Was the COP28 climate meeting a cop-out – or something bigger? Jeremy Wallace - December 14, 2023 A big energy transition is coming, but not necessarily quickly.
Will the Hamas attack on Israel lead to a broader regional war? Elizabeth N. Saunders and Austin Carson - October 12, 2023 Even bitter adversaries have tools to control escalation.
Gaza and Israel: Five things to watch Marc Lynch - October 9, 2023 Here’s what you need to know following Saturday’s attack by Hamas.
Why does Biden want Saudi-Israeli normalization so badly? Marc Lynch - September 20, 2023 The Abraham Accords may define a new regional order.
Why authoritarian governments take hostages Danielle Gilbert - December 11, 2022 It’s not just a terrorist tactic any more.
What Middle East scholars really think about boycotting Israel Shibley Telhami and Marc Lynch - November 22, 2022 The latest Middle East Scholars Barometer survey explored this contentious issue — and more
Why Qatar’s World Cup was controversial a decade before the first game Paul Michael Brannagan and Danyel Reiche - November 14, 2022 Global sports put Qatar’s human rights record in the spotlight. That’s likely to continue — and may have prompted changes in the country.
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
Russia wants to put Syria back in control of humanitarian aid Jesse Marks / Managing Editor - August 30, 2022 Abandoning the U.N.-established cross-border aid routes could put millions of Syrians at risk
Will Israel further normalize relations with its Arab neighbors? Dana El Kurd - July 10, 2022 My research finds that closer ties with Israel means Arab regimes have new tools to repress their own citizens.
Ukraine war has side effects on Middle East geopolitics Shibley Telhami and Marc Lynch - April 10, 2022 Here’s what our 2022 survey of Middle East scholars found.
The Ukraine conflict has Persian Gulf monarchies hedging their bets Cinzia Bianco - March 14, 2022 Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates haven’t been aligning with the U.S. — or Russia
Yemen’s Houthi movement stepped up its attacks. That complicates U.S. policy in the region. Tyler B. Parker - January 31, 2022 The U.S. wants to end help the war in Yemen — and secure a nuclear deal with Iran
Sudan’s civilian leader resigned. Now the military has sole control of the government. Gerrit Kurtz - January 10, 2022 The October coup is faltering — here’s why
Congress failed to block the sale of missiles to Saudi Arabia. Why? Alexandra Stark - December 23, 2021 Just voting on the measure helps draw Americans’ attention to the Saudi role in Yemen’s war
Biden promises to fight transnational corruption. But will the U.S. target friends as well as foes? Victor Peskin and Mieczysław Boduszyński - December 20, 2021 Washington tends to avoid confronting allies, this research shows
Are coups really contagious? Salah Ben Hammou and Jonathan Powell - November 21, 2021 The international reaction to a coup attempt may matter more than you think
Sudan’s military has seized control. Will pro-democracy protests continue? Jeffrey Sachs - October 26, 2021 The military disbanded the joint council that has been overseeing the transition to democracy.
The World Bank had to scrap its popular business report. That says a lot about the politics of numbers. Lukas Linsi - October 15, 2021 Economic statistics are far more ambiguous — and malleable — than most people realize.
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
There’s a deeper story behind the World Bank’s ratings scandal Judith Kelley - September 19, 2021 The more prominent a global scorecard is, the more governments want to game it
Academic experts believe that Middle East politics are actually getting worse Shibley Telhami and Marc Lynch - September 16, 2021 Nearly two-thirds of our recent survey group think the Israeli-Palestinian situation is akin to apartheid
Last month, three drones attacked an Israeli tanker. Here’s why that’s something new. James Rogers - August 18, 2021 Will Iran’s ‘shadow war’ slip into the open?
Tunisia’s president launched a political crisis. Is it a coup? Nicholas J. Lotito - July 28, 2021 Sunday’s move started a fight for public approval and control of government institutions
A Florida security company is entangled in the assassination of Haiti’s president. How is that possible? Deborah Avant - July 19, 2021 An increasing number of clients and providers in the private security market are dodging the rules
Why do some Muslim-majority countries support China’s crackdown on Muslims? Jonathan Hoffman - May 3, 2021 Western countries have condemned the repression in Xinjiang, but Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt praised China’s efforts to restore ‘safety and security’
Will the attack on Iran’s nuclear research facility derail U.S. nuclear talks? Dalia Dassa Kaye - April 13, 2021 The Biden administration will find it difficult to contain Israel and Iran’s escalating tensions.
Jordan detained a prince. The government’s determined to squash political dissent. Jillian Schwedler - April 5, 2021 Criticizing the king is considered an act of terrorism
China and Iran announced a new economic and security partnership. That’s not as alarming as it sounds. Lucille Greer and Esfandyar Batmanghelidj - March 31, 2021 China has similar deals with a number of Middle Eastern countries
Here’s how experts on the Middle East see the region’s key issues, our new survey finds Shibley Telhami and Marc Lynch - February 16, 2021 We asked about their views on the Israel-Palestine conflict, Iran’s nuclear program and more
Biden is freezing Trump’s withdrawal of troops from Germany. There’s a long history behind America’s military bases abroad. Henry Farrell - February 8, 2021 Military bases used to be synonymous with military occupation.
