Ten years ago, it appeared to be the beginning of the end for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. His government's brutal crackdowns on peaceful protests in 2011 had given birth to an insurgency backed by foreign foes—the U.S. among them. Atrocities mounted, including use of chemical weapons against civilians, mass murders and torture, over the course of the decade-long civil war that followed. Estimates suggest that more than 600,000 people have died and millions more have been displaced, making the Syrian civil war one of the deadliest, most disruptive conflicts of the 21st century...

Global Policy

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s speech at a highly unusual defense exhibition this week has offered a hint of what to expect in the coming months and comes in the wake of a September that saw the nuclear-armed country test a variety of powerful new weapons...

Global Policy

BAGHDAD — Standing at a podium with an Iraqi flag by his side, the cleric Muqtada al-Sadr looked the part of a statesman as he read a postelection address. In the 18 years since he formed the Mahdi Army militia to battle occupying U.S. forces, the onetime firebrand has refined his delivery. His formal Arabic is more proficient, and his voice more assured. Looking up to address the camera, he raised a finger in emphasis in remarks carefully crafted to send messages to both the United States and Iran after his party picked up seats in last week’s parliamentary election...

Civilian-Military Relations

Ellen Laipson, professor, and director of the Center for Security Policy Studies at George Mason University, and Sarhang Hamasaeed, director of Middle East programs at the US Institute of Peace, discuss the outcome and significance of the most recent parliamentary elections in Iraq, which were precipitated by the 2019 protest movement (Tishreen) against corruption, inordinate Iranian influence in Iraq and calls for major reforms of the political system. What do results augur for the future of democracy and stability in Iraq?

Global Policy

In Pakistan’s rugged tribal regions along the border with Afghanistan, a quiet and persistent warning is circulating: The Taliban are returning. Pakistan’s own Taliban movement, which had in years past waged a violent campaign against the Islamabad government, has been emboldened by the return to power of the Taliban in Afghanistan...

Violent Extremism

A complex suicide attack on a Shiite mosque in southern Afghanistan’s main city of Kandahar killed at least 65 worshipers Friday, breaking two months of relative peace in the Taliban’s historic stronghold and highlighting the threat posed by a spreading presence of Islamic State...

Violent Extremism

Violent Extremism

His Holiness the Dalai Lama opened the second day of conversation with USIP Generation Change Fellows by wishing them good morning and expressing the hope that they had slept well. “We’re meeting again,” he told them, “And I want you to know that I very much appreciate the discussions we’re having.” Lise Grande, President and CEO, US Institute of Peace, responded that it was a great pleasure to talk to His Holiness for a second day...

Education & Training