Featured commentary & analysis

China may now feel confident to challenge the US in the Gulf. Here’s why it won’t succeed.

MENASource Jun 24, 2025

Dispatch from the Gulf: Finding middle ground amid Israel-Iran war

By Allison Minor

Congressional delegation visit coincided with Israel and Iran squaring off in a direct military confrontation.
Iran Israel
China may now feel confident to challenge the US in the Gulf. Here’s why it won’t succeed.

MENASource May 28, 2025

Mickey goes to the Gulf: The UAE’s wish upon a soft power star

By Amit Yarom

In a region often defined by hard power rivalries, Abu Dhabi has chosen to compete through visibility, credibility and imagination.
Media Middle East
China may now feel confident to challenge the US in the Gulf. Here’s why it won’t succeed.

MENASource May 23, 2025

The Gulf is emerging as Washington’s new strategic anchor

By Joze Pelayo

The so-called US “Golden Age for the Gulf” is one rooted in strategic utility, equal footing, high-stake deals, and fewer strings.
Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

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.

EXPLORE THE Counterterrorism study group

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.

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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.

EXPLORE THE GULF SECURITY TASK FORCE

Content

MENASource

Feb 3, 2022

China may now feel confident to challenge the US in the Gulf. Here’s why it won’t succeed.

By Ahmed Aboudouh

Despite China’s growing aggressive approach towards the United States in the region, it has no detailed plan to execute it successfully.

China East Asia

In the News

Feb 1, 2022

Fulton quoted in S&P Global on the evolving role of the Persian Gulf and the geopolitics of oil

By Atlantic Council

China Economy & Business

Econographics

Jan 31, 2022

Strengthening ties: China and the GCC

By Inbar Pe'er, Niels Graham and Mrugank Bhusari

As China continues expanding its trade ties across the world while the US focuses on its domestic economy, the US will find itself without a seat at the table when the norms for the multilateral trading system are set.

China Economy & Business

MENASource

Jan 27, 2022

China is trying to create a wedge between the US and Gulf allies. Washington should take note.

By Jonathan Fulton

Recent events indicate that leaders in Beijing are no longer satisfied with the logic of strategic hedging and are pursuing a more muscular approach to the Gulf.

China Middle East

In the News

Jan 24, 2022

Fontenrose quoted in Bloomberg on regional security implications of recent Houthi attacks on the UAE

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Jan 24, 2022

How the Biden administration can assure regional partners in the wake of the Houthi attacks on the UAE

By William F. Wechsler

US President Joe Biden is right to reconsider his previous decision to withdraw the US terrorist designation of the Houthis.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 24, 2022

Experts react: Iran-backed Houthis launched a drone attack in Abu Dhabi. What challenges lie ahead for the region?

By Atlantic Council

After a second assault that Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for during the past week, what challenges lie ahead for the region?

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 18, 2022

Is the GCC ready to embrace sustainable finance?

By Dominik Treeck, Mustafa Domanic, and Hendrik Wittrock

To avoid falling behind on their grand economic growth ambitions, Gulf Cooperation Council countries should act decisively by putting sustainable finance policies at the top of their agendas.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In the News

Jan 13, 2022

Khoury quoted in L’indro on Iran and Saudi Arabia relations in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Jan 7, 2022

I’m the former foreign minister of Yemen. My country is starving and needs the international community’s help.

By Khaled H. Alyemany

The situation in Yemen cannot be permitted to continue on its current trajectory. The international community must act immediately to remedy its issues and change the country’s course from disaster to diplomacy.

Conflict Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Amir Asmar

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Intelligence Israel

Staff

Allison Minor

Director, N7 Research Institute

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Expert bio

Nicholas Hopton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia Iran

Expert

Jon Wilks

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management

Fellow

Amir Hayek

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Perrihan Al-Riffai

Nonresident Senior Fellow

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business
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