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

MENASource

Aug 17, 2016

Yemeni Parliamentarians Vote to Form a New Government

By Jillian Schwedler

As the Yemen peace talks went on hiatus on August 6, the Houthi-Saleh alliance moved to convene a newly formed governing council in the capital Sanaa. As they did so, forces loyal to internationally recognized President Abd Rabbou Mansour al-Hadi tried again to take Sanaa militarily. The Houthi and Saleh camps experienced tense moments during […]

Yemen

MENASource

Aug 10, 2016

Can Riyadh Make the Case for Stronger Partnership?

By Frederic C. Hof

The leaders of the Saudi Kingdom worry that the foundation undergirding a 70-year partnership with the United States is eroding. A pro-Iran narrative assigning the fatherhood of jihadist extremism to Saudi Arabia picks up steam, while White House denizens make no secret of their displeasure with the Kingdom. Even the President of the United States […]

Iran Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Jul 20, 2016

The GCC Response to Turkey’s Failed Coup

By Giorgio Cafiero

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states hailed Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s triumph over last week’s failed coup attempt. The Council’s powerhouse Saudi Arabia expressed support for Turkey’s “elected government” with “constitutional legitimacy.” By detaining Turkey’s military attaché to Kuwait on Sunday at Dammam Airport, at Ankara’s request, the Saudis also demonstrated their willingness to collaborate […]

International Organizations Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jul 18, 2016

A Middle East Agenda for Hillary Clinton

By Nabeel Khoury

As Hillary Clinton emerges as the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2016 presidential elections after an endorsement by rival Bernie Sanders, challenges loom ahead, both as policy issues and as strategies that need to be planned for when a potential presidential term begins.

Iraq Israel

Issue Brief

Jul 14, 2016

Bahrain’s inconvenient truths

By Bilal Y. Saab

Bahrain has been in the political doghouse in Washington ever since its government crushed Arab Spring-inspired popular protests in February 2011, leading to a political crisis between the government and the opposition that has deepened over the past few weeks. So, it was not surprising when the Bahraini government justified its latest crackdown against Al […]

The Gulf

Event Recap

Jul 13, 2016

Foul Play: The Human Cost of World Sports

By Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center

Wednesday July 13, 2016, the Atlantic Council’s Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center hosted a panel of human rights experts to discuss the human rights violation which often accompany international mega sports events. The panelist included: Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch, Sunjeev Bery, advocacy director, Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty […]

Brazil China

In the News

Jul 12, 2016

Saab in Defense News: Future Deterrence Frameworks for the GCC

By Bilal Y. Saab

Read the full article here.

International Organizations Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jul 11, 2016

Slavin in Voice of America: Saudi Backing of Iranian Exile Group Inflames Mideast Conflicts

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Jul 7, 2016

Hellyer in The National: Where Do We Go From Here After Medina Attacks?

By H.A. Hellyer

Read the full article here.

Saudi Arabia
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abullah bin Zayed al-Nayan, March 2, 2016

NATOSource

Jul 1, 2016

NATO Summit Special Series: United Arab Emirates

By Muath Al Wari

NATO’s ties with the United Arab Emirates are complicated by several factors that negate the significance of the upcoming summit in Warsaw for Abu Dhabi’s foreign policy interests.

Iran NATO

Experts