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

Aug 4, 2023

Turkey’s defense industry is on the rise. The GCC is one of its top buyers.

By Ali Bakir

The rising defense industry cooperation between Turkey and the GCC states shows immense strategic and economic growth potential.

Defense Industry Europe & Eurasia

Report

Aug 3, 2023

Egypt’s stability is the GCC’s top priority in the region. Here’s why. 

By H.A. Hellyer

After the 2011-2013 revolution in Egypt, the author discussed the GCC's relationship with Egypt with a senior minister, who emphasized the importance of Egypt's stability. This sentiment has been shared by most GCC leaders over the past decade, though the way it has been expressed may have evolved. Political nuances in Cairo were considered less crucial, while the focus remained on the pragmatic and straightforward need for stability in Egypt.

Defense Policy Economy & Business

In the News

Jul 23, 2023

Rich Outzen joins Al-Monitor to discuss Turkey’s Baykar drones

Defense Technologies Middle East

TURKEYSource

Jul 21, 2023

What’s behind growing ties between Turkey and the Gulf states

By Serhat S. Çubukçuoğlu and Mouza Hasan Almarzooqi

Erdoğan's tour of the Gulf opens a new chapter in Turkey's political and economic relations with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Defense Industry Drones

MENASource

Jul 20, 2023

The Islamic Republic exported its revolution to my country, Yemen. The international community must do more to stop this.

By Moammar Al-Eryani

The international community should not stand by and allow the malign behavior of the Islamic Republic to go unchecked.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jul 18, 2023

Is Russia really siding with the UAE against Iran?

By Mark N. Katz

For Russia to endorse the GCC's position on three islands is especially surprising, considering how much Iran has done to support Moscow.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Jul 16, 2023

Rich Outzen joins i24News to discuss the escalation in the Gulf

Maritime Security Middle East

In the News

Jul 14, 2023

Wald quoted in The Intercept on Saudi Arabia’s US investments

Economy & Business Middle East

Issue Brief

Jul 5, 2023

The minilateral moment in the Middle East: An opportunity for US regional policy?

By Jean-Loup Samaan

Jean-Loup Samaan analyzes how regional powers in the Middle East are reconsidering the multilateral balance of their foreign policy arrangements.

Middle East Political Reform

MENASource

Jun 22, 2023

How regime security is set to dominate Saudi-UAE interaction over economic competition and political rivalry

By Robert Mason

The Middle East has been a critical area of Saudi and UAE interaction and cooperation, especially at the onset of the 2011 Arab Spring.

Economy & Business Middle East

Experts

Events