Did Biden have the authority to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen? Andrew Rudalevige - January 30, 2024 Let’s look at the Constitution, the War Powers Resolution, and what might authorize or constrain military action.
Will the deadly drone attack draw the U.S. into a major war? Stacie Goddard - January 29, 2024 The spiral vs. deterrence model, explained, as violence surges in the Middle East.
Why the Gaza hostage crisis is different Danielle Gilbert - October 13, 2023 What we know about Hamas hostage-taking and Israel’s hostage recovery policy.
80 countries just signed a declaration on protecting civilians in war Naomi Egel - November 28, 2022 If it’s not a binding treaty, how can it influence military action? Here’s what research tells us.
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
Iran’s security forces have little incentive to ease up on protesters Roya Izadi - September 30, 2022 Will forces remain loyal to the regime? That might depend on their business networks.
Many Ethiopians see illegal migration as the only escape from violence Lauren Carruth and Lahra Smith - July 18, 2022 Governments and asylum systems offer women few protections, our research finds
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
Could Ukraine become neutral, like Switzerland? Five things to know. Audrey Kurth Cronin - March 9, 2022 Neutral countries today are nonaligned — and well-armed
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
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
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 coup seems to be supported by some civilian politicians. That’s happened before. Salah Ben Hammou - October 24, 2021 The military has now dissolved the joint civilian-military government.
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
Groups like the Taliban have seized power elsewhere. Will the Taliban face similar difficulties governing? Raphael Lefevre - August 24, 2021 The research shows how hard it is to go from armed rebellion to leadership
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?
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
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.
Did the Boulder shooting count as White male violence? Depends on how you define White. Amanda Sahar d’Urso - April 7, 2021 Here’s the history behind why U.S. law classifies people from the Middle East as White.
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.
Negotiating peace the same old way doesn’t work. Here’s what does. Séverine Autesserre - March 21, 2021 Over 20 years of research, these three things emerged as key to building a lasting peace
Biden may be getting rid of the Authorizations for the Use of Military Force. That deserves a ‘Whoa.’ Andrew Rudalevige - March 6, 2021 The possibility of addressing the legal framework for the war on terror is big news.
Saudi-led attacks devastated Yemen’s civilian infrastructure, dramatically worsening the humanitarian crisis Jeannie Sowers and Erika Weinthal - February 21, 2021 New data takes stock of the targeting of agriculture, fisheries, health care, energy and other facilities
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
It’s been 10 years since the Arab Spring. Why did people protest then — and not now? Stephanie Dornschneider - February 15, 2021 Egyptians are facing much the same conditions: military rule, harsh repression and economic difficulties. Here’s what makes the difference.
Trump changed how the U.S. assigns the label ‘terrorist.’ Can the Biden administration change it back? Samuel M. Hickey and Manuel Reinert - February 11, 2021 Trump changed ‘designation’ from a foreign policy tool to one aimed at influencing American public opinion
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.
Why Ethiopia’s conflict could spill beyond its borders David Kampf - November 30, 2020 Civil wars rarely remain purely domestic affairs
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
The World Food Program won the Nobel Peace Prize. Does food aid boost peace? Ida Rudolfsen and Halvard Buhaug - October 12, 2020 Food doesn’t replace peacebuilding.
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
Only Congress has the authority to declare war. Can it take that power back from the presidency? Saikrishna Prakash - September 30, 2020 Here are some possible courses of action — if the legislature wants to do more than signal its displeasure.
Can Congress reclaim authority it has handed over to the president? It’s trying. Soren Dayton and Mort Halperin - August 19, 2020 With their bipartisan backing, these bills could claw back some powers that have shifted to the presidency.
How a global shipping loophole left a potentially dangerous cargo in Beirut Lena Obermaier and Lauranne Duffaut - August 19, 2020 ‘Flags of convenience’ can leave ships and their owners with little regulatory oversight
A Saudi fund opted not to buy Newcastle United. How do sovereign wealth funds affect politics back home? Cullen Hendrix - August 10, 2020 Diversifying beyond oil can help authoritarian regimes stay in power
5 ways the coronavirus is making the world’s most vulnerable a lot more vulnerable Chen Reis - May 18, 2020 More people will need help — but wealthier nations may have less to give
Iraq is trying yet again to form a government. Why is it so hard? Renad Mansour - April 15, 2020 Mustafa al-Kadhimi has emerged as the compromise prime minister designate
The U.N. has appealed for a global coronavirus cease-fire Govinda Clayton - April 12, 2020 But is it possible to quarantine conflict?
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
The Republican Senate just rebuked Trump using the War Powers Act — for the third time. That’s remarkable. Sarah Binder - February 14, 2020 Congress hasn’t used it against any other president.
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
In 2019, the U.S. ranked as more corrupt on this international index. That happened last year, too. Dan Hough - January 24, 2020 It’s tough to measure corruption, but Transparency International’s annual scorecard gives trends to watch.
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
Does Trump need Congress’s approval to go to war with Iran? Andrew Rudalevige - January 4, 2020 That depends on whether Congress wants to try to stop him.
