Middle East

Stretching from the Western Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, the Middle East continues to be a region struggling with violent conflict, political repression, and poor development. Numerous pro-democracy protest movements, a burgeoning youth population, and efforts to reform governments and lessen economic dependence on oil, however, are causes for optimism. The United States and the international community must remain engaged with the region to provide support for these positive moves and to address the many remaining challenges.

Content

New Atlanticist

Apr 25, 2024

Why Taiwan stands with Israel

By Tuvia Gering

In many ways, Taiwan sees a reflection of itself in Israel—two vibrant democracies facing threats from hostile neighbors.

China Conflict

MENASource

Apr 25, 2024

The Syrian parliamentary elections are coming up. Should anyone care?

By Vladimir Pran and Maroun Sfeir

The polls will be held again against a backdrop of massive displacement, unresolved conflict, partial occupation, and an intransigent regime.

Conflict Elections

New Atlanticist

Apr 25, 2024

Why Italy’s G7 is focusing on securing undersea communication networks

By Paolo Messa

Amid increasing maritime threats, the West should shape an inclusive coalition specifically designed to safeguard the undersea domain.

Europe & Eurasia Infrastructure Protection

Podcast

Apr 24, 2024

American Hit Squad in Yemen

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi speaks with BBC investigative journalist Nawal Al-Maghafi about her film on American mercenaries in Yemen.

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Apr 24, 2024

Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on US sanctions on Iran

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Enabling net-zero solutions

Apr 24, 2024

Natural gas and the energy transition: Security, equity, and achieving net zero

By Phillip Cornell

A new report on the future of natural gas in the energy mix and financing in the context of the energy transition and energy security prerogatives.

Africa Central Asia

In the News

Apr 23, 2024

Wechsler joins Scripps News to discuss Iranian and Israeli strikes

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Apr 23, 2024

Polymeropoulos book review of “But You Don’t Look Arab and Other Tales of Unbelonging” in The Cipher Brief

On April 23, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Marc Polymeropoulos wrote a book review for The Cipher Brief of Hala Gorani’s “But You Don’t Look Arab and Other Tales of Unbelonging.” The review covers the story of Emmy Award-winning international journalist Hala Gorani, from her time as a globe-trotting correspondent and anchor with her own […]

Conflict Education

IranSource

Apr 23, 2024

This round of Iran-Israel escalation is over, but the next could be just around the corner

By Raz Zimmt

The continuous campaign between Iran and Israel is unlikely to end, and the precedent set by their direct military engagement has become another option on the confrontation table.

Conflict Iran

Inflection Points Today

Apr 23, 2024

The US at its best brings new hope to Europe, Middle East

By Frederick Kempe

The last few days have brought new hope to Europe and the Middle East, not least because of US leadership on both fronts.

Israel Middle East

Experts

Events