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

Jun 26, 2014

Al-Akhali on Yemen Situation

By Rafat Al-Akhali

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Rafat Al-Akhali joins CCTV’s The Heat to discuss the current situation in Yemen:

Yemen

In the News

Jun 25, 2014

Saab: Lebanon’s Presidential Crisis Hangs on Saudi, Iranian Rivalry

By Bilal Y. Saab

Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab writes for World Politics Review on why the power struggle between Iran and Saudi Arabia is the root cause of the failure to elect a new Lebanese president:

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jun 25, 2014

YemenSource | Amran Ceasefire Agreement Breaks Down

By YemenSource

Following months of sporadic fighting between Houthis and government forces in Yemen and several ceasefire agreements that have been broken, a planned ceasefire reached between Yemen’s defense ministry and Houthi rebels on June 22 failed to take affect after clashes shook the capital Sana’a.

Yemen

In the News

Jun 21, 2014

Saab on the Iran-Saudi Arabia Rivalry

By Bilal Y. Saab

Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow Bilal Y. Saab joins BBC Persian to discuss the rivalry and power struggle between Iran and Saudi Arabia: 

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Jun 19, 2014

Saab: Why the Persian Gulf Isn’t Ready for Joint Security

By Bilal Y. Saab

Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab writes for Defense One on why defense cooperation in the Gulf will remain elusive until greater trust and closer political relationships are built among the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council:

International Organizations Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jun 17, 2014

Jamal Benomar and the Fine Art of Making Peace in Yemen

By Tik Root and Peter Salisbury

Jamal Benomar, the UN special adviser on Yemen who in April started his fourth year on the job, isn’t keen on talking about himself. He “hates” being profiled by the press, a colleague says. He seems far happier talking about the minutiae of the political transition he is overseeing. Yet with the departure of his […]

Yemen

MENASource

Jun 16, 2014

YemenSource | Yemeni President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi Makes Changes to His Cabinet and Administration

By YemenSource

President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi issued a decree announcing several new appointments to his cabinet and administration. Among the appointees is Yemen’s Envoy to the UN, Ambassador Jamal al-Sallal, who was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Republic of Yemen.

Yemen

In the News

Jun 16, 2014

Saab: Blame These Countries for Iraq’s Current Crisis

By Bilal Y. Saab

Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab writes for the New Republic on why Iran and Saudi Arabia are responsible for the deteriorating situation in Iraq: 

Iran Iraq

MENASource

Jun 12, 2014

YemenSource | Ceasefire Agreement Reached in Northern Amran

By YemenSource

Following the death of an estimated 120 people, Amran deputy governor, Ahmed al-Bekry confirmed that a ceasefire agreement had been reached with the Houthi rebels. The fighting ended after both sides agreed to a ceasefire. No clashes were reported the following day.

Yemen

In the News

Jun 6, 2014

Greenfield on Obama’s Counterterrorism Efforts in Middle East, Yemen

By Danya Greenfield

Foreign Policy quotes Acting Director of the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East Danya Greenfield on President Obama’s recently announced counterterrorism plan for the Middle East, specifically as it relates to Yemen:

Yemen

Experts