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MENASource

Jan 23, 2024

The escalation no country in the Middle East wants but still pushes toward

By Karim Mezran and Nicola Pedde

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has returned from a fourth visit to the Middle East with the clear objective of preventing regional escalation from the Israel-Hamas war. This concern is shared by all countries in the region, who, for various reasons, understand how the evolution of current tensions into a wider conflict could generate […]

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Jan 18, 2024

The real reason the Saudi government is investing in sports. Hint: It’s not to impress you.

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali and Jaime Stansbury

Saudi Arabia’s big financial bets in the sports world are part of its broader Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy away from oil.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 17, 2024

Hamas hostage-taking must not go unpunished. The ICC must make a case against the terrorist group.

By Brandon Silver and Irwin Cotler

If Hamas hostage-taking is left unaddressed and its victims go without redress, international norms will be severely eroded.

Conflict Human Rights

MENASource

Jan 16, 2024

Experts react: What to expect after Iranian attacks on Erbil

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts share their insights about the attack and what to expect next.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Jan 13, 2024

In Yemen and elsewhere, manageable local issues are driving an unmanageable regional crisis

By Borzou Daragahi

The United States and international response should remain otherwise measured so as not to play into the hands of the Houthis.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jan 13, 2024

Iraq’s prime minister is sending mixed messages on whether US forces should withdraw or not

By Abbas Kadhim

It would not be an exaggeration to state that US-Iraqi relations are rapidly approaching the dynamics observed under the Trump administration in 2020.

Defense Policy Iraq

MENASource

Jan 12, 2024

Six big questions about US-led strikes against the Houthis, answered

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Ahead of authorizing the strikes, Biden had to carefully consider arguments for and against conducting strikes to limit the Houthis’ capacity to continue waging war on international shipping.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jan 10, 2024

Egypt was mediating a deal to end the Gaza war. Then Saleh Al-Arouri was assassinated. 

By Shahira Amin

Keen on regaining its traditional leadership role as chief mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, Cairo had put forward a three-stage plan to end the conflict. 

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Jan 4, 2024

Here’s how Hezbollah will likely respond to Israel’s assassination of Saleh Al-Arouri

By David Daoud

What Hezbollah has not been seeking is opening a full-scale war with Israel. However, Hezbollah has other indirect options that it may activate.

Israel Lebanon

MENASource

Jan 3, 2024

Gulf states are vying for sports fans’ hearts and minds—one sovereign wealth fund at a time

By Joze Pelayo

In 2023, the annual tennis tournament colloquially called the Washington Open was renamed the Mubadala Citi DC Open thanks to a sponsorship from Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company—an unknown name to most Washington sports fans, but one they may see again. The Gulf Arab states have been turning their efforts and attention to Beltway sports amid […]

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth