Skip to main content

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Main navigation

Analysis
Experts
About
Support
Maps & Multimedia

Trending:

Great Power Competition
Proliferation

Turkey
Syria
Iran

Regions & Countries

Egypt
Gulf States
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Jordan
Lebanon
Middle East
North Africa
Palestinians
Syria
Turkey

Issues

Arab & Islamic Politics
Arab-Israeli Relations
Democracy & Reform
Energy & Economics
Great Power Competition
Gulf & Energy Policy
Military & Security
Peace Process
Proliferation
Terrorism
U.S. Policy

TWI Arabic: اللغة العربية TWI Persian: فارسی Fikra Forum

Search Policy Analysis

Breadcrumb

Policy Analysis

Shia Politics

Policy Analysis on Shia Politics

Filter by:

Keyword

Region

Type

New Poll Shows Lebanese Frustrations with Government, Iran, and Other Powers

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.

Catherine Cleveland

Banque du Liban, BDL commissioner Riyad Salameh, Hezbollah symbol, ATM machine

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

How Hezbollah Profits from Lebanon's Financial Crisis

The Lebanese economy requires an urgent overhaul, and the international community must press for deep reforms.

Samara Azzi
Hanin Ghaddar

Maps & Graphics

Arabic Original of Muhandis General Company Articles of Incorporation

PDF copy of the Arabic original of the February 26, 2023, articles of incorporation of the Muhandis General Company for Construction, Engineering and Mechanical, Agricultural and Industrial Contracting (hereafter shortened to Muhandis General Company).

Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

Supporters of Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr gather during a sit-in, inside the parliament building in Baghdad - source: Reuters

What Are Sadr’s Plans for the Elections in Iraq?

Although the Sadrist Movement withdrew from politics, participating in the upcoming provincial elections would provide them with critical momentum that they don't want to miss out on.

Feyzullah Tuna Aygün

Another Round of Negotiations with the Houthis: AQAP as Potential Spoiler in Yemen

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

Mohamed Mokhtar Qandil

CMC March 16, 2023 draft regulation of digits; media content in Iraq

Maps & Graphics

Iraqi CMC Draft Regulation on Digital Content in Iraq

English translation of the March 16, 2023, draft regulation on digital content by the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission.

Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight: Profiles

Kufa Mosque

Sadr’s Withdrawal and the New Splinter Group of Ashab al-Qadiya

By suspending the Sadrist Movements activities, Sadr hopes to prevent the growth of a new Mahdist splinter group that threatens his religious and political credibility.

Haider al-Musawi

Lebanon Flag

Can Federalism Work in Lebanon?

For those promoting federalism in Lebanon, a historical analysis of the country's geographic and ethnosectarian divisions demonstrates the necessity of inclusive discussion and collective engagement.

Robert Rabil

Electoral Law: Signaling a Short-Lived Run for Iraq’s Independent MPs?

A change to the Sainte-Laguë representation system will significantly hinder the ability of smaller parties and independent candidates to win seats in Iraq's next elections.

Ashleigh Whelan
Mohanad Adnan

Blinken Hussein

Variables the United States Should Consider on Dollar Smuggling in Iraq

U.S. pressure on Iraq to prevent dollar smuggling and dinar laundering can protect Iraq’s sovereignty and weaken Iran. But if executed without deliberation, this pressure could allow Russia and China to enhance their positions in the Middle East.

Frzand Sherko

Maps & Graphics

Iraq’s "Muqawama Government" Drives Out Prominent LGBTQ Advocate

Officials appear to be cracking down on freedom of speech and alternative lifestyles opposed by the self-styled militia "resistance."

Hamdi Malik
Amir al-Kaabi
Michael Knights
Crispin Smith

◆ Militia Spotlight

Ghaani

What Do Iran’s Protests Mean for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region?

Internal instability in Iran may cause significant religious, economic, and political repercussions across the border in Iraq.

Zubir R. Ahmed
Nawzad Shukri

Sudani CF

Maps & Graphics

Militia Spokesmen Reflect on Sudani Inviting U.S. Forces to Remain

Asaib Ahl al-Haq is signaling pragmatism, while Kataib Hezbollah is contorting its arguments to allow it to play along, albeit without explicitly accepting a U.S. military presence.

Ameer al-Kaabi
Michael Knights
Hamdi Malik

◆ Militia Spotlight

Iran Womens Protests

Iranian Daughters: Struggling for the Rights Their Mothers Lost in the Revolution

Activists fighting for women's rights in Iran today have learned from their predecessors' mistakes and are more determined than ever to achieve gender equality.

Sepideh Zamani

Lebanon Flag

New Lebanon Opinion Poll Shows Continued Internal Dissatisfaction and Desire for International Partners

Lebanese respondents expressed positive views of the maritime deal and World Cup in Qatar, but seemed disappointed by almost everything else.

Frances McDonough

Karrada District Iraq

Perpetrators of Stephen Troell’s Killing in Baghdad Remain Unknown

The circumstances surrounding Troell's death in November clearly indicate that the murder is tied to political infighting and the ongoing issue of armed militias in Iraq.

Mohanad Faris

Iraq Oil

What Could Iraqis Gain from Their Oil Windfall?

Although Iraq stands to gain significant revenues from an oil windfall, urgent reforms are needed to ensure these funds benefit the people, not just the elites.

Mohammed Hussein

Iraqi Protestor

Iraq’s ‘Armed Protest Syndrome’: From a Clash of Ideas to Violence

In order to restore the stability and authority of the Iraqi state, the Sudani government must endeavor to end the years-long connection between protests and reciprocal violence.

Abbas Abboud Salem

al-Sudani

Minister Allocation in Iraq’s New Government

Although ministry positions in Iraq have long been used as bartering tools, the new government could make a huge difference by supporting key ministries with real solutions and competent appointees.

Nawras Jaff

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamanei, gestures while speaking

The Demonstrations for Mahsa Amini: A Turning Point in Iran

Despite the Iranian regime’s efforts to suppress recent protests, they have quickly spread to every corner of the country, making this one of the most important events in Iran in more than four decades and suggesting this could be a turning point for the country's future.

Ziryan Rojhelati

Pagination

Current page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Last page
Next page

Sign Up for Email Updates from The Washington Institute

Never miss a breaking event on U.S. policy interests in the Middle East. Customize your subscription to our expert analysis, op-eds, live events, and special reports.

1111 19th Street NW - Suite 500
Washington D.C. 20036
Tel: 202-452-0650
Fax: 202-223-5364

Footer contact links

Contact
Press Room
Subscribe

The Washington Institute seeks to advance a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East and to promote the policies that secure them.

The Institute is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax-deductible.

Footer quick links

About TWI
Support the Institute

Social media

The Washington Institute on Facebook
The Washington Institute on Twitter
The Washington Institute on YouTube
The Washington Institute on Soundcloud

© 2023 All rights reserved.

Footer

Employment
Privacy Policy
Rights & Permissions