Can the U.S. pressure Israel to end the war? Jeremy Pressman - February 12, 2024 The U.S. government has a long history of trying to restrain Israel, with mixed success.
Biden will visit Israel during a war. That’s unprecedented. Elizabeth N. Saunders - October 17, 2023 The humanitarian crisis and escalation fears heighten uncertainty.
If OPEC is a cartel, it’s not a very good one Henry Farrell - October 10, 2022 This book tells you what you need to know about Saudi Arabia, OPEC, and global oil politics
Why democracies win more wars than autocracies Dan Reiter and Allan C. Stam - March 30, 2022 Like Putin, dictators tend to start risky wars, our research shows
Condemning Putin will make it harder to end the conflict with Russia Samuel Helfont - March 30, 2022 Consider how hard it was to lift sanctions after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait
Russia’s land grabs in Ukraine could break the international order Sara Mitchell, Paul Hensel, Krista Wiegand, and Andrew Owsiak - March 3, 2022 Would other countries also try to claim territory that contains their ethnic kin?
The Russian invasion has some logistical problems. That doesn’t mean it’s doomed. Ryan Baker - February 28, 2022 Supply problems are the norm, not the exception
Putin is breaking 70 years of norms by invading Ukraine. What comes next? Tanisha Fazal - February 25, 2022 Up until now, Russia tried to look like it was playing by the rules.
Qatar’s first elected parliament may have more power than other Persian Gulf legislatures. Here’s why. Dania Thafer - October 13, 2021 The elected-appointed legislator ratio is one key indicator of parliamentary power
Olympic officials resisted pressure to ban Iran from the Tokyo Games, but they’ve banned teams before Thandiwe Keet, Andrew Bertoli, and Aleksandra Smajevic - July 27, 2021 In these 9 cases, sporting authorities tried to ban a country from international competition — sometimes for years
The best way to help Yemenis survive might not be what aid organizations think R. Joseph Huddleston, Harshana Ghoorhoo, and David Wood - April 5, 2021 Struggling households throughout Yemen access food and services in surprising ways, our research finds.
Saudi Arabia just lifted Qatar’s 43-month blockade. How did this rift end? Coates Ulrichsen - January 8, 2021 A new agreement appears to cover these three points
These were our 10 most popular posts of 2020 E.J. Graff - December 31, 2020 Readers were very interested in elections, successions, and a virus we hadn’t heard of just a year ago.
Kuwait voted this weekend. Who won? Daniel L. Tavana and Abdullah al-Khonaini - December 8, 2020 Incumbents fared poorly, but the balance of power between the government and parliament is unlikely to change
Huawei has an advantage in its push for global dominance. Now the U.S. is trying to counter it. Jordan Link - November 19, 2020 USAID announced a financing plan to help countries buy from other telecom vendors
What do ordinary Arabs think about normalizing relations with Israel? Dana El Kurd - October 25, 2020 Our research suggests many oppose normalization but may be reluctant to say so
Kuwait’s leader has died. The royals are now fighting over who will be crown prince. Sean Yom - September 30, 2020 The next-generation leaders have a history of feuding among themselves
Here’s how an unpopular ruling party swept Mongolia’s June elections Boldsaikhan Sambuu - July 6, 2020 Speedy coronavirus response in February may have boosted support for the government
Saudi Arabia is launching an oil price war. That’s risky. Jim Krane - March 22, 2020 Without oil revenues, the monarchy could be in trouble
How terrorism helps — and hurts — Iran Daniel Byman - January 3, 2020 Why Iran supports terrorist groups — and what the consequences can be.
Looking back at the Middle East’s 2019: Surprises from Trump, Saudi power moves, protests and more Stephanie Dahle - December 29, 2019 Here are 5 takeaways.
Could the gulf crisis with Qatar be winding down? Coates Ulrichsen - December 11, 2019 Here’s why progress — and diplomacy — might be possible.
Now that Trump has abandoned the Kurds, will other countries ever trust the U.S.? Marina E. Henke - October 16, 2019 Alliances are based on trust, not just U.S. assistance
Oil probably won’t cause a war with Iran, but it certainly adds fuel to the blaze Jeff Colgan - July 20, 2019 Tensions are high, and liquid natural gas tankers are vulnerable to attack.
Trump’s Golan Heights tweet will have global consequences on territorial expansion Stacie Goddard - March 23, 2019 As if undercutting efforts to build a lasting peace with the Palestinians and the region weren’t enough.
