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

Jan 25, 2021

O’Toole in Reuters on the Biden administration’s latest move regarding the Houthi movement

By Brian O’Toole

Read the full article here.

Arms Control United States and Canada

MENASource

Jan 25, 2021

Region’s economies will benefit from Gulf-Qatar deal

By Tim Fox

The embargo had a significant negative impact on Qatar’s economy first and foremost, but it also had indirect consequences across the Gulf, and these were ultimately in part responsible for the decision to bring the dispute to a close.

Middle East The Gulf

In the News

Jan 21, 2021

Melcangi quoted in Formiche on the Egypt-Qatar

Italian Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jan 19, 2021

Top UAE officials assess renewables, peak oil, and the post-COVID energy market

By Larry Luxner

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE’s minister of industry and advanced technology, joined Suhail Al Mazrouei, the UAE minister of energy and infrastructure, and Musabbeh Al Kaabi, the CEO of UAE investments at the Mubadala Investment Company.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Global Energy Forum

Jan 19, 2021

Transcript: Global Energy Forum conversations with Sultan Al Jaber, Suhail Al Mazrouei, and Musabbeh Al Kaabi

By Atlantic Council

The 2021 Global Energy Forum kicked off with conversations with top thought leaders on the future of energy.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Jan 15, 2021

Sievers quoted in Arabian Business on Oman’s economy

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Jan 15, 2021

Why immunity for MBS should be off the table

By Michael Eisner and Jack Steele

American laws that allow for rogue royal princes like MBS to be held accountable for gross human rights violations, such as extrajudicial killing and torture, protect Americans and American values.

Middle East The Gulf

MENASource

Jan 12, 2021

Oman designates a crown prince, a first for the country

By Marc J. Sievers

January 11 marked the first anniversary of Sultan Haitham bin Tareq’s selection as the successor to Sultan Qaboos bin Said. While there were no official celebrations, the government marked the event with a series of announcements and many Omanis congratulated the Sultan on the first anniversary of his rule.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 11, 2021

Experts react: The United States designates Houthi rebels as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

By Atlantic Council

On January 11, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States is designating Yemen’s Houthi rebel group Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Atlantic Council experts react to the designation and what it means for the wider region.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 8, 2021

The Biden administration’s Yemen imperative

By Nabeel Khoury

Ending the war in Yemen, which has raged for the past six years, would fulfill two stated goals of the incoming Joe Biden administration: restoring the United States’ leadership role in international affairs and reducing tensions in the Gulf.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Experts

Events