• Policy Analysis
    The Arabian Peninsula and The GulfSecurity and Defense

    Foreign Policy Aspects of US Weapons Sales in the Gulf: What Does the United States Get Out of It?

    Jun 22, 2017David B. Des Roches

    US government policy in the Arabian Peninsula is often maddeningly inconsistent to outside— and inside—observers.  A republic such as the United States, which …

  • Policy Analysis
    LevantRegional Relations and Geopolitics

    Turkey and the Gulf Crisis: Erdoğan’s Most Difficult Game

    Jun 19, 2017Mustafa Gurbuz

    Ankara’s policy toward the Gulf crisis is shaped by economic and strategic concerns as well as fear that the same allegations against Qatar could be directed t…

  • Policy Analysis
    LevantConflicts and Conflict Resolution

    How Did Syria Become a Victim of Regional and International Conflicts?

    Jun 19, 2017Radwan Ziadeh

    As a seventh round of peace talks is announced, the United States and Russia clash over Syria and the GCC crisis remains unresolved. What is the impact of conf…

  • Washington Policy Weekly
    IranSecurity and Defense

    Congressional Update – Week Ending June 16, 2017

    Jun 16, 2017Marcus Montgomery

    Congress holds a number of budget hearings; senators overwhelmingly pass sanctions that target Iran and Russia; the United States finalizes foreign military sa…

  • Policy Analysis
    The Arabian Peninsula and The GulfThe GCC

    President Trump Failed His Gulf Test

    Jun 15, 2017Imad K. Harb

    The United States must show a full-fledged commitment to GCC unity and refrain from appearing to side with some of the council’s members against others.

  • Washington Policy Weekly
    LebanonUS Domestic Politics and Elections

    Congressional Update – Week Ending June 9, 2017

    James Comey's testimony shakes the Capitol; Congress holds hearings on ISIL, Hezbollah; battles continue over Saudi Arabian arms deal; Iran and Russia sanction…

  • Policy Analysis
    QatarRegional Relations and Geopolitics

    What’s at Stake for the United States in the GCC Crisis?

    Jun 8, 2017Joe Macaron

    A lot is at stake for US national security in the Gulf, including the possibility of living with a divided GCC, the potential expansion of Iranian influence, a…

  • Policy Analysis
    LevantConflicts and Conflict Resolution

    Trump and the Israel-Palestine Conflict

    Jun 6, 2017William B. Quandt

    It is doubtful that the current political climate in the United States is conducive to the kind of effort required to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

  • Washington Policy Weekly
    IranUS Foreign Policy

    Congressional Update – Week Ending June 2, 2017

    I. CongressThe House and Senate were in recess this week for the Memorial Day holiday. The Senate will return to session June 5 and the House will get back to …

  • Washington Policy Weekly
    LevantUS Domestic Politics and Elections

    H.R. 2712: Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2017

    May 31, 2017Marcus Montgomery

    On May 25, Rep. Brian Mast (R-Florida) introduced H.R. 2712, “a bill to impose sanctions with respect to foreign support for Palestinian terrorism, and for oth…

  • Policy Analysis
    IranConflicts and Conflict Resolution

    A US-Iran Race to Control the Damascus-Baghdad Highway

    May 31, 2017Joe Macaron

    Securing the Damascus-Baghdad highway and deterring Iran’s regional activities might lead to a direct US involvement in the Syrian war.