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

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

In the News

Feb 19, 2021

Wechsler Joins Intelligence Matters to Discuss the Strategic Value of the Middle East

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 13, 2021

Fontenrose quoted in WSJ on US-Saudi ties

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

Blog Post

Feb 12, 2021

State of the Order: Assessing January 2021

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

Climate Change & Climate Action
Democratic Transitions

Experts