Featured commentary & analysis


Counterterrorism Study Group

The Counterterrorism Study Group is a forum for former counterterrorism officials to review the latest threats, to understand emerging trends and future predictions, and to explore creative new proposals for improving the effectiveness of current policies and operations.


Podcast series

Listen to the latest episode of the China-MENA podcast, featuring conversations with academics, government leaders, and the policy community on China’s role in the Middle East.


Gulf Security Task Force

The Gulf Security Task Force is revisiting the question of how to best protect US interests in this sensitive, always relevant region. Our goal is to provide US decision-makers with an updated, fact-based strategy for protecting US interests in the air and maritime domain from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, and ensuring Gulf partners’ ability to assume this responsibility, with the assistance and leadership of the United States.

Content

In the News

Jun 24, 2017

Hellyer Quoted in Reuters on Saudi Arabia’s Acquisition of Red Sea Islands

By H.A. Hellyer

Read the full article here.

North Africa Saudi Arabia

New Atlanticist

Jun 23, 2017

Iran and the United States’ Competition in Eastern Syria

By Giorgio Cafiero and Daniel Wagner

An official response to ISIS’ deadly twin attacks in Tehran on June 7, Iran’s medium-range missile strikes were a clear message not only to many in the region, but to Washington as well, that the Islamic Republic will not hesitate to respond decisively to forces hostile toward Iran. Iran’s strikes against Islamic State of Iraq […]

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Jun 23, 2017

Handjani Quoted in Bloomberg on Saudi Demands of Qatar

By Amir Handjani

Read the full article here.

Saudi Arabia

In the News

Jun 23, 2017

Handjani Quoted by Bloomberg on Tensions Between Saudi Arabia and Qatar

By Amir Handjani

Read the full article here.

Saudi Arabia The Gulf

In the News

Jun 23, 2017

Alyahya Quoted in Financial Times on the Rise of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince

By Mohammed Alyahya

Read the full article here.

Saudi Arabia

In the News

Jun 23, 2017

LeBaron in U.S. News: Navigating Saudi-U.S. Ties

By Richard LeBaron

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Saudi Arabia

New Atlanticist

Jun 22, 2017

Saudi Arabia and the United States are on a Collision Course with Iran

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Donald J. Trump and Mohammed bin Salman have a similar outlook when it comes to Iran. Both see the Islamic Republic as a threat that needs to be contained. What then does the elevation of Mohammed bin Salman, commonly known as MBS, to the role of crown prince of Saudi Arabia mean for the Sunni […]

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Jun 22, 2017

Alyahya in Newsweek: The Problem with Qatar’s Foreign Policy: It Backed the Wrong Side

By Mohammed Khalid Alyahya

Read the full article here.

The Gulf

MENASource

Jun 21, 2017

Expert Commentary on the Appointment of Mohammed bin Salman as Saudi’s New Crown Prince

By MENASource

On June 21, 2017 Saudi Arabia’s king appointed his son, Mohammed bin Salman, as crown prince, replacing the king’s nephew, Mohammed bin Nayef, as first in line to the throne. Bin Salman, who is just 31 years old, is known as an ambitious member of the royal family who wields an unprecedented amount of power […]

Saudi Arabia

In the News

Jun 21, 2017

Alyahya Quoted by Bloomberg on Relations Between Trump and the New Crown Prince of Saudi

By Mohammed Khalid Alyahya

Read the full article here.

Saudi Arabia

Experts