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.

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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

In the News

Jan 13, 2016

Cohen on Defense Budgets and Low Oil Prices

By Ariel Cohen

International Business Times quotes Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center and Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Ariel Cohen on falling defense budgets for Middle Eastern countries as a result of low oil prices:

Iran Saudi Arabia

News

Jan 13, 2016

Slavin on the Saudi-Iran Confrontation

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joined the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington to moderate a panel discussion on the Saudi-Iran confrontation and what lies ahead:

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Jan 12, 2016

Alami on Saudi-Iranian Relations

By Mona Alami

Junior College quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mona Alami on Iraq’s position regarding raised tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran:

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jan 11, 2016

Vakhshouri on Saudi-Iran Relations and Oil Market

By Sara Vakhshouri

Voice of America Farsi Service interviews Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Sara Vakhshouri on Saudi-Iran conflict and the global oil market: Watch the full interview here.

Iran Saudi Arabia

New Atlanticist

Jan 11, 2016

Privatization of Saudi Aramco: A Path to Good Governance?

By Jean-François Seznec

Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown Prince, Muhammad bin Salman, gave a fascinating interview to the Economist on January 4. Among the many subjects he covered, one in particular appealed to energy wonks—the privatization of Saudi Aramco. This topic has been discussed within the kingdom for years, but never got anywhere, probably because a privatized Saudi Aramco […]

Saudi Arabia

Experts