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.)
Following the degradation of Iran’s regional power projection capabilities, stabilizing Syria is the most critical issue facing the Middle East, said Amb. James Jeffrey.
📺Watch the full webcast or read a summary: www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
📺Watch the full webcast or read a summary: www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
The New Syria, Year Two: Rebuilding Institutions and Governance
A former U.S. envoy to Syria joins an expert on President Sharaa’s ruling faction to discuss how Damascus should approach governance issues one year after the fall of Assad.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 8, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Following the degradation of Iran’s regional power projection capabilities, stabilizing Syria is the most critical issue facing the Middle East, said Amb. James Jeffrey.
📺Watch the full webcast or read a summary: www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
📺Watch the full webcast or read a summary: www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
New from Noam Raydan and Amb. James Jeffrey: Two months after the reopening of the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline, an oil tanker carrying crude oil from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and sailing from the Turkish port of Ceyhan discharged at the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port terminal.
Oil from Northern Iraq Arrives in the United States After Pipeline Reopens
In addition to providing discounted crude of a quality desired by American refiners, the resumption of oil flows via the ITP is already showing promise of furthering U.S. policy toward partners and ad...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 8, 2025 at 6:47 PM
New from Noam Raydan and Amb. James Jeffrey: Two months after the reopening of the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline, an oil tanker carrying crude oil from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and sailing from the Turkish port of Ceyhan discharged at the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port terminal.
🔗Check out @azelin.bsky.social's report for more on Syria’s new institutions and governance apparatus: www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
December 5, 2025 at 8:44 PM
🔗Check out @azelin.bsky.social's report for more on Syria’s new institutions and governance apparatus: www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
A year after the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria’s transitional leadership can claim tangible successes, but a pervasive shadow government, opaque economic practices, and uneven accountability for former regime crimes threaten to undermine this progress, writes @azelin.bsky.social.
December 5, 2025 at 8:43 PM
A year after the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria’s transitional leadership can claim tangible successes, but a pervasive shadow government, opaque economic practices, and uneven accountability for former regime crimes threaten to undermine this progress, writes @azelin.bsky.social.
Washington can work on two tracks to salvage the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement: the immediate track of disarmament, and a longer-term track to establish the conditions for peace between the two countries, write Hanin Ghaddar and Assaf Orion. This approach should include the following:
1/5
1/5
Salvaging the Lebanon Ceasefire Amid Looming Deadlines and Threats of War
Washington and its allies are waiting for Beirut to acknowledge the difficult but unavoidable truth: that war will resume unless serious action is taken to target all the pillars of Hezbollah’s power,...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 5, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Washington can work on two tracks to salvage the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement: the immediate track of disarmament, and a longer-term track to establish the conditions for peace between the two countries, write Hanin Ghaddar and Assaf Orion. This approach should include the following:
1/5
1/5
"Many countries post–civil war fall back into conflict, and it can be counted as a success that Syria has not yet done so, despite flare-ups of violence and vigilantism," writes @azelin.bsky.social.
Institutions and Governance in the New Syria: Continuity and Change from the Idlib Model
The transitional leadership can claim several successes, but a shadow government, opaque economic practices, and uneven accountability for former regime crimes could undermine progress.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 5, 2025 at 4:04 PM
"Many countries post–civil war fall back into conflict, and it can be counted as a success that Syria has not yet done so, despite flare-ups of violence and vigilantism," writes @azelin.bsky.social.
Robert Satloff told David Ignatius that Israel-Lebanon peace talks are now “a real opportunity.”
Opinion | The Middle East’s moment of opportunity is slipping away
Hard-won openings for change will close without more focus and follow-up from the U.S.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Robert Satloff told David Ignatius that Israel-Lebanon peace talks are now “a real opportunity.”
📺WEBCAST TODAY: Join us at 12pm ET for a discussion with Amb. James Jeffrey and @azelin.bsky.social about Syria's new institutions and governance efforts. @devorahmargolin.bsky.social will moderate the event.
