Publications
Articles, publications, books, tools and multimedia features from the U.S. Institute of Peace provide the latest news, analysis, research findings, practitioner guides and reports, all related to the conflict zones and issues that are at the center of the Institute’s work to prevent and reduce violent conflict.
On the Issues: Iran
Daniel Brumberg, acting director of USIP's Muslim World Initiative, discusses the recent meeting between senior U.S. officials and Iranian diplomats during an international conference at the Hague on March 31. This meeting represents the Obama administration's biggest step so far to reestablish dialogue with the Islamic Republic after 30 years of hostility.
Iran's Long Reach
As the third book in the series from the Institute’s Muslim World Initiative on pivotal states in the Muslim world, this lucid and timely volume sheds much-needed light on Iran’s strikingly complex political system and foreign policy and its central role in the region.
Mullahs, Money, and Militias: How Iran Exerts Its Influence in the Middle East
This report focuses on Iran's interactions with groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and to a lesser extent, the Palestinian territories. The intent is to help policymakers understand the real extent of Iranian influence so that they can better motivate Iran and its allies to become more constructive actors in the Middle East.
Analyzing Iran's Domestic Political Landscape
The surprising success of Iran's "third way" movement in the March 2008 parliamentary elections may pose a significant challenge in the country's 2009 presidential election.
Human Rights and Religious Freedom in Iran
Barbara Slavin testified before the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom on conditions in Iran on February 21. Her testimony addressed recent U.S. policy towards Iran, the Iranian government's current crackdown on dissenters, and possible courses of action for a new U.S. administration.
Negotiating with the Islamic Republic of Iran
This Special Report, framed as a brief "how to" guide for American negotiators dealing with counterparts from the Islamic Republic of Iran, contains insights into Iranian negotiating patterns and appropriate responses. The report is the result of interviews with academics and practitioners, as well as historical research.
U.S.-Iran Relations
Briefing before the bipartisan Congressional briefing series sponsored by Congressmen Howard Berman (D-CA) and Chris Shays (R-CT) on the rising tensions in U.S.-Iran relations over Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Iran’s nuclear ambitions featuring Suzanne Maloney, co-chair of USIP’s Iran Policy Forum, and the International Crisis Group.
Syria’s Alliance with Iran
Against a backdrop of growing instability in the Middle East, and despite continued pressure from the West, Syria’s alliance with Iran appears to be holding strong and perhaps even deepening. The United States has strongly criticized both Syria and Iran for contributing to the region’s volatility and, in particular, for playing a destabilizing role in each of three regional conflicts: Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine.
Is Iran Facing an Economic Crisis?
Western policy toward Iran relies heavily on economic pressure, and Iran's political trajectory is shaped in large part by its economic prospects and constraints. What is the state of the Iranian economy? The Iran Policy Forum tackled this question in their latest meeting.
Who Rules Ahmadinejad’s Iran?
Iran’s recent detention of 15 British sailors and marines has exacerbated tensions between the United States and Iran. With relations already strained due to Iran's activities in Iraq and its nuclear ambitions, understanding Iran's power structure and decision-making processes has become increasingly important.