Middle East

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.

The best antidote to surging Mideast violence and Iranian extremism? Regional versions of NATO and the EU.

By Frederick Kempe

To bring peace, the moderate, modernizing Arab countries and Israel need to work together to create institutions of collective security and economic development.

David Petraeus on how the US should manage a world of overlapping crises

By Katherine Golden

Petraeus discussed how conflict and deterrence have changed—and what those changes mean for Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war.

Iraq’s parliamentary speaker was removed. What’s next for the country?

By Abbas Kadhim

The current crisis dates back to May 2022, when Mohamed al-Halbousi removed one of his bloc’s members from parliament.

The Gaza war is a reminder that the US needs to reevaluate its Iran policy

By Shukriya Bradost

Despite the Biden administration's efforts to prevent a further escalation and the expansion of the Israel-Hamas war in the region, Iran-backed militia groups continue to challenge US forces.

US homeland missile defense: Room for expanded roles

By Robert Soofer and Matthew Costlow

Matthew Costlow & Robert Soofer explore how expanded roles for US homeland missile defense could enhance deterrence with two nuclear peers

I covered the battle against ISIS in Mosul. Gaza’s challenges will make it look like child’s play.

By Arwa Damon

If there is something to be drawn from those lessons, it is that what Israel is doing right now will secure anything but peace and stability.