The New Syria, Year Two: Rebuilding Institutions and Governance
Join us for an expert conversation examining the state of play in Syria one year after the fall of the Assad regime in 2024. Watch a live webcast of this event starting at 12:00 noon EST (1700 GMT) on...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 4, 2025 at 4:33 PM
📺WEBCAST TODAY: Join us at 12pm ET for a discussion with Amb. James Jeffrey and @azelin.bsky.social about Syria's new institutions and governance efforts. @devorahmargolin.bsky.social will moderate the event.
Syria’s ultimate trajectory remains an open question. In a timely report, @azelin.bsky.social sheds light on the country's new institutions and governance apparatus, an essential topic given the corruption and unaccountability of the Assad era.
Institutions and Governance in the New Syria: Continuity and Change from the Idlib Model
The transitional leadership can claim several successes, but a shadow government, opaque economic practices, and uneven accountability for former regime crimes could undermine progress.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 4, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Syria’s ultimate trajectory remains an open question. In a timely report, @azelin.bsky.social sheds light on the country's new institutions and governance apparatus, an essential topic given the corruption and unaccountability of the Assad era.
"The Lebanese government’s continued extreme deference to Hezbollah suggests a Beirut-based variant of the Stockholm Syndrome," writes David Schenker in Asharq al-Awsat.
A Year Later, Lebanon Still Won’t Stand Up to Hezbollah
Although Washington should keep pressing the Lebanese government to seize weapons and prosecute political assassins, the chances of Beirut actually confronting the militia appear increasingly slim.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 3, 2025 at 9:20 PM
"The Lebanese government’s continued extreme deference to Hezbollah suggests a Beirut-based variant of the Stockholm Syndrome," writes David Schenker in Asharq al-Awsat.
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Learn more ⬇️
We are seeking a media relations associate to manage our successful outreach program to the news media. Previous experience working with the media and at least some familiarity with the Middle East is preferred.
Learn more ⬇️
Employment Opportunities
Combined Shape
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 3, 2025 at 7:38 PM
📢JOB ALERT!
We are seeking a media relations associate to manage our successful outreach program to the news media. Previous experience working with the media and at least some familiarity with the Middle East is preferred.
Learn more ⬇️
We are seeking a media relations associate to manage our successful outreach program to the news media. Previous experience working with the media and at least some familiarity with the Middle East is preferred.
Learn more ⬇️
📢JOB ALERT!
We are seeking a media relations associate to manage our successful outreach program to the news media.
Learn more ⬇️
We are seeking a media relations associate to manage our successful outreach program to the news media.
Learn more ⬇️
Employment Opportunities
Combined Shape
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 3, 2025 at 7:12 PM
📢JOB ALERT!
We are seeking a media relations associate to manage our successful outreach program to the news media.
Learn more ⬇️
We are seeking a media relations associate to manage our successful outreach program to the news media.
Learn more ⬇️
Although major military operations between Israel and Hezbollah ended in November 2024, the ceasefire agreement they reached remains tenuous. Hanin Ghaddar and Assaf Orion explain that Washington should work on two tracks prevent the ceasefire from collapsing.
Salvaging the Lebanon Ceasefire Amid Looming Deadlines and Threats of War
Washington and its allies are waiting for Beirut to acknowledge the difficult but unavoidable truth: that war will resume unless serious action is taken to target all the pillars of Hezbollah’s power,...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 3, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Although major military operations between Israel and Hezbollah ended in November 2024, the ceasefire agreement they reached remains tenuous. Hanin Ghaddar and Assaf Orion explain that Washington should work on two tracks prevent the ceasefire from collapsing.
Iran entered its sixth consecutive year of drought. As @hdagres.bsky.social notes in @postopinions.bsky.social, this "needless crisis" is another product of the Islamic Republic’s systemic mismanagement and corruption.
Khomeini Promised Free Water. Iran Is Running Out of It.
