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

Feb 26, 2014

Saab on Saudi Arabia

By Bilal Saab

Scowcroft Center Senior Fellow Bilal Saab is quoted by the Associated Press on Saudi Arabia’s concerns as militants assisting the Syria opposition return home. 

Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Feb 25, 2014

Reform or Insurgency in Bahrain

By Adam Simpson

The use of more violent means of confrontation in Bahrain is becoming more prevalent—at least on the part of a minority of anti-regime groups—as state security forces continue to use repressive measures against dissidents, employing beatings, tear gas, and birdshot on otherwise peaceful demonstrators.

The Gulf

MENASource

Feb 25, 2014

YemenSource | “Our Revolution Continues”: Hundreds of Thousands Protest Across Yemen

By YemenSource

On Friday, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of most governorates across Yemen, making clear their discontent and frustration.

Yemen

In the News

Feb 25, 2014

Itani on New Syria Point Person in Saudi Arabia

By Faysal Itani

The National quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the replacement of Saudi Arabia’s chief Syria advisor:

Saudi Arabia Syria

MENASource

Feb 20, 2014

To Confront Yemen’s Security Dilemmas, Start With Security Forces

By Adam Simpson

Despite the conclusion of Yemen’s National Dialogue, violence continues to plague the country, most notably with clashes between tribesman and separatists pressing for greater autonomy and government forces that have lost their confidence.

Yemen

Uncategorized

Feb 20, 2014

Al Akhali on Yemen’s Transition

By Rafat Al Akhali

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Rafat Al Akhali joins Al Jazeera English’s The Stream to discuss the transition in Yemen:

Yemen

In the News

Feb 19, 2014

Slavin on Obama Trip to Saudi Arabia

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes on US President Barack Obama’s trip to Saudi Arabia next month for Al Monitor:

Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Feb 19, 2014

YemenSource | Houthis, Socialists, Herak, Voice Opposition to Six-region Plan

By YemenSource

After last Monday’s decision to build a six-region state, several groups across Yemen have voiced their opposition to the federal model.

Yemen

MENASource

Feb 18, 2014

Why Egypt Matters to the UAE

By EgyptSource

With the fall of former president Mohamed Morsi in early July, several Gulf countries have propped up Egypt’s failing economy with a stream of cash pledged to the North African country. Mere days after Morsi’s fall, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Kuwait together had already pledged $8 billion to Egypt. Of the […]

North Africa The Gulf

MENASource

Feb 18, 2014

Egypt, not Syria, the Main Game for the United Arab Emirates

By Richard LeBaron

When Secretary Kerry met with leaders in Abu Dhabi the evening of February 17, he surely briefed them on the latest US thinking on Syria and Iran. It is also likely that his counterparts from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) briefed him on their activities in Egypt, which they consider their most important foreign policy […]

North Africa The Gulf

Experts