Saudi Arabia

While Saudi Arabia attempts to transform its economy and society and diversify away from dependence on oil, it has also embroiled itself in the conflict in Yemen, blockaded its neighbor Qatar, and led a crack down on dissenters such as murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The conservative Kingdom has also been confronted by an increasingly hostile Iran that threatens to pull the entire region into conflict. The challenges and opportunities mean that the US Saudi relationship remains strategically vital for US interests and for the stability of the region.

Content

MENASource

Jun 19, 2015

Saudis Cannot See the Forest for the Houthis

By Adam Simpson

As Yemeni factions involved in the ongoing conflict entered talks in Geneva on June 15, prospects for a ceasefire look bleak as the Houthis and Saudis—by no means the only participants, but certainly the two most destructive actors—have intensified their attacks.

Saudi Arabia Yemen

MENASource

Jun 17, 2015

Oman’s Diplomatic Bridge in Yemen

By Giorgio Cafiero and Daniel Wagner

Last month, US officials traveled to Oman and held “secret” talks with a Houthi delegation. Both sides discussed the implementation of a ceasefire and a political transition in Yemen.

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Jun 11, 2015

Saab: Can the House of Saud Survive ISIS?

By Bilal Y. Saab

Senior Fellow at the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security Bilal Y. Saab writes for Foreign Affairs on Saudi Arabia’s counterterrorism campaign against ISIS and its relationship to entrenched religious divisions:

Saudi Arabia

Event Recap

Jun 8, 2015

Saudi Arabia’s Leadership Changes: Implications for Stability and Energy Marketss

By The Global Energy Center

On Friday, May 29, 2015, the Atlantic Council hosted a panel, which discussed the impact recent leadership changes in Saudi Arabia will have on global energy markets as well as on regional stability and security. Panelists addressed the following questions: Is the restructuring of Saudi Aramco indicative of future changes within Saudi Arabia’s energy sector? […]

International Organizations Iran

In the News

Jun 4, 2015

Shaffer: The Drama Going on Outside OPEC’s Boardroom

By Brenda Shaffer

Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Brenda Shaffer writes for FOX News on the behind the scenes oil drama going on outside of OPEC’s boardroom:

Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Jun 3, 2015

Main Obstacle to New US-GCC Partnership May Be GCC Itself

By Fahad Nazer

The talk leading up to President Obama’s summit with the leaders of the six Arab nations comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council focused on the supposed “snub” by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, who opted not to attend after initially signaling that he would.

International Organizations Iran

MENASource

May 13, 2015

Assessing Iran’s Strategy Toward the Arab World

By Richard LeBaron

Richard LeBaron delivered the following remarks at a discussion hosted by the Middle East Institute in Washington DC on March 27, 2015.

International Organizations Iran

MENASource

May 13, 2015

A New Saudi Foreign Policy for a New Era

By Bilal Y. Saab

Bilal Y. Saab spoke to a military audience at the National Defense University’s Near East and South Asia Center on May 5, 2015. Please read his remarks below. 

Iran Saudi Arabia

MENASource

May 11, 2015

The Choice at Camp David: A Bold Middle East Strategy or Just Another Summit?

By Nabeel Khoury

The recent victories of Islamist and jihadist forces in Syria portend the possible demise of the Assad regime, but also the advent of a potentially vicious internecine struggle within the jihadist front and between it and the more secular nationalist rebel movement.

International Organizations Iran

Defense Industrialist

May 8, 2015

Strengthening and Defending Ukraine

By Blake Franko

How reforming an arms industry can save a country Ukraine currently finds itself struggling against separatists in the East, but the solution to this problem might not rest in foreign aid and weapons. The Ukrainian military industrial complex has been a significant player in the country’s economy and can help to supply Kiev’s own defensive […]

Defense Industry Saudi Arabia
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