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

Sep 22, 2019

Fontenrose joins Fox News to discuss US- Iran tensions following the Aramco attack

By Atlantic Council

Iran
Saudi Arabia

Inflection Points

Sep 21, 2019

Trump’s Iran test: Nerves and vision

By Frederick Kempe

President Trump’s maximum pressure and Iran’s escalating responses have increased the risks of conflict. They have also brought a new chance of resolution that may become the most significant test yet of President Trump’s ability to transform his disruptive foreign policy into positive outcomes.

Defense Policy
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Sep 20, 2019

Sultoon quoted in Reuters on Iran’s central bank sanctions

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
Iran

In the News

Sep 20, 2019

Shaffer joins The John Bachelor Show to discuss Iran and Saudi Arabia

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment
Iran

IranSource

Sep 20, 2019

After Aramco attacks, China’s Middle East interests are at stake

By Jonathan Fulton

The attack on Saudi Arabia could be another factor that leads to a more robust approach to China protecting its Middle East interests.

China
Iran

In the News

Sep 19, 2019

Dagres joins the Monocle to discuss tensions in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Iran
Middle East

In the News

Sep 19, 2019

Fontenrose quoted in CNN on Saudi oil attacks and U.S. action

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment
Middle East

In the News

Sep 19, 2019

Bechev in Foreign Policy: Putin is trolling the United States in the Persian Gulf

By Dimitar Bechev

In the wake of the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Russian president has positioned himself as a peacemaker. But continued conflict is his friend.

Conflict
Russia

New Atlanticist

Sep 19, 2019

The logic of Iran’s attack on Saudi Arabia

By Henry Rome and Robert Johnston

While previously mere threats against the safety of shipping were enough to send tremors through oil markets and spook past US presidents, Iranian leaders have seemed powerless to respond to the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign.

Geopolitics & Energy Security
Iran

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Slavin quoted in NPR on Saudi oil attack and Trump Administration

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment
Middle East

Experts