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

May 14, 2022

Memorializing Sheikh Khalifa, transition, and restoring US-UAE relations

By R. Clarke Cooper

The death of Sheikh Khalifa and the designation of his successor occurs during the fiftieth anniversary year of formal diplomatic relations with the US, marking decades of increasing security cooperation vital to supporting US interests in the Middle East. 

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

May 13, 2022

Shapiro quoted in Jewish Insider on the impacts of President Biden’s nomination of US-Saudi ambassador

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Israel

MENASource

May 11, 2022

Emerging market investments are shrinking. How will MENA countries hit FDI targets? 

By Amjad Ahmad

A US economic slowdown or a recession couldn’t come at a worse time for emerging markets, particularly those in MENA, where most are fighting chronic unemployment, slowing growth, and higher debt levels.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

May 6, 2022

Can soccer plead ignorance? A World Cup of politics is brewing for Qatar 2022.  

By Joze Pelayo, Hamad Abbas

The integration of politics with the World Cup goes beyond the Russian invasion, as the choice of Qatar as the host nation invited significant backlash.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

May 4, 2022

Iran-linked missile and maritime threats continue. Here’s how the US and its regional partners can bolster deterrence.

By Simon Handler

A shift in US strategy is needed to reestablish credible deterrence that denies potential attacks and punishes violations in order for the US and its partners in the Middle East to counter Iranian naval aggression and missile launches. 

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

May 3, 2022

Fontenrose quoted in the Wall Street Journal on the CIA’s attempts to improve US-Saudi relations

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In the News

May 3, 2022

Fontenrose quoted in the Daily Mail on recent efforts to revive US-Saudi relations

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Middle East

In the News

May 1, 2022

Khoury quoted in Politics Today on Emirati-Israeli relations amidst aggression in Jerusalem and Arab public opinion on normalization

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Human Rights

In the News

Apr 28, 2022

Ferziger in Circuit News: Emirates rabbi sees interfaith shrine opening by year’s end

By Atlantic Council

International Norms Israel

MENASource

Apr 26, 2022

Russia’s war in Ukraine is making Saudi Arabia and the UAE rethink how they deal with US pressure over China

By Ahmed Aboudouh

Ukraine has plenty of lessons about the GCC and China’s growing strategic alignment with the US.

China East Asia

Experts