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.
Biden’s hostage diplomacy, explained Danielle Gilbert - September 20, 2023 It's a marriage of concessions and sanctions.
America and Europe are targeting Russia’s oil profits Henry Farrell and Agathe Demarais / Managing Editor - December 21, 2022 The oil price cap makes it harder for Russia to use oil money to buy weapons and pay soldiers.
How would we know if we were witnessing a revolution in Iran? Charles Kurzman - December 18, 2022 Revolutions are unpredictable. But the Islamic republic itself came to power through a similar scenario.
Iranian women have been protesting mandatory hijab for decades Mona Tajali - October 2, 2022 Both outside and within Iran’s government, women have been strategizing for this moment. So why did the movement catch fire now?
Are Iran’s hijab protests different from past protest waves? Ali Kadivar - September 22, 2022 Broader and broader swaths of society are showing that they’re outraged, with grievances that won’t soon go away.
How the Ukraine crisis could make the Syrian civil war worse Tiina Hyyppä and Aaron Pilkington - May 23, 2022 Shifting Russian troops away from Syria risks opening up new threats
Yemen’s Houthi movement stepped up its attacks. That complicates U.S. policy in the region. Tyler B. Parker - January 31, 2022 The U.S. wants to end help the war in Yemen — and secure a nuclear deal with Iran
Iran passed restrictions on contraception and abortion. Will that distract protesters from the economy? Pardis Mahdavi - December 21, 2021 Controlling women’s bodies may not work as well this round
Iran elected a hard-liner president. What does that mean for the nuclear deal? Henry Rome - June 21, 2021 Ebrahim Raisi’s anti-Western views may limit the benefits that many Iranians hope to see under a revival of the deal
We know one thing about Iran’s new president, even before this week’s election. He won’t be a reformer. Hossein Mahdavi - June 17, 2021 The consolidation of power within the Revolutionary Guard leaves little room for opposition politicians
Iran’s nuclear program won’t be stopped by the recent explosion. But the attack puts pressure on negotiators. Nicholas Miller - April 19, 2021 History suggests that diplomacy is more effective than sabotage.
Will the attack on Iran’s nuclear research facility derail U.S. nuclear talks? Dalia Dassa Kaye - April 13, 2021 The Biden administration will find it difficult to contain Israel and Iran’s escalating tensions.
China and Iran announced a new economic and security partnership. That’s not as alarming as it sounds. Lucille Greer and Esfandyar Batmanghelidj - March 31, 2021 China has similar deals with a number of Middle Eastern countries
Reviving the Iran nuclear deal requires tackling these three issues Henry Rome and Eric Brewer - March 18, 2021 But winding back Iran’s nuclear program and Trump-era sanctions won’t be easy
How the assassination of an Iranian scientist could affect nuclear negotiations with Iran Farzan Sabet - December 11, 2020 Fakhrizadeh’s death potentially complicates a path back to a nuclear deal and follow-up agreements.
Reviving the Iran nuclear deal will be harder than it looks Henry Rome - November 22, 2020 Politics in the region — and in the United States — have changed since 2015
Has Israel been sabotaging Iran? Here’s what we know. Dalia Dassa Kaye - July 15, 2020 Four reasons Israel might be waging its shadow war more overtly — which could backfire.
The covid-19 crisis could strengthen Iran’s ‘invisible government’ Hossein Mahdavi - May 7, 2020 An increased social welfare role for groups within Iran could undercut the rationale for U.S. sanctions
What will happen to Iraqi Shiite militias after one key leader’s death? Ranj Alaaldin - February 28, 2020 This won’t help U.S.-Iran tensions
Iran shot down a Ukrainian plane. How did Ukraine respond? Orysiya Lutsevych - January 17, 2020 In a tough situation, the government handled most things well.
Trump is still pushing for a new nuclear deal with Iran. How likely is that? Nicholas Miller - January 14, 2020 Let’s examine the key factors for pursuing such a deal.
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
How the U.S.-Iran conflict could help China and Russia David Edelstein - January 13, 2020 Will preoccupation with Iran shift U.S. attention away from other urgent concerns?
