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.
The Reluctant Sectarianism of Foreign States in the Syrian Conflict
This Peace Brief, one of a five-part series on sectarianism in the Middle East, analyzes the regional sectarianism and dynamics related to the Syrian conflict.
New Iran Diplomacy Heightens Pressure from Opponents
A second round of talks with Iran is coming up later this week in Geneva, and the temperature is rising in the region and beyond. The pressure is intense on all sides in the negotiations.
Iran-U.S. Window of Opportunity Fraught With Danger
It is too early to say whether President Hassan Rouhani’s September 24 speech before the United Nations General Assembly will elicit the diplomatic opening that Iran’s leaders seem to be hoping for. But a window of opportunity has opened for a renewed international effort to address the fears and concerns generated by Iran’s nuclear program.
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.
The Rouhani Presidency: Will Iran-U.S. Relations Improve?
The start of Hassan Rouhani’s presidency with his swearing-in on Aug. 4 will enhance prospects for at least a modest improvement in U.S.-Iranian relations, though attaining a breakthrough deal on Iran’s nuclear programs will remain very difficult.
“The Iran-Syria Nexus and Its Implications for the Region”
Daniel Brumberg, senior program officer at USIP, gave the following testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa.
USIP Meeting Examines Iran’s Post-Election Politics
Iran’s June 14 presidential election, with its surprise, first-round win for the most moderate candidate in the officially approved field, demonstrates that Iranian politics and support for reform remain vibrant despite the right wing’s hold on power in recent years, a panel of experts said at a July 15 meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP).
Will Iran’s Next President Be a Force for Change?
Only one short week ago, the prospects that Hassan Rouhani would win the presidency seemed remote. A moderate cleric who had served for 16 years as secretary of the National Security Council and three years as Iran’s lead negotiator on the nuclear file, he was booted out of this position in 2005 by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his erstwhile allies in the security establishment and the Office of the Leader (Rahbar).
USIP-Wilson Center Series on Arab Spring Impacts Concludes
In the last of a five-part series of papers and meetings on “Reshaping the Strategic Culture of the Middle East,” regional specialist Adeed Dawisha told an audience at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) on June 12 that, contrary to some expectations, no clear political or ideological breach has opened up between the revolutionary states of the Arab Spring and the region’s status quo powers.