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

Oct 18, 2016

Saab in Newsweek: Why an Iran-Saudi Arabia Conflict Is More Likely Today Than Ever Before

By Bilal Y. Saab

Read the full article here.

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Oct 17, 2016

Slavin in Voice of America: A Turning Point In Yemen?

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Yemen

In the News

Oct 15, 2016

LeBaron Quoted by Kuwait News Agency on Lausanne Talks on Syria

By Richard LeBaron

Read the full article here.

The Gulf

In the News

Oct 14, 2016

Slavin in Al-Monitor: US Treasury Official Praises Saudi Cooperation Against Terror Funding

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Saudi Arabia

In the News

Oct 10, 2016

Saab in The National: In Yemen, a Complicated Conflict Has Yet to Find the Right Solution

By Bilal Saab

Read the full article here.

Yemen

In the News

Oct 7, 2016

McFate Joins BBC to Discuss the Role of Mercenaries From Yemen to Syria

By Sean McFate

Listen to the full interview here.

Syria Yemen

Issue Brief

Oct 5, 2016

Odd couple: The future of the Australia-UAE partnership

By John T. Watts

Considering its geographic distance and lack of formal allies, the Middle East has played an outsized role in the history of Australia's global engagement. While Australia's interests in the region are real and increasing, as a middle power with finite resources it must take a smart approach to pursuing them.

Australia Security Partnerships

In the News

Sep 29, 2016

Alyahya Quoted by the Financial Times on the US Legislation that Would Allow Lawsuits against Saudi Arabia

By Mohammed Alyahya

Read the full article here.

Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Sep 29, 2016

Kuwaiti-Iranian Relations: The Energy Angle

By Giorgio Cafiero and Cinzia Miotto

Although oil-rich, Kuwait has modest gas reserves. Consequently, the Arab Gulf state has been a net importer of the resource since 2008, and in 2009 Kuwait became the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member to import Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). As a host of obstacles (contract structures, geological challenges, etc.) have hindered rapid expansion of […]

Iran The Gulf

MENASource

Sep 27, 2016

Yemen Heightens Tension in Saudi’s International Relations

By Tarek Radwan

The relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia has witnessed considerable strain over the past few years, but increasing reports documenting poor targeting practices and disproportionate collateral damage in the Saudi-led coalition’s conduct of the war in Yemen has sparked an unprecedented outcry in the US Congress.

Saudi Arabia Yemen

Experts