The U.S.-Iran crisis has calmed down — but things won’t ever go back to how they were before Christopher Clary - January 12, 2020 The U.S. has to worry about more-accurate Iranian missiles, while the downed airplane has brought Iranian protesters to the street
Could U.S. actions topple Iran’s government? Alexander Downes - January 11, 2020 Here’s why it would be extremely difficult.
Will Soleimani’s death change Iran’s relationship with the Revolutionary Guard? Dina Esfandiary - January 8, 2020 Soleimani’s heavy-handed approach of using armed militias and proxies turned local opinion against Iran.
How will Iran respond to Soleimani’s killing — and where will the escalation end? Elisa Ewers and Ariane Tabatabai - January 6, 2020 Expect something more than today’s proxy skirmishes — but less than all-out war.
How terrorism helps — and hurts — Iran Daniel Byman - January 3, 2020 Why Iran supports terrorist groups — and what the consequences can be.
How did the U.S. get to the brink of war with Iran? Afshon Ostovar - January 3, 2020 The assassination of Soleimani will provoke Iran to act
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.
Iran shut down the Internet to stop protests. But for how long? Ali Kadivar - November 26, 2019 The government won’t find it easy to address protesters’ grievances.
Is there a way out of the Iran crisis? Mohammad Tabaar - October 2, 2019 Yes, research provides insight into Iran’s foreign policy — and a possible way to stop the escalation between Iran and United States.
After the Saudi oil attack, will the U.S. and Saudis start a war with Iran? Here are 3 things to know. Austin Carson - September 17, 2019 Iran — and Saudi Arabia — might prefer to let responsibility for the attack remain unclear.
The UAE is weakening its partnership with the Saudis in Yemen. Here’s why that matters. Mareike Transfeld - August 28, 2019 What you should know about the clashes in southern Yemen
Iran’s cooperation with the Taliban could affect talks on U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan Ariane M. Tabatabai - August 8, 2019 Here’s what’s motivating the recently publicized ties.
Oil probably won’t cause a war with Iran, but it certainly adds fuel to the blaze Jeff Colgan - July 20, 2019 Tensions are high, and liquid natural gas tankers are vulnerable to attack.
Iran’s nuclear program seems to be accelerating. Will Saudi Arabia take a similar path? Eliza Gheorghe - July 12, 2019 In a multipolar world, curbing nuclear transfers becomes more difficult.
Why the Trump administration’s resolve on Iran could backfire Roseanne W. McManus - June 27, 2019 Bargaining this way could make it hard for Iran to head back to the negotiating table.
How cyber operations can help manage crisis escalation with Iran Brandon Valeriano and Benjamin Jensen - June 24, 2019 The research suggests this might be a digital off-ramp to war.
Trump’s Iran strategy is a Twitter thread. It’s hard to know where to start. Henry Farrell - June 21, 2019 Political scientists explain Trump’s strategy and how we got here.
The Stone Roses, ‘Shoot You Down’: The Week In One Song Christopher Federico - June 21, 2019 Tensions in the Gulf.
Why Iran’s ‘oil weapon’ isn’t that scary Rosemary A. Kelanic - June 17, 2019 Blocking access to oil supplies rarely works as a strategy.
Why the Houthi drone strikes targeted Saudi oil facilities Samuel Ramani - May 29, 2019 Yemen’s Houthi rebels are not just Iran’s proxies
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.
Iran reduces commitment to the nuclear deal amid increased U.S. pressure Dina Esfandiary - May 9, 2019 President Rouhani gives remaining parties of the JCPOA a 60-day deadline to help protect Iran’s interests before walking away.
Designating Iranian military unit a ‘terrorist organization’ will make U.S. relations with Iran more difficult. Here’s how. Afshon Ostovar - April 8, 2019 It’s a first for the United States to designate a foreign government entity as a terrorist organization.
Would Iranians welcome a new nuclear deal? Think again. John R. Cookson and Dina Smeltz - March 26, 2019 Trump’s withdrawal has made its citizens cynical about negotiations.
Is the next Arab uprising happening in plain sight? Marc Lynch - February 26, 2019 Popular protests are on the rise across the Middle East again. What does it mean?
The Trump administration wants to sell nuclear technology to the Saudis — without a nuclear agreement. That’s alarming. Matthew Fuhrmann - February 21, 2019 Here are the three reasons it’s worrisome.