Bashar al-Assad’s international rehabilitation has begun Christopher Phillips - January 5, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82196" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In this Sept. 1, 2013, photo,
What does the Stockholm agreement mean for Yemen? Peter Salisbury - December 21, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81912" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Mohammed Amdusalem, right, head of the
The latest global climate negotiations just finished. Here’s what happened. Joshua Busby - December 17, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81644" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Al Gore, Climate Reality Project chairman
Saudi Arabia hinted at a U.S. oil embargo. It’s not 1973. Jeff Colgan - October 16, 2018 [caption id="attachment_78961" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Saudi Arabia's King Salman, right, meets
Fifty years ago, American troops abandoned Khe Sanh. Here’s how the U.S. got over ‘Vietnam syndrome.’ Jonathan DiCicco and Benjamin Fordham - July 5, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75322" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] In this Feb. 7, 1968, photo,
How cheap oil hurts sub-Saharan Africa Emily Meierding - June 21, 2018 [caption id="attachment_74773" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Cranes line the skyline of downtown
Should you worry about a U.S. war with North Korea? Not really. Dan Reiter - May 24, 2018 [caption id="attachment_68001" align="aligncenter" width="960"] North Korean leader Kim Jong Un
Trump meets Qatar’s emir today. But efforts to resolve the Persian Gulf dispute have already stalled. Coates Ulrichsen - April 10, 2018 [caption id="attachment_72019" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Defense Secretary Jim Mattis stands with
Americans feel a moral obligation to help humanitarian victims (like those in Syria) with military force Sarah Kreps and Sarah Maxey - April 10, 2018 https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/trump-condemns-heinous-attack-in-syria/2018/04/09/efc39884-3c0e-11e8-955b-7d2e19b79966_video.html On Saturday, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad reportedly launched another
John Bolton talks tough on the U.N. What’s his record really like? David Bosco - March 27, 2018 President Trump’s selection of John Bolton to serve as his
Why North Korea succeeded at getting nuclear weapons — when Iraq and Libya failed Malfrid Braut-Hegghammer - January 2, 2018 North Korea was considered too poor, authoritarian and vulnerable to
Lebanon’s economic dependence on Saudi Arabia is dangerous Hannes Baumann - December 7, 2017 [caption id="attachment_66999" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Lebanese President Michel Aoun, right, speaks
This chart shows the best and worst countries for women in the world today. Jeni Klugman - November 7, 2017 [caption id="attachment_65845" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Women shout slogans as they take
Kuwait just dissolved its cabinet. Here’s why. Scott Weiner - November 2, 2017 [caption id="attachment_65669" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A view of Kuwait’s National Assembly during
Saudi Arabia finally let women drive. Don’t mistake it for democratic reform. Stéphane Lacroix - October 5, 2017 In September 2017, Saudi Arabia granted its female citizens the
What Twitter can tell us about the Jerusalem protests Akin Unver - August 28, 2017 [caption id="attachment_62825" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Palestinian Muslims wave a national flag
How a few young leaders are shaking up foreign policy in the Gulf Cooperation Council Russell Lucas - August 11, 2017 [caption id="attachment_62243" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Why did Qatar just change its residency laws? Sage Mitchell - August 9, 2017 For more than two months, Qatar has been under a
Oman is a mediator in Yemen. Can it play the same role in Qatar? Stacey Philbrick Yadav - July 22, 2017 [caption id="attachment_61275" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Representatives of the Omani government disembark
Three big lessons of the Qatar crisis Marc Lynch - July 14, 2017 [caption id="attachment_60977" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Qatar's foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin
What the Qatar crisis shows about the Middle East Gregory Gause - June 27, 2017 [caption id="attachment_60415" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man walks past the Qatar
Who is Saudi Arabia’s new crown prince? Coates Ulrichsen - June 22, 2017 [caption id="attachment_60252" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The new crown prince of Saudi
China is trying to pull Middle East countries into its version of NATO Jonathan Fulton - June 21, 2017 [caption id="attachment_60134" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The daily flag-lowering ceremony at sunset
50 years after the Six-Day War, Israel’s pre-1967 borders are still a hot topic. Here’s why. Boaz Atzili - June 8, 2017 [caption id="attachment_59473" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The Israeli barrier between the Palestinian
