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

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

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

Experts