The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
@washinstitute.bsky.social
Advancing a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East. (Reposts & Follows do not constitute endorsement.)
Hezbollah has its own global procurement and financial networks. The U.S. and the international community must thwart the group from operating freely abroad, write Michael Jacobson and @mattlevitt.bsky.social in @foreignpolicy.com.
Hezbollah Is Down But Not Out
Undermining the group in Lebanon requires targeting its networks abroad.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 18, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Hezbollah has its own global procurement and financial networks. The U.S. and the international community must thwart the group from operating freely abroad, write Michael Jacobson and @mattlevitt.bsky.social in @foreignpolicy.com.
"The United States has invested vast resources into stabilizing the Middle East, and it finally is confronted with a regional alignment that makes lasting security achievable," write Amb. James Jeffrey and @lizydent.bsky.social in @foreignaffairs.com.
A New Path to Middle East Security
How the Gulf can become the fulcrum of a new Middle East order.
www.foreignaffairs.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:27 PM
"The United States has invested vast resources into stabilizing the Middle East, and it finally is confronted with a regional alignment that makes lasting security achievable," write Amb. James Jeffrey and @lizydent.bsky.social in @foreignaffairs.com.
"Despite recent momentum, designating the entire Muslim Brotherhood movement as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) has proven challenging," write @mattlevitt.bsky.social and Michael Jacobson.
A More Effective Approach to Countering the Muslim Brotherhood
Instead of pinning a terrorist designation on the entire group, the Trump administration should focus more narrowly on the national security threats presented by individual Brotherhood branches and or...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 18, 2025 at 9:02 PM
"Despite recent momentum, designating the entire Muslim Brotherhood movement as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) has proven challenging," write @mattlevitt.bsky.social and Michael Jacobson.
As the Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman visits Washington this week, the U.S. should use this unique opportunity not only to reshape its relationship with Saudi Arabia, but to roll back China's influence in the kingdom, writes @grantrumley.bsky.social.
Unpacking the China File in U.S.-Saudi Relations
As the Saudi crown prince visits Washington, the United States should use the occasion—as well as American leverage—to roll back China’s influence in the country.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:39 PM
As the Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman visits Washington this week, the U.S. should use this unique opportunity not only to reshape its relationship with Saudi Arabia, but to roll back China's influence in the kingdom, writes @grantrumley.bsky.social.
President Trump is meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman. The prince’s trip is being billed as an “official working visit." In particular, both leaders are focused on the nexus of finance, AI, and energy, writes Amb. Dennis Ross.
Perspectives on Muhammad bin Salman’s Visit to Washington
Washington Institute experts discuss each government’s likely agenda for the landmark visit, from dealmaking in the energy and AI sectors to deepening the bilateral defense relationship and taking the...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 18, 2025 at 5:35 PM
President Trump is meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman. The prince’s trip is being billed as an “official working visit." In particular, both leaders are focused on the nexus of finance, AI, and energy, writes Amb. Dennis Ross.
A recent study by Assaf Orion and Jacob Sanchez published by @INSS examines the security-technological cooperation between China and Iran and the two countries’ defense innovation ecosystems.
Seven Sons and Mullahs: Chinese-Iranian Defense-Linked Academic Collaboration
Recent academic output from both countries reveals joint research efforts in numerous military-related fields and some convergence between their defense innovation ecosystems, posing potential risks t...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 17, 2025 at 10:47 PM
A recent study by Assaf Orion and Jacob Sanchez published by @INSS examines the security-technological cooperation between China and Iran and the two countries’ defense innovation ecosystems.
"The Gaza war may have cooled Riyadh on the urgency of a normalization deal with Israel, but it did not stop the warming of bilateral U.S.-Saudi ties," writes Institute director of research Dana Stroul in Newsweek.
From Pariah to Partner, MBS Returns to Washington
For the United States and Saudi Arabia to both win in today’s competitive global ecosystem, they need each other, and the Trump administration is poised to cap years of bipartisan effort by taking the...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 17, 2025 at 9:50 PM
"The Gaza war may have cooled Riyadh on the urgency of a normalization deal with Israel, but it did not stop the warming of bilateral U.S.-Saudi ties," writes Institute director of research Dana Stroul in Newsweek.
New from Amb. James Jeffrey and David Schenker: "Despite his impressive electoral performance, Sudani will likely have great difficulty building a sufficient coalition to secure a second term."
Iraq’s Election: Outcomes and Next Steps
Sudani did very well at the ballot box, but the peculiarities of Iraq’s long government formation process and the final distribution of parliamentary seats may leave the main Iran-backed coalition in ...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 17, 2025 at 8:21 PM
New from Amb. James Jeffrey and David Schenker: "Despite his impressive electoral performance, Sudani will likely have great difficulty building a sufficient coalition to secure a second term."
