Featured commentary & analysis


Counterterrorism Study Group

The Counterterrorism Study Group is a forum for former counterterrorism officials to review the latest threats, to understand emerging trends and future predictions, and to explore creative new proposals for improving the effectiveness of current policies and operations.


Podcast series

Listen to the latest episode of the China-MENA podcast, featuring conversations with academics, government leaders, and the policy community on China’s role in the Middle East.


Gulf Security Task Force

The Gulf Security Task Force is revisiting the question of how to best protect US interests in this sensitive, always relevant region. Our goal is to provide US decision-makers with an updated, fact-based strategy for protecting US interests in the air and maritime domain from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, and ensuring Gulf partners’ ability to assume this responsibility, with the assistance and leadership of the United States.

Content

Report

Jun 12, 2024

Intentionally vague: How Saudi Arabia and Egypt abuse legal systems to suppress online speech

By Dina Sadek, Layla Mashkoor, Iain Robertson, Andy Carvin

Egypt and Saudi Arabia are weaponizing vaguely written domestic media, cybercrime, and counterterrorism laws to target and suppress dissent, opposition, and vulnerable groups.

Digital Policy Disinformation

In the News

Jun 11, 2024

Samaan quoted in The Africa Report on Emirati interests in Africa

By Atlantic Council

Africa Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jun 11, 2024

Samaan quoted in Military Times on US strikes on Houthis

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Middle East

In the News

Jun 9, 2024

Wald quoted in AFP on foreign purchases of Saudi Aramco shares

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Issue Brief

Jun 5, 2024

Policy memo: What will it take to make the MENA region a renewable energy powerhouse?

By Shihab Elborai, Anthony Yammine, and Pavel Popikov

The Middle East and North Africa region is well placed to become not just a major source of renewable energy, but also a central and indispensable player in the global energy transition, uniquely able to balance supply and demand for all types of energy, both hydrocarbons and renewables.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Jun 5, 2024

Lipsky quoted and CBDC Tracker cited by US News on Saudi Arabia decision to join China-led CBDC project

Read the full article here.

China Digital Currencies

In the News

Jun 5, 2024

Lipsky quoted and CBDC Tracker cited by Reuters on Saudi Arabia decision to join China-led CBDC project

Read the full article here.

China Digital Currencies

In the News

May 30, 2024

Samaan in RealClear World: The Erosion of U.S. Leadership in the Red Sea

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Middle East

Podcast

May 29, 2024

What makes Colombian mercenaries so interesting?

By Alia Brahimi

Coming up this Thursday, in Season 2, Episode 2 of the Guns for Hire podcast, host Alia Brahimi is joined by Dr. Andrés Macías, a Bogota-based expert on Colombian mercenaries. They begin by looking at the explosive case of 26 Colombians arrested for their part in the 2021 assassination of the Haitian president, as well […]

Colombia Conflict

In the News

May 28, 2024

Grossman joins Longview News Journal to discuss serving as Canada’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Experts