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

New Atlanticist

Nov 18, 2025

How Trump can leverage the Saudi crown prince’s visit to help secure Gaza’s future

By Melanie Robbins 

Trump should work with Saudi Arabia and the UAE on a Gaza stabilization fund and a more cohesive plan for implementation.

Israel
Middle East

MENASource

Nov 18, 2025

The MBS visit to the White House could revive IMEC

By Afaq Hussain

After October 7, the corridor that once symbolized economic integration in the Middle East became a victim of regional instability.

India
Middle East

MENASource

Nov 18, 2025

The Trump-MBS meeting should center on Iran nuclear strategy

By Danny Citrinowicz  

The Saudi crown prince has significant incentive to raise the need to renew Iran nuclear negotiations in his meeting with the US president.

Iran
Middle East

MENASource

Nov 18, 2025

The Trump-MBS meeting comes at a pivotal moment for Vision 2030

By Frank Talbot

Saudi Arabia is looking to attract more international investors, keep supply chains running, and maintain a consistent stream of visitors.

Economy & Business
Middle East

MENASource

Nov 18, 2025

Peace, pacts, and recognition: Saudi Arabia at the forefront of a new Middle East

By R. Clarke Cooper

Trump and other US officials remain eager to add Saudi Arabia to the Abraham Accords rota and to strike a defense pact.

Middle East
Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

New Atlanticist

Nov 17, 2025

As elections loom, can Netanyahu balance Trump, Mohammed bin Salman, and his political future?

By Daniel B. Shapiro

The Israeli prime minister’s preferred path to survive a treacherous election will be to show Israeli voters that he is advancing their country’s regional integration and staying within the US president’s embrace.

Israel
Middle East

MENASource

Nov 13, 2025

Moses parts the Red Sea: Israel’s strategic challenges as new routes emerge

By Amit Yarom

A new $4 billion bridge across the Strait of Tiran could upend plans to physically integrate Israel into the Middle East.

Economy & Business
Israel

In the News

Oct 28, 2025

Romanowski mentioned in Yemen Online on the return of the US ambassador to Yemen

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy
Yemen

MENASource

Oct 16, 2025

After the Gaza cease-fire, what’s next for the Houthis?

By Osamah Al Rawhani

Will the Houthis cease their regional hostilities? The brief response is yes—but likely, only for the time being.

Maritime Security
Middle East

MENASource

Oct 7, 2025

The SpaceBelt KSA-iRocket deal marks Saudi Arabia’s next leap into space

By Manal Fatima

The SpaceBelt KSA case offers insights for other foreign aerospace and tech firms considering partnerships in the Gulf.

Security & Defense
Space

Experts