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.
How the Region is Reacting to the Taliban Takeover
While the Taliban’s swift advance into Kabul over the weekend has left much of the West reeling, Afghans themselves will bear the brunt of the militant group’s rule. Beyond Afghanistan’s borders, its neighbors will feel the most immediate impact. Earlier this year, Russia, China and Pakistan affirmed that the future of Afghanistan should be decided through dialogue and political negotiations. How will they engage with the Taliban now?
Ahmadinejad’s Visit to Egypt Unlikely to Herald New Alliance With Iran
The Iranian president arrived in Cairo today, the latest in a series of exchanges that suggest mending ties. An analysis on USIP’s Iran Primer website explains why the relationship still has its limits.
Iran’s Youth Energy that Elected Rouhani Shows in Parkour, Fashion Fever
“Religiously illegal” swimwear might sound predictable coming from Iran. But what about “a refreshingly casual look for the chador” or young Iranians scaling walls for sport? These kinds of trends reflect the energy of youth in Iran, and new President Hassan Rouhani owes his election to them.
Iran-U.S. Friendly Wrestling Matches Mysteriously Abbreviated
The U.S. and Iran over the years have managed far better relations in sports than otherwise. But a joint effort between them and Russia last week that was aimed at salvaging wrestling for the 2020 Olympics went awry when Iran withdrew from the second of a pair of friendly matches in the U.S. and flew home instead. USIP’s Iran Primer looks at sports that have connected Iran and the U.S.
Egypt Timeline: Since the Arab Uprising
Since 2011, Egypt has witnessed protests, political turnovers, sporadic violence, and waves of repression. This analysis spans key events: a new generation of activists energized long-stagnate politics and countrywide demonstrations; political rivalries pitted secularists against Islamists; and internal turmoil led to the election of a former field marshal.
Iran’s June 14 Vote to Replace Ahmadinejad Heats Up with Debates, Dropouts
Candidates are staking out positions on policy toward the U.S., the nuclear program and on the economy and the role of women in advance of an election aimed at selecting a replacement for a figure who has become possibly the most familiar face of the Iranian regime in America.
Libya Timeline: Since Qaddafi's Ouster
The North African country has struggled to remain unified since the uprising in 2011 and the end of Moammar Qaddafi’s four-decade long rule. During the subsequent chaos, armed groups proliferated, and Islamism emerged as a powerful new political force.
Palestinian Politics Timeline: Since the 2006 Election
The Palestinian movement split—politically, geographically, militarily and strategically—after the 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council elections. Fatah, a secular movement, led the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. Hamas, an Islamist movement, ruled in Gaza.
Syria Timeline: Since the Uprising Against Assad
Protests during the 2011 Arab uprisings triggered one of the deadliest wars of the early 21st century. It produced one of the gravest humanitarian crises, as hundreds of thousands were killed, millions fled their homes, and more than half the population relied on aid for daily sustenance.