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

Jan 25, 2016

McFate in Aeon: What Does the Return of Mercenary Armies Mean for the World?

By Sean McFate

Read the full article here.

Defense Industry Security & Defense

In the News

Jan 23, 2016

Khoury Joins Voice Of America to Discuss Saudi-Iran Relations

By Nabeel Khoury

Watch the full interview here.

Iran Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Jan 22, 2016

Aramco’s IPO a Test of Saudi Transparency

By Haytham Tabesh

When Saudi Arabia decided to launch its economic reform plan, no one thought the Arab American Oil Company (Aramco) would be on the list of government-controlled companies slated for privatization. Surprisingly, Deputy Crown Prince Mohamad Bin Salman told The Economist the kingdom was considering floating shares and that he was enthusiastic about it.

Saudi Arabia

EconoGraphics

Jan 21, 2016

Feeling the Oil Crunch

By Global Business and Economics

Oil prices have fallen to their lowest since 2003, sitting under $30 a barrel in recent days. Declining expectations of global growth plus the addition of post-sanction Iranian supply don’t spell a substantial price recovery in the immediate future. Under this new market realities, oil-exporting countries come in different form to weather the storm.

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

MENASource

Jan 21, 2016

How Might the FED’s Policy Affect the Middle East?

By M. Hande Akmehmet

The US Federal Reserve (FED) announced its most anticipated policy change in December 2015: the long-awaited modest increase in short-term interest rates, which formally marked the beginning of a “Strong Dollar” period in the global economy. Coupled with the upcoming rate hikes in 2016, this policy will not only impact the US economy, but will […]

Economy & Business International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Jan 20, 2016

Dealing with Iran: A Policy of Engagement and Deterrence

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Former US diplomat, R. Nicholas Burns, says Iran nuclear agreement is positive for the United States, but Iran will continue to be a problem in a violent Middle East As the State Department’s No. 3 official in the George W. Bush administration, R. Nicholas Burns was instrumental in negotiating sanctions to punish Iran for its […]

Iran Israel

In the News

Jan 17, 2016

Cohen Joins Russia’s ChannelOne to Discuss the Iran-Saudi Conflict and the Need for US–Russia Peacemaking Cooperation

By Ariel Cohen

Watch the full interview here.

Iran Russia

In the News

Jan 14, 2016

Cohen on Saudi-Iran Tensions

By Ariel Cohen

Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center and Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Ariel Cohen outlines Russia’s viewpoint on rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran:

Iran Russia

In the News

Jan 14, 2016

Manning on Saudi Arabia’s Economy

By Robert A. Manning

Anadolu Agency quotes Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow Robert A. Manning on Saudi Arabia’s need for economic reforms:

Saudi Arabia

New Atlanticist

Jan 14, 2016

US’ Syria Policy ‘Paralyzed’ by Rhetoric that Assad Must Go, Says Hagel

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Former Defense Secretary also has advice for presidential candidates: don’t divide America Former Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, thinks that the Obama administration has become “paralyzed” by its rhetoric that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must step down, said budget cuts have pushed the United States “perilously close” to being unable to maintain its military dominance, […]

Iran Russia

Experts