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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

Jul 14, 2015

The Middle East Transformed by Iran Agreement? Take a Deep Breath; Here’s Why Not

By Richard LeBaron

The reactions to the nuclear agreement with Iran announced July 14 were utterly predictable. Those against the agreement yesterday are those against the agreement today. Those for it are still for it. The Obama administration will fight for its approval by Congress and the Netanyahu administration will fight against it. Republican presidential hopefuls are all […]

International Organizations Iran

In the News

Jul 7, 2015

Nordenman: Sweden Struggles to Balance Defense Sales, Rights Concerns

By Magnus Nordenman

Brent Scowcroft Center Deputy Director Magnus Nordenman writes for World Politics Review on the tensions between Sweden’s arms export business and its desire to respect human rights abroad:

Defense Industry Northern Europe

Regional Security Initiative

Jul 6, 2015

The new containment: Changing America’s approach to Middle East security

By Bilal Y. Saab

Securing the Middle East after an Iran nuclear deal is the next big challenge for both the region and the international community. The United States and its allies have engaged in tireless diplomacy with Iran over the past few years to produce an agreement that would limit Tehran’s nuclear program for the next decade and […]

Middle East Security & Defense

MENASource

Jun 29, 2015

The Saudi-Houthi Stalemate in Yemen

By Nabeel Khoury

Saudi Arabia launched its war on the Houthis in March 2015; the Houthis launched their war on the rest of Yemen in September of 2014. Four months after the former and close to a year after the latter, Yemen stands on a precipice and neither has accomplished their declared goals.

Saudi Arabia Yemen
French Mirage 2000N, Oct. 13, 2013

NATOSource

Jun 26, 2015

France Fills the American Arms Void

By Owen Daniels and Robbie Gramer, Politico Europe

Through a series of recent sales worth billions, most recently a $12 billion deal with Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday, the Rafale has become the backbone of Paris’s realpolitik economic diplomacy

France North Africa
President of the EU Council Donald Tusk, June 25, 2015

NATOSource

Jun 26, 2015

EU Urges More Defense Spending in Dangerous Times

By Adrian Croft, Reuters

European Council President Donald Tusk urged European leaders to spend more on defense on Friday as deadly attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait drove home his point about dramatic changes to the security situation in Europe and its neighborhood.

European Union France

In the News

Jun 26, 2015

Saab on ISIS in Saudi Arabia

By Bilal Saab

Foreign-language Rawaq features Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab’s Foreign Affairs article on ISIS in Saudi Arabia: 

Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Jun 26, 2015

Yemen’s Geneva Epitaph

By Adam Simpson and Jordan Lesser-Roy

The failure of Yemen’s UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva that began on June 15 is an unfortunate—but expected—result. Given the scope of the looming humanitarian crisis, understanding the recent derailment is critical to preventing Yemen from becoming a disaster that overtakes even the carnage in Syria.

Saudi Arabia Yemen

In the News

Jun 25, 2015

Gramer and Daniels: France Fills the American Arms Void

By Gramer and Daniels

Transatlantic Security Initiative Assistant Director Robbie Gramer and Middle East Peace and Security Initiative Program Assistant Owen Daniels write for Politico on new French defense contracts with Gulf states in light of strained negotiations between the United States and its partners in the region:

France International Organizations

In the News

Jun 23, 2015

LeBaron on Intricacies of Iranian Negotiations

By Richard LeBaron

The Guardian quotes Nonresident Senior Fellow Richard LeBaron on why Saudi and Israeli fears of Iran are complicating nuclear negotiations:

Iran Israel

Experts