• Viewpoint
    The Arabian Peninsula and The GulfUS Foreign Policy

    The Gulf States: Wasted Wealth and Unreliable US Policy

    Feb 12, 2019Adel Marzooq

    Developments over recent years have proven without a doubt that what Washington is unable to do in the Middle East far exceeds what it can and wants to accompl…

  • Viewpoint
    EgyptDemocracy and Governance

    A Pharaoh in the Making: Sisi Seeks Long-term Job Security

    Feb 5, 2019Imad K. Harb

    Many Arab presidents have loved the chair and have worked hard to make it more like a throne. One wonders if Sisi would be audacious enough to just declare him…

  • Viewpoint
    LevantDemocracy and Governance

    The Tragic Governance Crisis in Palestine

    Fatah and Hamas are underestimating the damage of their split on Palestinians and their strategic objectives to end Israel’s occupation and establish an indepe…

  • Viewpoint
    LevantConflicts and Conflict Resolution

    The Manbij Attack Exposes the Vulnerabilities of US Policy in Syria

    Jan 17, 2019Joe Macaron

    The US withdrawal from Syria may encourage Turkey and Russia to fill the vacuum, but IS’s Manbij attack may persuade Trump to stay a bit longer there.

  • Viewpoint
    EgyptUS Foreign Policy

    Pompeo in Cairo: Not a Force for Good

    Jan 10, 2019Imad K. Harb

    With Trump as president and Pompeo as secretary of state, the United States has a very long way to become “a force for good” in the Middle East.

  • Viewpoint
    IraqInternational Law

    Trump’s Visit Violated Iraq’s Sovereignty

    While many in Iraq considered Trump’s visit a violation of sovereignty, there is no plan for changing the ongoing security relationship with the United States …

  • Viewpoint
    Saudi ArabiaDemocracy and Governance

    The Saudi Shake-Up to Consolidate One-Man Rule

    Jan 2, 2019Imad K. Harb

    King Salman’s cabinet reshuffle was to divert attention away from MbS’s responsibility for the killing of Jamal Khashoggi; but it will likely not succeed.

  • Viewpoint
    SyriaUS Foreign Policy

    Trump’s Syria Announcement Underscores US Policy Meltdown

    Dec 20, 2018Daniel Brumberg

    The withdrawal of US troops will make it easier for Moscow and Tehran to advance a political solution ensuring that Assad and his allies remain in power.