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

Issue Brief

Oct 13, 2015

Crude oil for natural gas: Prospects for Iran-Saudi reconciliation

By Jean-Francois Seznec

Despite the sectarian barbs traded between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Iran's unique ability to meet the kingdom's fast growing demand for electricity may help spur a reconciliation, and the two dominant energy producers do not necessarily need to see their energy production as competition.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 9, 2015

Slavin: Saudis Should Reveal a Political Endgame for Yemen

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Voice of America on the need for the United States to pressure Saudi Arabia into a political solution to the Yemen conflict:

Yemen

In the News

Oct 6, 2015

Slavin: Saudi Prince Alleges Capture of Iranian Military, Hezbollah in Yemen

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al Monitor on the desire of Saudi Arabia to take more of leadership role in the Middle East:

Saudi Arabia

In the News

Oct 1, 2015

Khoury on Saudi Arabia’s Yemen Failures

By Nabeel Khoury

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Nabeel Khoury joins NPR to discuss the future of Saudi Arabia’s drawn-out campaign in Yemen:

Saudi Arabia Yemen

In the News

Sep 28, 2015

Slavin: Iran-Saudi Rift Over Hajj Decreases Chances for Solution to Syria

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al Jazeera America on Iranian President Rouhani’s criticism of Saudi Arabia:

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Sep 23, 2015

Saab: The UAE’s Bold Choice in Yemen

By Bilal Saab

Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab writes for Newsweek on the pitfalls of the United Arab Emirates’ intervention in Yemen:

The Gulf

MENASource

Sep 8, 2015

Terms of Engagement with the Saudis

By Richard LeBaron

President Barack Obama met Saudi King Salman in the Oval Office last Friday. The visit did not get much media attention, but one would not expect massive coverage of a meeting on the Friday afternoon of the US Labor Day extended weekend.

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Sep 3, 2015

Hausheer Ali on a Greater Role for Women in Saudi Arabia

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

Bloomberg Businessweek quotes Rafik Hariri Center Associate Director Stefanie Hausheer Ali on the evolving role of women in Saudi Arabian society:

Saudi Arabia

In the News

Sep 3, 2015

Ricciardone on King Salman’s US Visit

By Francis J. Ricciardon

Vice President and Rafik Hariri Center Director Francis J. Ricciardone joins Voice of America to discuss potential topics of conversation between President Obama and King Salman of Saudi Arabia during his upcoming visit to the White House: 

Saudi Arabia

In the News

Aug 27, 2015

Blanford: Did Saudis Nab Mastermind of 1996 Terror Attack on US Forces?

By Nicholas Blanford

Middle East Peace and Security Initiative Nonresident Senior Fellow Nicholas Blanford writes for the Christian Science Monitor on the potential arrest of the architect of the 1996 Khobar Towers attack:

Saudi Arabia

Experts