Why key Arab countries have cut ties with Qatar — and what Trump had to do with it Michael Stephens - June 7, 2017 The decision by five Arab states to sever ties with
Where are Europe’s illegal migrants coming from? Surprise: It’s Bangladesh. Nayma Qayum - May 19, 2017 [caption id="attachment_58568" align="alignleft" width="960"] A rescuer with the Malta-based NGO
How the refugee crisis is transforming the Middle East Marc Lynch and Laurie Brand - March 30, 2017 [caption id="attachment_56077" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A displaced Syrian child carries broomsticks
Congress may give Trump legal authority to fight the Islamic State Andrew Rudalevige - March 27, 2017 [caption id="attachment_55840" align="alignnone" width="960"] U.S. forces drive armored vehicles near
Trump won’t allow you to use iPads or laptops on certain airlines. Here’s why. Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman - March 21, 2017 From Tuesday on, passengers traveling to the U.S. from 10
The U.S. carried out extraordinary rendition flights from 2001-2005. Here are 15 more countries that helped. Rebecca Cordell - March 14, 2017 [caption id="attachment_55337" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A barbed wire fence surrounding a
Trump says that spoils belong to the victor. That’s an invitation to more war. Joseph O'Mahoney - February 1, 2017 [caption id="attachment_53448" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Iraq war veteran Evan Cohen holds
Hold off on the obituaries for Islamist parties in the Middle East Marc Lynch - December 19, 2016 [caption id="attachment_51548" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Tunisian Ennadha Party supporters wave flags
Kuwaitis voted Saturday. Opposition gains send a strong signal about the economy. Yuree Noh and Marwa Shalaby - November 29, 2016 [caption id="attachment_50260" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Kuwaiti members of parliament raise their hands
Kuwait’s emir just dissolved the country’s parliament. Here’s why. Scott Weiner - October 17, 2016 [caption id="attachment_47937" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah
Why some dictators are more likely to get nuclear weapons. 5 lessons from Iraq and Libya. Malfrid Braut-Hegghammer - October 10, 2016 [caption id="attachment_47601" align="aligncenter" width="960"] U.N. safety inspectors from the International
How migration to the Gulf is influencing Egyptian voters Ekrem Karakoç - September 17, 2016 [caption id="attachment_46400" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man shows his ink-marked finger
Why it’s good for dictators to have dictator friends Oisín Tansey, Kevin Koehler, and Alexander Schmotz - September 15, 2016 [caption id="attachment_46240" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, welcomes
Trump’s ‘Take Iraq’s oil’ isn’t a new idea. Here’s why it won’t work. Emily Meierding - September 13, 2016 [caption id="attachment_46154" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Donald Trump speaks with "Today" show
Will Turkey’s coup attempt prompt others nearby? Jonathan Powell and Curtis Bell - July 30, 2016 [caption id="attachment_44724" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Riot police secure a police station
How Middle Eastern monarchies survived the Arab Spring Sean Yom - July 29, 2016 [caption id="attachment_44203" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders meet
Arab regimes’ sympathy over the Orlando massacre may seem hypocritical. But it’s a start. Samar Habib - June 17, 2016 [caption id="attachment_42276" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Law enforcement officers converge on the scene
At this week’s OPEC meeting, expect much ado about nothing Jeff Colgan - May 31, 2016 [caption id="attachment_41293" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Ali al-Naimi, Saudi Arabia's petroleum minister,
Oil wars: Why nations aren’t battling over resources Emily Meierding - May 19, 2016 [caption id="attachment_40759" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A U.S. soldier stands guard next to a
The changing face of women’s political participation in the Middle East Vickie Langohr, Marc Lynch, and Lauren Baker - May 10, 2016 [caption id="attachment_40311" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Egyptian women ink their fingers after
Why two islands may be more important to Egyptian regime stability than billions in Gulf aid Laurie Brand and Joshua Stacher - April 25, 2016 [caption id="attachment_39654" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Egyptians shout slogans against President Abdel
Will Yemen’s latest round of negotiations reflect learning from past failures? Al Ali and Helen Lackner - April 18, 2016 [caption id="attachment_39255" align="aligncenter" width="908"] A boy chants slogans through a
Here’s how falling oil prices could make the world more peaceful and cooperative Erik Voeten - January 28, 2016 [caption id="attachment_20002" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Oil pumps work at sunset in
Here’s this year’s (flawed) Corruption Perception Index. Those flaws are useful. Dan Hough - January 27, 2016 On Wednesday, Transparency International (TI), the world’s leading anti-corruption organization, is