Biden announced a major policy shift on Yemen. What happens now? Alexandra Stark - February 7, 2021 U.S. diplomacy, not U.S. military support, will shorten the war in Yemen
Iran and Turkey have become drone powers James Rogers - January 27, 2021 Drones have become the weapon of choice around the world.
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
Why the Taliban agreed to let more girls in Afghanistan go to school Jori Breslawski - January 5, 2021 Afghan girls outside a temporary shelter in Kabul last month.
The U.S. recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara. Here’s what that means. Jacob Mundy - December 11, 2020 The Trump administration’s move could complicate efforts to resolve a long-standing territorial conflict.
Why Ethiopia’s conflict could spill beyond its borders David Kampf - November 30, 2020 Civil wars rarely remain purely domestic affairs
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
The Trump campaign claims it wants a foreign policy debate. That’s not what we’re likely to get. Elizabeth N. Saunders - October 21, 2020 But foreign policy will definitely be on the ballot on Nov. 3
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
Trump got it wrong at the U.N. America can’t counteract China without global institutions. Rebecca Lissner - September 25, 2020 Future international orders may look quite different.
Why Gulf nations are normalizing ties with Israel Jonathan Hoffman - September 24, 2020 Bahrain is the latest Arab nation to recognize Israel
Greek and Turkish ships are playing chicken at sea. There’s already been one crash. Rachel Esplin Odell and Annelle Sheline - September 12, 2020 Here’s why international law doesn’t offer clear-cut solutions
‘Fake news’ methods change faster than Western governments can react. Here’s how to keep up. H. Akin Unver - August 13, 2020 Understanding how Russia, Turkey and the Gulf nations use disinformation could guide better safeguards against foreign interference
China’s making inroads in the Middle East. The Trump administration isn’t happy. Jonathan Fulton - June 2, 2020 But U.S. pressure to reject China could bring out a great power rivalry in the region
Libya’s Gen. Hifter declared military rule last month. That hasn’t happened. Tim Eaton and Emadeddin Badi - May 22, 2020 The civil war continues.
Syria’s civil war will make fighting coronavirus particularly difficult Jesse Marks - April 2, 2020 Many Syrians won’t be able to take preventive measures — or access health care
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
This is the biggest oil price crash in decades. That may not be great for the U.S. economy. Jeff Colgan - March 9, 2020 It will hurt American oil companies, help Middle East peace and damage U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia
Armed rebel groups lobby in D.C., just like governments. How does that influence U.S. policy? Reyko Huang - February 6, 2020 They push for funding and recognition, and often get it
Russia and Turkey failed to mediate peace in Libya. What happens now? Tim Eaton - January 15, 2020 Will Western countries play a leading role in future talks?
Meet Oman’s new sultan. How will he navigate the region’s turmoil? Cinzia Bianco - January 14, 2020 The late Sultan Qaboos leaves behind a legacy of peace and diplomacy
Expect a tumultuous 2020 in the Middle East Marc Lynch - December 31, 2019 The embassy assault in Baghdad is just the beginning. Here are 3 trends to watch.
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.
Saudi Arabia held secret talks with Iran to ease regional tensions. Are they holding back the U.S.? Peter Henne - December 13, 2019 Arab Gulf countries are restraining the United States from war with Iran.
International troops are leaving Yemen. Here’s what will help bring peace. Alexandra Stark - December 12, 2019 Here’s how mediation from other countries can end civil wars.
Could the gulf crisis with Qatar be winding down? Coates Ulrichsen - December 11, 2019 Here’s why progress — and diplomacy — might be possible.
It’s not easy to spot disinformation on Twitter. Here’s what we learned from 8 political ‘astroturfing’ campaigns. Sebastian Stier, JungHwan Yang, Franziska Keller, and David Schoch - October 27, 2019 Hint: Don’t look for an account that tweets like a bot.
Saudi, UAE Twitter takedowns won’t curb rampant disinformation on Arab Twitter Marc Owen Jones - September 24, 2019 Recent activity by social media networks to rein in bot and troll networks is only a token gesture.
Trump will send troops to Saudi Arabia. Here’s why it matters that there’s no formal defense alliance. Mira Rapp-Hooper - September 22, 2019 The U.S. has a number of mutual defense treaties — but not with Saudi Arabia or Israel.
After the Saudi oil attack, will the U.S. and Saudis start a war with Iran? Here are 3 things to know. Austin Carson - September 17, 2019 Iran — and Saudi Arabia — might prefer to let responsibility for the attack remain unclear.
Six things we’ve learned about terrorism since 9/11 Todd Sandler and Khusrav Gaibulloev - September 11, 2019 There’s been a lot of research in the past 18 years. Here’s what we know.
The UAE is weakening its partnership with the Saudis in Yemen. Here’s why that matters. Mareike Transfeld - August 28, 2019 What you should know about the clashes in southern Yemen
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.
