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

Jul 24, 2014

Greenfield: There is Minimal Ability to Influence Decisions in Yemen

By Danya Greenfield

Ozy quotes Rafik Hariri Center Acting Director Danya Greenfield on Yemeni political street art:

Yemen

MENASource

Jul 22, 2014

Salvaging What Remains of the Nation State: The Missing Example of Egyptian Democracy

By Amr Hamzawy

Contrary to regimes in other Arab states in the Levant and the Gulf, the Egyptian government has never undermined Arab identity by spreading ideas of a dichotomy between Sunni and Shiite, of a conflict between Sunni-dominated areas and those living in the Shiite crescent, or of a conflict between Arabs and non-Arabs living in the […]

International Organizations Iraq

MENASource

Jul 22, 2014

YemenSource | Ceasefire reached in Jawf

By YemenSource

On July 20, the committee tasked with ending the violence between Houthi rebels and the Yemeni army in Jawf reached a ceasefire agreement just days after Houthi rebels took over two military bases in the area.

Yemen

In the News

Jul 17, 2014

Slavin on the Gulf Cooperation Council and an Iran Nuclear Agreement

By Barbara Slavin

Inzuna News Network quotes South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin on concerns the Gulf Cooperation Council has regarding a nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 countries:

International Organizations Iran

In the News

Jul 15, 2014

Saab on Gulf Involvement in Iraq and Syria

By Bilal Y. Saab

World Politics Review quotes Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab on the role of Gulf countries in the ongoing crisis in Iraq:

International Organizations Iraq

MENASource

Jul 14, 2014

YemenSource | President Hadi Implements Austerity Measures as Economy Falters

By YemenSource

In a press statement, President Hadi ordered austerity measures to address the country’s financial problems. These measures aim to cut government spending and include restricting international travel for senior officials, stopping the new hiring of staff or office rentals, and cutting down on office expenses.

Yemen

MENASource

Jul 7, 2014

YemenSource | Clashes Between Houthi Rebels and Yemeni Army Continue

By YemenSource

On July 7, Yemeni warplanes conducted two airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Jawf. This happened after at least fifteen soldiers and twenty rebels were killed as a result of fighting that began on July 4 in Amran.

Yemen

In the News

Jul 1, 2014

LeBaron on Gulf Influence in Egypt

By Richard LeBaron

The Wall Street Journal quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Richard LeBaron on how the Gulf countries are expected to exert greater influence in Egypt under President Sisi:

International Organizations North Africa

MENASource

Jul 1, 2014

Gulf States Reactions to the New War in Iraq

By Nouf Al Sadiq

Since the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) took over (and now rebranded) territory in Iraq, Gulf States have been somewhat less alarmed by this new Sunni uprising than they have about other more political factors in the conflict.

International Organizations Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jun 30, 2014

YemenSource | Islamists Attack Yemeni Airport as Bomber Hits Army Base

By YemenSource

Suspected Islamist militants attacked an airport in the eastern Yemeni city of Seiyun on June 26, killing at least one soldier. At around the same time, a suicide bomber drove his explosives-laden car into the entrance of an army base, killing four soldiers in Hadramawt province.

Yemen

Experts