Shia Foreign Fighters and Regional Security

This series examines the role of Iranian-backed Shia foreign fighters and their potential impact on regional security dynamics.

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Limited Iranian Losses in Iraq Do Not Indicate Lesser Strategic Interest

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps only suffered 43 losses during the fight against ISIL in Iraq. But this is not a sign that Tehran lacks an interest in Iraqi affairs.

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The Heavy Price of Lebanese Hezbollah’s Military Engagement in Syria

Hezbollah has paid a heavy price to secure the survival of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which also secures Hezbollah’s overland lifeline to Tehran.

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Iran’s Support of Iraqi Shia Militias Ensures Dependency and Loyalty

CENTCOM’s release of interrogation reports of Qais al-Khazali and a survey of combat fatalities shed new light on Iran’s relationship with Shia militias in Iraq.

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Fractured Iraqi Shia Militias in Syria

In the midst of the civil war in Iraq, and as ISIL was threatening the central government in Baghdad, why were Iraqi Shias prioritizing Syria instead of defending Baghdad?

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Four Decades in the Making: Shia Afghan Fatemiyoun Division of the Revolutionary Guards

Iran has provided support to Shia and Sunni Afghan militants for four decades, increasing its presence to fill the power vacuum.

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Using Syria as a Training Ground: The Case of the Pakistani Zeinabiyoun Brigade

The Zeinabiyoun Brigade remains one of the least known and most understudied foreign Shia militias operating in Syria.

Oman Capitalizes on Domestic, Regional Economic Momentum

Following progress addressing economic vulnerabilities, Oman is poised to enter a new phase of economic policymaking, armed with new policy tools and development initiatives.

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Through its careful examination of the forces shaping the evolution of Gulf societies and the new generation of emerging leaders, AGSIW facilitates a richer understanding of the role the countries in this key geostrategic region can be expected to play in the 21st century.

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