Does Trump really have ‘absolute power’ to declare a national emergency? Let’s examine the statute. Andrew Rudalevige - February 15, 2019 Editors' note: We are reposting this analysis, first published on January
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
Why Iran’s involvement in Syria may backfire Thomas Juneau - June 12, 2018 [caption id="attachment_74447" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A convoy of Syrian government forces
The Trump administration wants regime change in Iran. But regime change usually doesn’t work. Lindsey O'Rourke and Alexander Downes - May 23, 2018 [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="960"] People march in Tehran on Feb.
Experts don’t like Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran deal — or his foreign policy in general Susan Peterson, Michael Tierney, and Ryan Powers - May 16, 2018 [caption id="attachment_73397" align="alignnone" width="960"] Iranians prepare to burn American flags
What Netanyahu’s dramatic speech about Iran’s nuclear program revealed — and concealed Or Rabinowitz - May 4, 2018 https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/world/netanyahu-files-show-iran-is-brazenly-lying-about-nuclear-program/2018/04/30/64332ddc-4c9b-11e8-85c1-9326c4511033_video.html Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is no amateur when
Trump doesn’t like the Iran deal’s sunset provisions. Here’s how to fix that. Dinshaw Mistry - April 25, 2018 [caption id="attachment_72643" align="alignnone" width="960"] French President Emmanuel Macron, left, with
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
Here’s how hostile states are hiding behind ‘independent’ hackers Tim Maurer - February 1, 2018 [caption id="attachment_68648" align="aligncenter" width="329"] (Oxford University Press)[/caption] More and more
How years of increasing labor unrest signaled Iran’s latest protest wave Zep Kalb and Kevan Harris - January 19, 2018 Beginning on Dec. 28, 2017, a wave of protests surged
New data shed light on the dramatic protests in Iran Peyman Asadzade - January 12, 2018 [caption id="attachment_68064" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Iranian riot police prevent university students
Why is Iran arresting its protesting youths? Shervin Malekzadeh - January 10, 2018 [caption id="attachment_67954" align="aligncenter" width="960"] University students attend an anti-government protest
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
What are the lessons of the Arab uprisings for Iran’s protests? Marc Lynch - January 2, 2018 [caption id="attachment_67724" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In this photo, by an individual
What the Iran sanctions case in New York means for Turkey and Erdogan Kadir Yildirim - December 2, 2017 [caption id="attachment_66835" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Front pages of Turkish newspapers with
Why Lebanon’s prime minister resigned Jeffrey Karam - November 8, 2017 [caption id="attachment_65978" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri resigned
Iran’s involvement in Syria is costly. Here’s why most Iranians still support it. Peyman Asadzade - October 19, 2017 [caption id="attachment_65055" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Mourners escort the truck carrying the
Is the U.S. about to ‘cheat’ on the Iran nuclear deal? Here’s how this could backfire. Jane Vaynman - October 17, 2017 President Trump’s decision not to certify Iranian compliance with “the
Trump’s criticism of the Iran nuclear deal may only lead to more nuclear weapons Nicholas Miller - October 6, 2017 [caption id="attachment_63941" align="aligncenter" width="960"] News reports suggest that the Trump
5 things to know about the referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan Ramzy Mardini and Morgan Kaplan - September 19, 2017 [caption id="attachment_63723" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Iraqi Kurds rally to urge people to
Why a controversial Iraqi Shiite cleric visited Saudi Arabia Fanar Haddad - August 10, 2017 [caption id="attachment_62199" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr visited
Oman is a mediator in Yemen. Can it play the same role in Qatar? Stacey Philbrick Yadav - July 22, 2017 [caption id="attachment_61275" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Representatives of the Omani government disembark
China is trying to pull Middle East countries into its version of NATO Jonathan Fulton - June 21, 2017 [caption id="attachment_60134" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The daily flag-lowering ceremony at sunset
How Iran fights the Islamic State Dina Esfandiary - June 14, 2017 [caption id="attachment_59835" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Police control the scene around the
In Iran’s elections, the hard-liners lost. What comes next? Payam Mohseni - May 26, 2017 [caption id="attachment_58885" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Supporters of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani
