcoming election could produce even more political parties. Here’s why. Brent E. Sasley - January 4, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82128" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walks
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
Israeli elections could be happening soon. Here’s what you should know. Brent E. Sasley - November 21, 2018 [caption id="attachment_80553" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers
Israel-Hamas fighting erupted just as negotiations advanced. What started it, and why does it matter? Wendy Pearlman and Boaz Atzili - November 15, 2018 [caption id="attachment_80233" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A ball of fire rises above
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.
What do peace processes without women’s participation produce? Less peace. Daniel Nerenberg - September 24, 2018 [caption id="attachment_78127" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In 1993, President Bill Clinton stands
The Trump administration’s new idea for Israeli-Palestinian peace is actually an old, failed idea Curtis Ryan - September 12, 2018 [caption id="attachment_77615" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A Palestinian woman waits for transportation
The Trump administration’s new ‘Iran Action Group’ won’t work — for these 3 reasons Nicholas Miller - August 29, 2018 Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently announced that he had created
A new law in Israel complicates future peace talks. Here’s why. Joshua Freedman - August 15, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76750" align="aligncenter" width="960"] People are seen through a banner
Are drones the new terrorist weapon? Someone tried to kill Venezuela’s president with one. Nicholas Grossman - August 10, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76585" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Venezuelan National Guard soldiers scatter during