To end mass protests, Sudan has cut off Internet access nationwide. Here’s why. Steven Feldstein - June 13, 2019 It’s a very costly strategy.
Jordanians worry that the ‘deal of the century’ will come at their expense Curtis Ryan - May 31, 2019 At a protest against the United States’ Middle East peace
Yes, Trump can override Congress and sell weapons to Saudi Arabia — even over Republican objections Jennifer Spindel - May 29, 2019 It’s not easy for Congress to block arms sales.
Why the Houthi drone strikes targeted Saudi oil facilities Samuel Ramani - May 29, 2019 Yemen’s Houthi rebels are not just Iran’s proxies
Why Saudi Arabia is building the tallest building in the world Haakon Gjerløw and Carl Knutsen - May 15, 2019 Autocracies build more skyscrapers.
Trump changed U.S. policy toward Libya. This is why it matters. Mieczysław P. Boduszyński and Christopher K. Lamont - May 2, 2019 The Trump administration’s about-face on Libya leaves few options in the face of a dramatic escalation of violence.
Attempts to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization have failed before. Why is it returning now? Marc Lynch - May 1, 2019 Trump’s Middle East policy pattern shows disregard for the consequences.
Generals overthrew Sudan’s president, Bashir, but they can’t agree on what comes next Naunihal Singh - April 15, 2019 Demonstrators march with national flags during a rally demanding a
Sudan ousted two autocrats in three days. Here’s what’s next. Mai Hassan and Ahmed Kodouda - April 15, 2019 Protesters want a civilian transition government. That hasn’t happened.
Designating Iranian military unit a ‘terrorist organization’ will make U.S. relations with Iran more difficult. Here’s how. Afshon Ostovar - April 8, 2019 It’s a first for the United States to designate a foreign government entity as a terrorist organization.
Why is Russia insisting on bringing home ISIS fighters’ children? Samuel Ramani - April 8, 2019 It’s all about appearing to be a humanitarian leader.
Does the decline of U.S. power matter for the Middle East? Marc Lynch - March 19, 2019 Perceived or not, declining American primacy has real effects.
Why India and Pakistan are fighting again — and the risks that remain Asfandyar Mir - March 6, 2019 Rumors and misinformation add a new challenge.
Can an increase in repression stop a new series of protests in the Arab world? Adria Lawrence - March 6, 2019 Conditions are ripe for the spread of authoritarian tactics.
Why Saudi Arabia is turning to Asia Jonathan Fulton - March 5, 2019 Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman visited Pakistan, India and China in a growing effort to diversify Saudi foreign relations.
Is the next Arab uprising happening in plain sight? Marc Lynch - February 26, 2019 Popular protests are on the rise across the Middle East again. What does it mean?
The Trump administration wants to sell nuclear technology to the Saudis — without a nuclear agreement. That’s alarming. Matthew Fuhrmann - February 21, 2019 Here are the three reasons it’s worrisome.
The blockade of Qatar has made Qataris more supportive of free speech D. Martin - February 12, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83572" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A couple walk by the sea
Trump claims that a national security exception allows him to block imports. Is he right? Marc Busch - January 11, 2019 [caption id="attachment_82483" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Vice President Pence listens during an
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
Qatar will leave OPEC. Here’s what this means. Jeff Colgan - December 6, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81214" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The headquarters of the Organization of
Mohammed bin Salman’s comeback tour Sarah Yerkes - December 6, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81172" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, right,
Yemen’s looming famine has been a long time coming Peter Salisbury - December 5, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81069" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A father gives water to his
Why is the Senate challenging Trump on Yemen? Jordan Tama - November 30, 2018 Here’s what you need to know.
What the UAE’s arrest of Matthew Hedges means for political science research in the Middle East Marc Lynch - November 29, 2018 [caption id="attachment_80799" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Jaber al Lamki, executive director of
After Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia’s economic future is uncertain Karen Young - October 23, 2018 [caption id="attachment_79287" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Why the south of Yemen is key to its stalled peace talks Susanne Dahlgren - October 23, 2018 [caption id="attachment_79215" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A militiaman patrols in Mocha, a
Former U.S. Special Forces were reportedly hired to kill Yemen’s leaders. Did the government know? Deborah Avant - October 19, 2018 [caption id="attachment_79057" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The carcass of a car reportedly
Has Mohammed bin Salman finally gone too far? Coates Ulrichsen - October 16, 2018 [caption id="attachment_78928" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Does the Russia-Turkey deal on Idlib signal a new era of relations in the Middle East? Peter Henne - October 5, 2018 [caption id="attachment_78547" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, left,
Egypt’s new political system of one: Its president Ellis Goldberg - August 15, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76809" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Portraits of President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi
China’s power in the Middle East is rising Jonathan Fulton - August 9, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76548" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, crown
Xi Jinping is visiting Africa this week. Here’s why China is such a popular development partner. Deborah Bräutigam - July 24, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76016" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Well-wishers holding flags wait for the
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
Saudi women can drive starting Sunday. Why are feminists there still labeled traitors? Huda Alsahi - June 20, 2018 [caption id="attachment_74720" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Aziza al-Yousef drives a car on