Middle East

Our experts explain what US policymakers should know about deterring Russia’s and China’s nuclear threats

The fellows of Forward Defense’s Nuclear Strategy Project met at a roundtable to discuss how to deter nuclear powers Russia and China from expanding their capabilities and from giving nuclear weapons a greater role in Moscow's and Beijing's defense strategies.

Why Morocco will not cut ties with Israel

By Sarah Zaaimi

Will mounting pro-Palestinian sentiment pressure Moroccan leadership to reverse the December 2020 normalization agreement with Israel? The short answer is no.

Why Israel has no imminent plans to wind down its war on Hamas

By Shalom Lipner

Motivation in Israel, where the trauma of October 7 is still palpable, remains high to persist until the eradication of Hamas and its capability to inflict harm on Israeli targets.

Meet the secret IRGC entity purging university professors in Iran 

By Saeid Golkar and Kasra Aarabi

The Islamic Republic's war on university professors and academic staff is led by the Professors Basij Organization.

Islamic Resistance in Iraq appears to be responsible for attacks in the country and there’s no end in sight 

By Lizzie Porter

Iraq is witnessing part of the regional fallout from the Israel-Hamas war, and Iraqi bases housing US troops are feeling that most forcefully.

China and the Israel-Hamas War: A View from Tel Aviv

By Atlantic Council

Gedaliah Afterman joins us for a compelling discussion on the intricate dynamics between China, Israel, and the ongoing conflict with Hamas, as well as the economic interests, potential for mediation, and the conflict's implications on China's emerging role in the Middle East.

The post-October 7 US strategy in the Middle East is coming into focus

By Daniel E. Mouton

While the conflict has increased the urgency for the United States to engage in the region, it is just one of several developments that require renewed US leadership.

Balancing global engagement and domestic growth: Iraq’s future in and evolving landscape

By Diane Mohamed

The Iraq Initiative's second annual conference explored key challenges and opportunities confronting Iraq's future generations

Beyond promises: Pathways to deliver on methane commitments  

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

The Global Methane Pledge has committed over one hundred adherents to collectively reduce their methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030. The challenge however, seems as intractable as ever.

State of the Order: Assessing October 2023

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.