Reservoirs are drying up due to systemic mismanagement and other problems, and regime officials do not appear willing or able to undertake the necessary fixes.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 3, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Iran entered its sixth consecutive year of drought. As @hdagres.bsky.social notes in @postopinions.bsky.social, this "needless crisis" is another product of the Islamic Republic’s systemic mismanagement and corruption.
📺How has the new Syria approached the monumental task of rebuilding broken institutions and extending its governance efforts? Tune in on Thursday, December 4 at 12pm ET as Amb. James Jeffrey and @azelin.bsky.social discuss the new dynamics. @devorahmargolin.bsky.social will moderate the event.
The New Syria, Year Two: Rebuilding Institutions and Governance
Join us for an expert conversation examining the state of play in Syria one year after the fall of the Assad regime in 2024. Watch a live webcast of this event starting at 12:00 noon EST (1700 GMT) on...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 3, 2025 at 4:40 PM
📺How has the new Syria approached the monumental task of rebuilding broken institutions and extending its governance efforts? Tune in on Thursday, December 4 at 12pm ET as Amb. James Jeffrey and @azelin.bsky.social discuss the new dynamics. @devorahmargolin.bsky.social will moderate the event.
Reposted by The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Hezbollah Is Down But Not Out. Undermining the group in Lebanon requires targeting its networks abroad.
@WashInstitute @ForeignPolicy
foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/06/h...
@WashInstitute @ForeignPolicy
foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/06/h...
Hezbollah Is Down But Not Out
Undermining the group in Lebanon requires targeting its networks abroad.
foreignpolicy.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Hezbollah Is Down But Not Out. Undermining the group in Lebanon requires targeting its networks abroad.
@WashInstitute @ForeignPolicy
foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/06/h...
@WashInstitute @ForeignPolicy
foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/06/h...
Reposted by The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Israel exposes additional cases of political assassinations of fellow Lebanese by #Hezbollah unit 121
For background on unit 121, listen to this episode of my podcast on Hezbollah, Breaking Hezbollah’s Golden Rule:
shows.acast.com/breaking-hez...
For background on unit 121, listen to this episode of my podcast on Hezbollah, Breaking Hezbollah’s Golden Rule:
shows.acast.com/breaking-hez...
December 2, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Israel exposes additional cases of political assassinations of fellow Lebanese by #Hezbollah unit 121
For background on unit 121, listen to this episode of my podcast on Hezbollah, Breaking Hezbollah’s Golden Rule:
shows.acast.com/breaking-hez...
For background on unit 121, listen to this episode of my podcast on Hezbollah, Breaking Hezbollah’s Golden Rule:
shows.acast.com/breaking-hez...
New from Hanin Ghaddar and Assaf Orion: "Although major military operations between Israel and Hezbollah ended in November 2024, the ceasefire agreement they reached at the time remains tenuous in multiple senses."
Salvaging the Lebanon Ceasefire Amid Looming Deadlines and Threats of War
Washington and its allies are waiting for Beirut to acknowledge the difficult but unavoidable truth: that war will resume unless serious action is taken to target all the pillars of Hezbollah’s power,...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 2, 2025 at 9:54 PM
New from Hanin Ghaddar and Assaf Orion: "Although major military operations between Israel and Hezbollah ended in November 2024, the ceasefire agreement they reached at the time remains tenuous in multiple senses."
New from Hanin Ghaddar and Assaf Orion: "Although major military operations between Israel and Hezbollah ended in November 2024, the ceasefire agreement they reached at the time remains tenuous in multiple senses."
Salvaging the Lebanon Ceasefire Amid Looming Deadlines and Threats of War
Washington and its allies are waiting for Beirut to acknowledge the difficult but unavoidable truth: that war will resume unless serious action is taken to target all the pillars of Hezbollah’s power,...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 2, 2025 at 9:33 PM
New from Hanin Ghaddar and Assaf Orion: "Although major military operations between Israel and Hezbollah ended in November 2024, the ceasefire agreement they reached at the time remains tenuous in multiple senses."