Three reasons the U.S. won’t break with Azerbaijan over its violations of human rights and democratic freedoms Samuel Ramani - January 20, 2016 [caption id="attachment_34580" align="aligncenter" width="908"] BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - AUGUST 04: The
Does Twitter bridge the Sunni-Shiite divide or make it worse? Alexandra Siegel - January 7, 2016 [caption id="attachment_34173" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Iranian protesters set fire to the
Egyptian elections on Twitter, far more interesting than Egyptian elections Alexandra Siegel - December 4, 2015 [caption id="attachment_33141" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Volunteers help voters identify their polling
Here’s what we can learn from how Twitter responded to Paris Alexandra Siegel - November 16, 2015 [caption id="attachment_32319" align="aligncenter" width="908"] French soldiers enforce the Vigipirate plan,
The Arab uprisings as international relations Marc Lynch - September 17, 2015 [caption id="attachment_29517" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Secretary of State John Kerry, second
Why haven't Syrian banks collapsed under sanctions and war? - August 3, 2015 [caption id="attachment_28050" align="aligncenter" width="908"] The picture of Syria's President Bashar
Why haven’t Syrian banks collapsed under sanctions and war? Rashad al-Kattan - August 3, 2015 [caption id="attachment_28050" align="aligncenter" width="908"] The picture of Syria's President Bashar
Why the Islamic State won't become a normal state - July 9, 2015 [caption id="attachment_27173" align="aligncenter" width="908"] In this Monday, June 16, 2014
Why the Islamic State won’t become a normal state Lawrence Rubin - July 9, 2015 [caption id="attachment_27173" align="aligncenter" width="908"] In this Monday, June 16, 2014
When does religion win support for armed groups in Lebanon? Michael Hoffman and Elizabeth Nugent - June 30, 2015 [caption id="attachment_26756" align="aligncenter" width="620" class="center"] In this picture taken Feb.
How a new Jordanian flag challenges ISIS Laurie Brand - June 23, 2015 [caption id="attachment_26394" align="alignnone" width="620" class="center"] Protesters hold up pictures of
Are Republicans or Democrats closer to general American public opinion on the Middle East? Dina Smeltz - June 8, 2015 [caption id="attachment_25817" align="aligncenter" width="620" class="center"] Republican presidential hopeful and Sen.
Rethinking nations in the Middle East Marc Lynch - June 2, 2015 [caption id="attachment_25605" align="aligncenter" width="620" class="align center "] Two youths carrying
Sectarianism after the Saudi mosque bombings Toby Matthiesen - May 29, 2015 Just seven days after one of the deadliest bombings Saudi
Can there be good Middle Eastern state-owned enterprises? Abdulwahab Alkebsi - May 7, 2015 [caption id="attachment_24407" align="aligncenter" width="620" class="center"] A June 23, 2008 file
The Iran deal sharpens the Persian Gulf region’s sectarian divide Frederic Wehrey - April 17, 2015 [caption id="attachment_23825" align="aligncenter" width="620" class="center"] Anti-Houthi protesters demonstrate to show
Sectarianism and authoritarianism in Kuwait Madeleine Wells - April 13, 2015 [caption id="attachment_23647" align="aligncenter" width="620" class="center "] Emir of Kuwait Sheikh
The “invisible hand” of the state in MENA economies Alissa Amico - March 4, 2015 [caption id="attachment_22320" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Emirates passenger planes are parked at
The future of the Muslim Brotherhood in the Gulf Kristin Diwan - February 10, 2015 [caption id="attachment_21121" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] A Muslim Brotherhood supporter in
Gulf states pursue unique approaches to falling oil prices Scott Weiner - January 9, 2015 [caption id="attachment_20002" align="alignnone" width="620"] Oil pumps work at sunset in
The best Middle East political science books of 2014 Marc Lynch - December 29, 2014 [caption id="attachment_19560" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Saudi Shiite protesters demonstrate against the death
The resurgence of Arab militaries Robert Springborg - December 5, 2014 [caption id="attachment_18665" align="aligncenter" width="620"] A supporter of Egyptian President Abdel
Falling oil prices, more peace? Cullen Hendrix - December 3, 2014 [caption id="attachment_18604" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Smoke rises from the Beiji oil
Sectarianism comes back to bite Saudi Arabia Toby Matthiesen - November 18, 2014 [caption id="attachment_18229" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Saudi Shiite protesters take part in
The evolution of Islamism since the Arab uprisings Quinn Mecham - October 24, 2014 [caption id="attachment_17089" align="aligncenter" width="620"] An Egyptian protester ransacks the Muslim
Explaining the Arab uprisings Marc Lynch - August 19, 2014 [caption id="attachment_14646" align="aligncenter" width="650"] More than a quarter-million people flooded
Would arming Syria’s rebels have stopped the Islamic State? Marc Lynch - August 11, 2014 [caption id="attachment_14274" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Flier for Syria fundraising event in