How terrorism helps — and hurts — Iran Daniel Byman - January 3, 2020 Why Iran supports terrorist groups — and what the consequences can be.
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.
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.
Why did Iran’s government shut down protests so quickly and violently? Dina Esfandiary - December 4, 2019 Doing so stopped the protests — but probably won’t next time.
Trump’s travel ban really was a Muslim ban, data suggests Vahid Niayesh - September 25, 2019 What the Trump administration’s data can and can’t tell us about the true effect of the travel ban
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.
Here’s how airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed paramilitary groups in Iraq threaten post-ISIS stability Renad Mansour - September 8, 2019 What a rift in the understanding between formal and de facto armed groups could mean for Iraq
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
Iran’s cooperation with the Taliban could affect talks on U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan Ariane M. Tabatabai - August 8, 2019 Here’s what’s motivating the recently publicized ties.
Humanitarian aid in Syria is being politicized — and too many civilians in need aren’t getting it Jesse Marks - August 5, 2019 When the government controls the aid, it gets used for political gain.
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.
John Bolton is warning of a “Clash of Civilizations” with China. Here are the five things you need to know. Paul Musgrave - July 18, 2019 Academics and experts say that the “clash of civilizations” argument is misleading and destabilizing.
Constitutional reform is important in Algeria and Sudan. Here’s why. Al Ali - June 26, 2019 Protesters are demanding change in Sudan and Algeria. But what are the prospects for meaningful reform?
No, a downed drone does not give Trump the authority to start a war. He still needs congressional authorization. Andrew Rudalevige - June 22, 2019 Two articles of the Constitution and two statutes offer guidance.
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
Iran’s network of fighters in the Middle East aren’t always loyal to Iran Ariane Tabatabai and Becca Wasser - May 20, 2019 They are more than willing to ignore what Iran tells them to do.
No, Americans don’t support airstrikes that kill civilians, even when they target terrorists. Shannon Golden, James Ron, and Howard Lavine - May 6, 2019 Polls that show Americans support airstrikes against suspected terrorists ignore some very large caveats.
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.
Congress has NATO’s back, despite Trump’s unilateralism Joshua Kertzer, Joshua Busby, Jordan Tama, Jonathan Monten, and Craig Kafura - April 3, 2019 Surveys show deep bipartisan support for the alliance.
Sorry, President Trump. Here’s why American Jews aren’t abandoning the Democratic Party. Michael Tesler - March 21, 2019 These three factors mean a “Jexodus” is unlikely any time soon.
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 Congress’s rebuke of Trump’s emergency declaration matters — despite the president’s veto Andrew Rudalevige - March 15, 2019 A short history of presidential vetoes and Congress’s attempts to override them.
The Senate voted to block Trump’s national emergency declaration. Now what? Sarah Binder - March 15, 2019 Here are 3 takeaways from Congress’s highly unusual rebuke.
The E.U. tried to blacklist countries at high risk for money laundering, but it backfired. Here’s why. Julia C. Morse - March 13, 2019 Politically, the list was doomed.
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.
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 Senate and intelligence community rebuked Trump on national security this week. James Goldgeier, Elizabeth N. Saunders, and Sarah Binder - February 2, 2019 Here's why that matters — a lot.
Recent protests in Sudan are much more than bread riots Zachariah Mampilly and Nisrin Elamin - December 28, 2018 [caption id="attachment_82007" align="aligncenter" width="960"] People chanted slogans during a protest
The shutdown is just the finale. Here are five takeaways from the Republican Congress’s chaotic 2018. Sarah Binder - December 27, 2018 Five takeaways from a year of one-party rule.
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
What the Mattis resignation tells us about how Trump is damaging the military’s credibility Michael Robinson - December 21, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81861" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Defense Secretary Jim Mattis welcomes Vice
Three reasons that Jim Mattis’s resignation is not just unusual — but startling Elizabeth N. Saunders - December 21, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81843" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump, flanked by Defense Secretary
How transitional justice can affect Yemen’s future Maryam Jamshidi - December 20, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81808" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Houthi Shiite fighters guard a street
Why the World Bank’s new famine warning system won’t help prevent famine Allison Grossman - December 12, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81442" align="aligncenter" width="960"] In this Sept. 21, 2018, photo,
Last week showed how Trump’s management of his team is hurting his own foreign policy. It’s only going to get worse. Elizabeth N. Saunders - December 10, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81377" align="alignleft" width="960"] Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., chairman of
Democracy is under threat in Hungary, Venezuela and Turkey. Could the U.S. be next? Stephan Haggard and Robert Kaufman - December 6, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81053" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump talks with reporters on
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
With a lack of progress in Libya’s transition, what would a national conference in 2019 mean? Al Ali and Sumit Bisarya - November 21, 2018 [caption id="attachment_80535" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Ghassan Salame, U.N. special representative for
Does U.S. drone warfare in countries like Pakistan really cause ‘blowback’? Daniel Silverman - October 26, 2018 [caption id="attachment_79403" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Women rally against U.S. drone strikes
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
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
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.
What is the Global Magnitsky Act, and why are U.S. senators invoking this on Saudi Arabia? Jordan Tama - October 12, 2018 Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi has not been seen since he
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,