President Trump will host Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman on November 18. Amb. Dennis Ross, @lizydent.bsky.social, April Longley Alley, Simon Henderson, Henry Tugendhat, and Noam Raydan discuss each government’s likely agenda for the landmark visit.
Perspectives on Muhammad bin Salman’s Visit to Washington
Washington Institute experts discuss each government’s likely agenda for the landmark visit, from dealmaking in the energy and AI sectors to deepening the bilateral defense relationship and taking the...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 17, 2025 at 5:18 PM
President Trump will host Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman on November 18. Amb. Dennis Ross, @lizydent.bsky.social, April Longley Alley, Simon Henderson, Henry Tugendhat, and Noam Raydan discuss each government’s likely agenda for the landmark visit.
The Washington Institute has been tracking maritime attacks/incidents in the Middle East since 2019, including today's seizure of oil tanker Talara (IMO 9569994) by Iran. Link to the interactive map in the next post. 1/2
www.youtube.com/shorts/2EXHM...
www.youtube.com/shorts/2EXHM...
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
YouTube video by WashingtonInstitute
www.youtube.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:06 PM
The Washington Institute has been tracking maritime attacks/incidents in the Middle East since 2019, including today's seizure of oil tanker Talara (IMO 9569994) by Iran. Link to the interactive map in the next post. 1/2
www.youtube.com/shorts/2EXHM...
www.youtube.com/shorts/2EXHM...
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman visits the White House next week. Six Washington Institute experts examine the agenda, from energy & AI dealmaking to defense ties & Gaza action. www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
Perspectives on Muhammad bin Salman’s Visit to Washington
Washington Institute experts discuss each government’s likely agenda for the landmark visit, from dealmaking in the energy and AI sectors to deepening the bilateral defense relationship and taking the...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 14, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman visits the White House next week. Six Washington Institute experts examine the agenda, from energy & AI dealmaking to defense ties & Gaza action. www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
Recent academic output from China & Iran reveals joint research in numerous military-related fields & convergence between their defense innovation ecosystems, posing potential risks to the US and partners. New from Assaf Orion & Jacob Sanchez www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
Seven Sons and Mullahs: Chinese-Iranian Defense-Linked Academic Collaboration
Recent academic output from both countries reveals joint research efforts in numerous military-related fields and some convergence between their defense innovation ecosystems, posing potential risks t...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 14, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Recent academic output from China & Iran reveals joint research in numerous military-related fields & convergence between their defense innovation ecosystems, posing potential risks to the US and partners. New from Assaf Orion & Jacob Sanchez www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
Despite the recent pause in ship attacks, various factors point to an enduring threat that will not dissipate until wider action is taken against the Houthi supply chains and procurement networks, writes Noam Raydan.
🔗Read more: www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
🔗Read more: www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
November 13, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Despite the recent pause in ship attacks, various factors point to an enduring threat that will not dissipate until wider action is taken against the Houthi supply chains and procurement networks, writes Noam Raydan.
🔗Read more: www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
🔗Read more: www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
"Religious freedom in the new Syria is not a black or white issue." Read @azelin.bsky.social's testimony before the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Religious Freedom in Syria’s Post-Assad Transition
An in-depth look at the legal regime that Syria's transitional authorities have put in place to deal with religious minorities, focusing on how its policies have played out in a climate of ongoing vio...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:35 PM
"Religious freedom in the new Syria is not a black or white issue." Read @azelin.bsky.social's testimony before the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
New from @lizydent.bsky.social and Amb. James Jeffrey in Foreign Affairs: "For the first time in a generation, the United States has an opportunity to build a durable security architecture for one of the world’s most violent regions."
A New Path to Middle East Security
How the Gulf can become the fulcrum of a new Middle East order.
www.foreignaffairs.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:33 PM
New from @lizydent.bsky.social and Amb. James Jeffrey in Foreign Affairs: "For the first time in a generation, the United States has an opportunity to build a durable security architecture for one of the world’s most violent regions."
Despite the recent (and likely temporary) pause in ship attacks by the Houthis, freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and adjoining waterways are still under threat, writes Noam Raydan.
Houthi Maritime Threats and the Gaza Truce: Why Disrupting Supply Chains Is Indispensable
Despite the recent (and likely temporary) pause in ship attacks, various factors point to an enduring threat that will not dissipate until wider action is taken against the group’s far-reaching procur...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 12, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Despite the recent (and likely temporary) pause in ship attacks by the Houthis, freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and adjoining waterways are still under threat, writes Noam Raydan.
New from @hdagres.bsky.social: Increasingly, Tehran’s calculus includes transnational repression. This surge requires more aggressive countermeasures, such as those laid out in the bipartisan Transnational Repression Policy Act.
