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

MENASource

Jun 19, 2015

Saudis Cannot See the Forest for the Houthis

By Adam Simpson

As Yemeni factions involved in the ongoing conflict entered talks in Geneva on June 15, prospects for a ceasefire look bleak as the Houthis and Saudis—by no means the only participants, but certainly the two most destructive actors—have intensified their attacks.

Saudi Arabia Yemen

MENASource

Jun 17, 2015

Oman’s Diplomatic Bridge in Yemen

By Giorgio Cafiero and Daniel Wagner

Last month, US officials traveled to Oman and held “secret” talks with a Houthi delegation. Both sides discussed the implementation of a ceasefire and a political transition in Yemen.

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Jun 11, 2015

Saab: Can the House of Saud Survive ISIS?

By Bilal Y. Saab

Senior Fellow at the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security Bilal Y. Saab writes for Foreign Affairs on Saudi Arabia’s counterterrorism campaign against ISIS and its relationship to entrenched religious divisions:

Saudi Arabia

Event Recap

Jun 8, 2015

Saudi Arabia’s Leadership Changes: Implications for Stability and Energy Marketss

By The Global Energy Center

On Friday, May 29, 2015, the Atlantic Council hosted a panel, which discussed the impact recent leadership changes in Saudi Arabia will have on global energy markets as well as on regional stability and security. Panelists addressed the following questions: Is the restructuring of Saudi Aramco indicative of future changes within Saudi Arabia’s energy sector? […]

International Organizations Iran

Article

Jun 5, 2015

Glimmer of Hope for Yemen, Gloom Elsewhere in the Middle East

By Barbara Slavin

This week, there were a plethora of events in Washington devoted to deepening understanding of the factors tearing apart Syria, Libya, Iraq and Yemen and threatening the stability of many other countries in the region.

Iran Syria

In the News

Jun 4, 2015

Shaffer: The Drama Going on Outside OPEC’s Boardroom

By Brenda Shaffer

Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Brenda Shaffer writes for FOX News on the behind the scenes oil drama going on outside of OPEC’s boardroom:

Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Jun 3, 2015

Main Obstacle to New US-GCC Partnership May Be GCC Itself

By Fahad Nazer

The talk leading up to President Obama’s summit with the leaders of the six Arab nations comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council focused on the supposed “snub” by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, who opted not to attend after initially signaling that he would.

International Organizations Iran

MENASource

May 28, 2015

Lebanonizing Yemen May Save It

By Nabeel Khoury

The Lebanese governance system, known as the National Pact of 1943, consists of a power-sharing formula based on a sectarian quota system, an agreement to forgo regional affiliations in favor of a Lebanon-first policy, and a pledge to seek consensus on any decision of national import.

Yemen

In the News

May 15, 2015

Bloomberg Highlights Atlantic Council Event on the Gulf Summit at Camp David

By Atlantic Council

Bloomberg covers an Atlantic Council conference call assessing the outcomes of the Gulf summit at Camp David:

International Organizations Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

May 14, 2015

LeBaron on the Conflict in Yemen

By Richard LeBaron

Global Post quotes Nonresident Senior Fellow Richard LeBaron on the conflict in Yemen and its regional implications:

Yemen

Experts