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

Mar 24, 2016

Seznec’s Report on Saudi Energy Changes Highlighted in The Fuse

By Jean-François Seznec

Read the full article here.

Saudi Arabia

In the News

Mar 24, 2016

Seznec Quoted by Voice of America on How Low Oil Prices are Affecting Iran and Saudi Arabia

By Jean Francois Seznec

Read the full article here.

Energy & Environment
Iran

Report

Mar 24, 2016

Saudi energy changes: The end of the Rentier State

By Jean-François Seznec

Saudi Aramco is the largest oil company in the world, and the Saudi dependence upon it has become strained. Dr. Seznec provides a comprehensive examination of Saudi energy assets and the potential diversification and reform measures the Monarchy could take to stabilize their economy.

Energy & Environment
Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Mar 21, 2016

Vakhshouri Quoted by Voice of America (Iran Service) on Major Differences Between the Iranian Petroleum Contract and Previous Contract Models

By Sara Vakhshouri

Read the full article here.

Iran
Saudi Arabia

In the News

Mar 21, 2016

Vakhshouri on Voice of America (Iran Service) on Iran and Economic Effects from the Iranian Petroleum Contract

By Sara Vakhshouri

Iran
Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Mar 15, 2016

Is Saudi Arabia Backed into a Corner?

By Jillian Schwedler

The Houthis and Saudis have been talking in Riyadh for months, not only recently as suggested by reports last week. But formal peace talks failed as the kingdom insisted on the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 2216, which calls for a full surrender of the Houthis. What led to the breakthrough of the […]

Yemen

In the News

Mar 9, 2016

Manning Quoted by Marketplace on Falling Oil Prices and Saudi Arabia’s Economy

By Robert A. Manning

Watch the full interview here.

Energy & Environment
Saudi Arabia

In the News

Mar 1, 2016

Vakhshouri Quoted by The Washington Diplomat on the Role of Oil Prices in the Iran-Saudi Arabia Relationship

By Sara Vakhshouri

Read the full article here.

Iran
Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Feb 29, 2016

Is the Houthi-Saleh Alliance Cracking?

By Jillian Schwedler

Tens of thousands of Yemenis took to the streets over the past few weeks to commemorate the 2011 uprising against the regime of Ali Abdullah Saleh. Although the largest demonstrations were in Taiz, a Houthi-led march in Sana’a raised the most intriguing political questions.

Yemen

MENASource

Feb 29, 2016

Yemen and the “Man on Horseback”

By Nabeel Khoury

Yemeni President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi, currently residing in Riyadh, has appointed General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar to the post of Deputy Commander of Yemen’s Armed Forces—in essence giving him official command of the portion of Yemen’s military still loyal to President Hadi.

Yemen

Experts