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

Mar 1, 2021

Fontenrose quoted in Guardian on US actions after the release of Khashoggi report

Economic Sanctions Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 28, 2021

Khoury quoted in Al Jazeera on the fight for Marib in Yemen

Conflict Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Feb 26, 2021

After the Khashoggi report: How the US can respond and avoid blowback

By Kirsten Fontenrose

There is a wide array of options available to the United States as a response to the Khashoggi report. But some carry more potential for blowback than others. When assessing the range of options, the Biden administration should choose those that mitigate the negative impact on long-term US interests.

Middle East Saudi Arabia

In the News

Feb 26, 2021

Fontenrose quoted in Tasnim News Agency on possible US actions following release of Khashoggi report

Economic Sanctions Middle East

In the News

Feb 26, 2021

Khoury quoted in TRT World on the Houthis’ fight for Marib

Conflict Middle East

MENASource

Feb 26, 2021

Senior State Department official says US is committed to supporting entrepreneurship in the Middle East

By Allison Holle

The Biden Administration is committed to supporting entrepreneurship in the Middle East and deepening economic cooperation between the United States and the region

Economy & Business Middle East

In the News

Feb 24, 2021

Fontenrose quoted in the Guardian on involvement of MBS in Khashoggi murder

Intelligence Saudi Arabia

IranSource

Feb 23, 2021

With the boycott over, Qatar tries to reclaim top regional mediator role

By Ali Fathollah-Nejad and Cinzia Bianco

Qatar is trying to use its connections to both Turkey and Iran to re-position itself as the key regional mediator it was before the 2011 Arab Spring.

Middle East The Gulf

MENASource

Feb 23, 2021

Optimism mixed with realism about the Biden administration’s promises on Yemen

By Khaled H. Alyemany

The appointment of Ambassador Tim Lenderking as US Special Envoy to Yemen is the right step towards streamlining United States’ efforts internally and externally with allies to end the war, address its humanitarian impact, and avert the looming famine.

Middle East The Gulf

MENASource

Feb 22, 2021

China is happy about the Abraham Accords and the GCC crisis coming to an end

By Jonathan Fulton

Middle Eastern dispute resolution benefits lots of countries with interests in the region and several can be expected to capitalize. However, given China’s increasingly deep MENA footprint, it will capitalize more.

China East Asia

Experts