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 15, 2022

Shapiro quoted in France24 on Saudi opening their airways to Israel

By Atlantic Council

Israel
Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jul 15, 2022

Panikoff quoted in BBC on Biden’s trip to Saudi Arabia

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy
Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Jul 14, 2022

Time heals all wounds. But will that work with Saudi Arabia and Turkey?

By Pınar Dost, Jonathan Panikoff

Does time make one forget resentments or do national interests triumph over friendships and enmities? The latter seems true for Turkey's president and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince.

Europe & Eurasia
Middle East

MENASource

Jul 14, 2022

Biden’s Middle East trip focuses on the region. But China is the elephant in the room.

By Ahmed Aboudouh

US President Joe Biden’s visit to the Middle East on 13-16 July won’t directly focus on China. However, the rising power will be the elephant in the room at the Saudi summit in Jeddah.

China
East Asia

MENASource

Jul 13, 2022

US interests and capacity for Middle East stability exist, but President Biden must convey will 

By R. Clarke Cooper

The US has the tools to be fully engaged in the region and, during his trip, the US president needs to strongly declare it to the entire region.

Iran
Israel

MENASource

Jul 13, 2022

Biden’s Middle East trip is sending Iran an escalatory message. Here’s why.

By Shahira Amin

The flurry of diplomatic activity in the region ahead of Biden’s Middle East trip, is part of efforts by the GCC and Arab leaders to coordinate stances and forge a unified force against Iran.

Iran
Israel

New Atlanticist

Jul 12, 2022

How to rescue and rebuild the US-Saudi relationship

By Jonathan Panikoff

The United States cannot ensure its economic and national security as successfully without Saudi Arabia as a key ally.

Geopolitics & Energy Security
Politics & Diplomacy

In-Depth Research & Reports

Jul 12, 2022

Washington and the Gulf: A new opportunity to engage differently

By Sanam Vakil

Rather than unequivocally supporting the West’s position on the war in Ukraine, Gulf monarchies have hedged, revealing their deep frustration with Washington and their profound concern over Iran’s aggressive regional posture.

Middle East
North Africa

SouthAsiaSource

Jul 1, 2022

Pakistan can resolve Saudi Arabia’s growing security concerns

By Uzair Younus

Recurring economic crises in Pakistan has led leaders to seek Saudi money, primarily because both the Saudis and Pakistanis know that Islamabad’s value proposition has been declining. But this need not be the case—Pakistan is the only country in the world that can solve the House of Saud’s growing security concerns in an increasingly hostile regional environment.

Middle East
Pakistan

In the News

Jun 28, 2022

Fontenrose quoted in Middle East Eye on the Biden administration’s move to reestablish relations with Saudi Arabia

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy
Saudi Arabia

Experts