Iranian President Rouhani won reelection. Here’s how reformists got him there. Ali Kadivar - May 23, 2017 [caption id="attachment_58718" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Supporters of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani
What’s really at stake in Iran’s presidential election Naghmeh Sohrabi and Hossein Mahdavi - May 18, 2017 [caption id="attachment_58521" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A veiled Iranian woman supporting conservative
Trump claims he wants closer ties with Russia. Here are 3 reasons that won’t fly. Aleksandar Matovski - May 16, 2017 On Tuesday, President Trump sent a round of startling tweets,
Iran’s holding presidential elections. Here are the candidates to watch. Farzan Sabet - April 27, 2017 [caption id="attachment_57385" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the
Why the death of Iran’s leading moderate could strengthen its reformists Hossein Mahdavi - January 23, 2017 [caption id="attachment_52890" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, foreground
There’s a battle in Iran over the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps business empire Nader Habibi and Eric Lob - January 5, 2017 [caption id="attachment_52079" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Iran's Supreme Leader tyatollah Ali Khamenei
Fighting the Islamic State won’t change the sectarian image of Iraq’s militias Mieczyslaw Boduszynski - December 28, 2016 [caption id="attachment_51868" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Iraqi rapid response forces gather during
Shiites are participating in the world’s largest pilgrimage today. Here’s how they view the world. Fotini Christia, Elizabeth Dekeyser, and Dean Knox - November 21, 2016 [caption id="attachment_49847" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Iranians pray in Tehran during a
Here’s what could happen if a President Trump tore up the Iran nuclear deal William Spaniel - July 11, 2016 [caption id="attachment_43550" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The mushroom cloud of the first
How elections are secularizing Iranian politics Shervin Malekzadeh - May 19, 2016 [caption id="attachment_40789" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man distributes electoral posters in
Oil wars: Why nations aren’t battling over resources Emily Meierding - May 19, 2016 [caption id="attachment_40759" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A U.S. soldier stands guard next to a
No, Yemen’s Houthis actually aren’t Iranian puppets Thomas Juneau - May 16, 2016 [caption id="attachment_40606" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Armed members of a Houthi militia
How Iranians’ use of an app is changing politics and civil society Shervin Malekzadeh - April 26, 2016 [caption id="attachment_39706" align="aligncenter" width="908"] An Iranian woman takes pictures with
What’s really wrong with the U.S.-Saudi relationship Marc Lynch - April 20, 2016 [caption id="attachment_39400" align="aligncenter" width="908"] President Obama arrives in Riyadh, April
Obama’s symbolic visit to Cuba is the exception. What’s the real history of presidents and international travel? James Lebovic and Elizabeth N. Saunders - March 23, 2016 Historically, U.S. presidents and their secretaries of state did not travel.
Why the triumph of moderates is a setback to Iranian democracy Mohammad Tabaar - March 9, 2016 [caption id="attachment_36973" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Iranian voters fill out their ballots
Iran’s election wasn’t about moderation or democracy. It was about how Iran will re-engage with the world. Hossein Mahdavi - March 3, 2016 [caption id="attachment_36711" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks during
How women, the Green Movement and an app shaped Iran’s elections Narges Bajoghli - March 1, 2016 [caption id="attachment_36611" align="aligncenter" width="908"] An Iranian voter shows her hand
How Iran’s elections marginalized radicals and consolidated a new political center Shervin Malekzadeh - February 29, 2016 [caption id="attachment_36557" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Iranian voters fill out their ballots
Why Iran’s Assembly of Experts election is the real race to be watching Farzan Sabet - February 24, 2016 [caption id="attachment_36301" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Former Iranian president Ali Akbar Hashemi
How Rouhani could lose even if reformists win Iran’s election Payam Mohseni - February 24, 2016 [caption id="attachment_36313" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Iranian President Hassan Rouhani briefs
Listen up, Republicans. Here’s what Ronald Reagan knew about campaigning and governing. Jeff Chidester - February 24, 2016 [caption id="attachment_36269" align="aligncenter" width="908"] From left, Ted Cruz, Donald Trump
Does Twitter bridge the Sunni-Shiite divide or make it worse? Alexandra Siegel - January 7, 2016 [caption id="attachment_34173" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Iranian protesters set fire to the
Why Saudi Arabia escalated the Middle East’s sectarian conflict Marc Lynch - January 4, 2016 The Jan. 2, 2016, execution of Saudi Shiite cleric and