In less than two weeks in December 2024, a group of rebels led by HTS toppled the brutal, 54-year regime of the al-Assad family in Syria. Last year, Institute scholars explored the causes and effects of this dramatic transformation of Syria. 1/8
The Syria Breakdown
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 2, 2025 at 7:41 PM
In less than two weeks in December 2024, a group of rebels led by HTS toppled the brutal, 54-year regime of the al-Assad family in Syria. Last year, Institute scholars explored the causes and effects of this dramatic transformation of Syria. 1/8
📺Join us on Thursday, December 4 at 12pm ET for an expert conversation with Amb. James Jeffrey and @azelin.bsky.social examining the state of play in Syria one year after the fall of the Assad regime. @devorahmargolin.bsky.social will moderate the event.
The New Syria, Year Two: Rebuilding Institutions and Governance
Join us for an expert conversation examining the state of play in Syria one year after the fall of the Assad regime in 2024. Watch a live webcast of this event starting at 12:00 noon EST (1700 GMT) on...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 2, 2025 at 4:52 PM
📺Join us on Thursday, December 4 at 12pm ET for an expert conversation with Amb. James Jeffrey and @azelin.bsky.social examining the state of play in Syria one year after the fall of the Assad regime. @devorahmargolin.bsky.social will moderate the event.
"Oil is not the only precious resource handled poorly by the Islamic Republic," writes @hdagres.bsky.social in Washington @postopinions.bsky.social. Here's how decades of poor water management by the clerical establishment have led to a crisis in Iran:
Khomeini Promised Free Water. Iran Is Running Out of It.
Reservoirs are drying up due to systemic mismanagement and other problems, and regime officials do not appear willing or able to undertake the necessary fixes.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 1, 2025 at 9:13 PM
"Oil is not the only precious resource handled poorly by the Islamic Republic," writes @hdagres.bsky.social in Washington @postopinions.bsky.social. Here's how decades of poor water management by the clerical establishment have led to a crisis in Iran:
📺Must-watch webcast on Thursday, December 4 at 12pm ET as Amb. James Jeffrey and @azelin.bsky.social examine the state of play in Syria one year after the fall of the Assad regime. @devorahmargolin.bsky.social will moderate the event.
The New Syria, Year Two: Rebuilding Institutions and Governance
Join us for an expert conversation examining the state of play in Syria one year after the fall of the Assad regime in 2024. Watch a live webcast of this event starting at 12:00 noon EST (1700 GMT) on...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 1, 2025 at 5:15 PM
📺Must-watch webcast on Thursday, December 4 at 12pm ET as Amb. James Jeffrey and @azelin.bsky.social examine the state of play in Syria one year after the fall of the Assad regime. @devorahmargolin.bsky.social will moderate the event.
Reposted by The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
In interview today, Trump says Muslim Brotherhood designation is coming soon. Here’s how to do it right:
More Effective Approach to Countering the Muslim Brotherhood @washinstitute.bsky.social
www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
More Effective Approach to Countering the Muslim Brotherhood @washinstitute.bsky.social
www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
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 23, 2025 at 4:31 PM
In interview today, Trump says Muslim Brotherhood designation is coming soon. Here’s how to do it right:
More Effective Approach to Countering the Muslim Brotherhood @washinstitute.bsky.social
www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
More Effective Approach to Countering the Muslim Brotherhood @washinstitute.bsky.social
www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
To stop Sudan's collapse, the Trump administration should focus on pressuring external spoilers who've fueled the fighting. Read analysis & policy recommendations from Ben Fishman & Areig Elhag in The National Interest. www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
How to Stop Sudan’s Collapse
With President Trump recently pledging to help Saudi Arabia and other regional partners broker a ceasefire, his administration should focus on pressuring the external spoilers who have fueled the figh...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:37 PM
To stop Sudan's collapse, the Trump administration should focus on pressuring external spoilers who've fueled the fighting. Read analysis & policy recommendations from Ben Fishman & Areig Elhag in The National Interest. www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...