The United States Must Do More for Iranian Dissidents
Recent convictions in the Masih Alinejad case represent a win for dissidents everywhere, but a surge in Tehran’s hostile acts abroad requires more aggressive countermeasures, such as those laid out in...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 12, 2025 at 10:38 PM
New from @hdagres.bsky.social: Increasingly, Tehran’s calculus includes transnational repression. This surge requires more aggressive countermeasures, such as those laid out in the bipartisan Transnational Repression Policy Act.
New from Patrick Clawson: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s speeches are an indicator of where the Islamic Republic stands, and the past months’ worth of remarks reflect increasing confidence on that point.
Iran’s Self-Confidence Returns?
Leaders in Tehran are saying they won the June war and can stand up to Israel, leaving U.S. policymakers with the tricky task of how to stand up to Iran.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 12, 2025 at 9:22 PM
New from Patrick Clawson: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s speeches are an indicator of where the Islamic Republic stands, and the past months’ worth of remarks reflect increasing confidence on that point.
"To be sure, even incremental steps toward peace will be an uphill climb in a country long dominated by Iran’s chief regional proxy. But there is a rare opening," write Hanin Ghaddar, Robert Satloff, and Ehud Yaari in @postopinions.bsky.social.
Opinion | An Arab-Israeli peace pact might come from an unexpected quarter
Lebanon’s leaders are hinting at reconciliation. U.S. pressure can help turn words into action.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:13 PM
"To be sure, even incremental steps toward peace will be an uphill climb in a country long dominated by Iran’s chief regional proxy. But there is a rare opening," write Hanin Ghaddar, Robert Satloff, and Ehud Yaari in @postopinions.bsky.social.
Hezbollah has its own global procurement and financial networks. The group will likely rely on these networks to bounce back from recent setbacks, write @mattlevitt.bsky.social and Michael Jacobson in @foreignpolicy.com.
Hezbollah Is Down But Not Out
Undermining the group in Lebanon requires targeting its networks abroad.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 12, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Hezbollah has its own global procurement and financial networks. The group will likely rely on these networks to bounce back from recent setbacks, write @mattlevitt.bsky.social and Michael Jacobson in @foreignpolicy.com.
"They [the Abraham Accords] are not flawless, not final—but they are forward," write Nickolay Mladenov and Eric Alter in The National Interest.
Not Final, but Forward: The Abraham Accords at a Crossroads
The Gaza ceasefire is a chance to cement and further expand Israel’s normalization with the rest of the Arab world.
nationalinterest.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:26 PM
"They [the Abraham Accords] are not flawless, not final—but they are forward," write Nickolay Mladenov and Eric Alter in The National Interest.
New from Neomi Neumann: Gaza stabilization must include precise disarmament rules, independent monitoring, and pressure from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey to counter Hamas’s blend of flexibility and intransigence.
Hamas’s “Rigid Pragmatism”: Between Tactical Flexibility and Ideological Intransigence
Gaza stabilization must include precise disarmament rules, independent monitoring, and pressure from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey to counter Hamas’s blend of flexibility and intransigence.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 10, 2025 at 8:04 PM
New from Neomi Neumann: Gaza stabilization must include precise disarmament rules, independent monitoring, and pressure from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey to counter Hamas’s blend of flexibility and intransigence.
📺In less than two weeks in late 2024, a group of rebels led by HTS toppled the Assad regime. In this series of short videos, Institute scholars explored the causes and effects of this dramatic transformation of Syria.
The Syria Breakdown
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:23 PM
📺In less than two weeks in late 2024, a group of rebels led by HTS toppled the Assad regime. In this series of short videos, Institute scholars explored the causes and effects of this dramatic transformation of Syria.
Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa will meet with President Trump. The summit comes nearly six months after they first met in Riyadh, where Trump outlined five core principles for ending decades of tensions between the two countries, writes Andrew Tabler.
Sharaa on Trump’s Five Points, Six Months On
Damascus has registered clear gains on arresting and deporting Palestinian militants and cooperating against the Islamic State, though its progress on addressing foreign fighters is mixed, and it has ...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa will meet with President Trump. The summit comes nearly six months after they first met in Riyadh, where Trump outlined five core principles for ending decades of tensions between the two countries, writes Andrew Tabler.
ICYMI: Amb. James Jeffrey, Amb. Michael Herzog, Michael Jacobson, and Anna Borshchevskaya set the stage for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's historic White House visit, examining critical issues as well as lessons from past diplomatic efforts.
Sharaa Goes to Washington
A distinguished panel of experts and veteran diplomats sets the stage for the president’s historic White House visit, examining critical U.S., Israeli, and Syrian issues as well as lessons from past d...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:22 PM
ICYMI: Amb. James Jeffrey, Amb. Michael Herzog, Michael Jacobson, and Anna Borshchevskaya set the stage for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's historic White House visit, examining critical issues as well as lessons from past diplomatic efforts.