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

New Atlanticist

May 8, 2017

Macron’s Victory is Welcome News for Saudi Arabia and Qatar

By Giorgio Cafiero and Theodore Karasik

Emmanuel Macron’s election as the next president of France is positive news for Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Among the four leading candidates in the presidential election, Riyadh and Doha most favored Macron, whose foreign policy positions are pro-European Union (EU) and who is expected to continue Paris’ overall approach to international affairs. More specifically, Macron’s […]

European Union
France

In the News

May 5, 2017

Alfoneh Joins DR TV to Discuss Trump’s Visit to Israel and Saudi Arabia

By Ali Alfoneh

Watch the full interview here.

Israel
Saudi Arabia

MENASource

May 3, 2017

The Yemen War, Media, and Propaganda

By Afrah Nasser

Yemeni media is one of the most affected aspects in the raging war in Yemen. In an unprecedented case, a Houthi-controlled court issued a death sentence earlier in April, against journalist Yahya al-Joubayhy, for being a “Saudi spy,” reflecting a glimpse of the risks Yemeni media workers endure.

Yemen

New Atlanticist

May 1, 2017

Why Bahrain Prefers Trump over Obama

By Giorgio Cafiero and Jesse Schatz

Since the start of the unrest in Bahrain in 2011, officials in Washington and London have had mainly two attitudes toward the island sheikdom. On one hand, they believe Bahrain’s Western backers must urge the ruling Al Khalifa family to enact reforms in response to concerns such as the marginalization of Shi’ites and violation of […]

International Organizations
Iran

In the News

May 1, 2017

Schwedler Quoted by Krautreporter on the Civil War in Yemen

By Jillian Schwedler

Read the full article here.

Yemen

MENASource

Apr 26, 2017

The Endless Battle in Taiz

By Maysaa Shuja al Deen

Taiz is the site of the longest-running battle ground in the Yemen war, which began when Houthi forces took over the city on March 25, 2015. Initially, the Houthis were confronted by peaceful demonstrations which they repressed heavily, killing six demonstrators in the process. The situation rapidly developed into armed conflict when the war erupted […]

Yemen

New Atlanticist

Apr 25, 2017

Russia and the UAE: Friends with Benefits

By Theodore Karasik and Giorgio Cafiero

Russia’s deepening engagement in the Middle East is a positive development from the United Arab Emirates’ perspective. The Emiratis, with their unique relationship with the Kremlin, are trying to resolve regional security challenges that threaten their interests. More importantly, the Emiratis’ relationship with the Kremlin could help the UAE become an important interlocutor in efforts […]

International Organizations
Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Apr 24, 2017

Riyadh & Cairo: A Relationship of Alignment

By Dr. H.A. Hellyer

This past Sunday, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi visited Riyadh for an official state visit to the Saudi Kingdom. It comes at a time when many are speculating about the future and current state of Saudi-Egyptian relations, particularly after the furor about the status of the islands off the coast of Sinai. But much of […]

North Africa
Saudi Arabia

In the News

Apr 24, 2017

Khoury Quoted by Just Security on Yemen and al-Qaeda

By Nabeel Khoury

Read the full article here.

Yemen

In the News

Apr 21, 2017

Sirgany Reports for CNN: Qatari Royals Among Twenty-Six Hostages Released in Iraq

By Sarah El Sirgany

Read the full article here.

Iraq
The Gulf

Experts