July 05, 2017
Absent Rationality in the GCC Crisis
Rational decision-making normally begins with accurate information that supports policy choices. After careful consideration of costs and benefits, policymakers arrive at a decision that best reflects reality and establishes and safeguards interests. Political actors usually...
Learn more »June 27, 2017
The GCC in Turmoil: Repercussions of the Gulf Crisis on Iraq-GCC Relations
Historical Background Iraq and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have a long history of cooperation as well as enmity. Their history dates back to the early twentieth century when relations were tense and strained between...
Learn more »June 26, 2017
The Gaza Crisis and the Politics of the Light Switch
The Gaza Strip is under unprecedented pressure. The situation on the ground has reached a climax over the past few months, making it ripe for either an implosion or an explosion. Players on all sides...
Learn more »June 26, 2017
The Yemen Conflict and Its Elusive Political Solution
Overshadowed by the conflict in Syria, Yemen continues to suffer from an internal civil war, a regional proxy war, and a grave humanitarian crisis. Unfortunately, this situation is unlikely to end anytime soon, as the...
Learn more »June 26, 2017
Legal Analysis of the Demands Presented to Qatar
I. Introduction On June 23, 2017, Kuwait, acting as a mediator, presented Qatar with a thirteen-point list of demands on behalf of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. The demands were the purported...
Learn more »June 23, 2017
Saudi, UAE Demands to End Qatar Crisis: Commands, Diktats, and Ultimatums
On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen, and other countries severed diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar, essentially instating a blockade against it. After over two weeks of mediation...
Learn more »June 22, 2017
Kingmaker: The Rise of Mohammed bin Salman
On June 20, King Salman of Saudi Arabia restructured the line of succession to the Saudi throne. The king elevated his favorite son, Mohammed bin Salman, to Crown Prince, designating him the immediate successor to...
Learn more »June 22, 2017
Foreign Policy Aspects of US Weapons Sales in the Gulf: What Does the United States Get Out of It?
US government policy in the Arabian Peninsula is often maddeningly inconsistent to outside— and inside—observers. A republic such as the United States, which espouses democratic ideals and freedom of thought, is supporting monarchies that disregard...
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