Policy Analysis

A closer look at the legal, economic, and political issues surrounding gas and oil exploration off Gaza's coast, including associated power plant proposals and other ventures.

In the coming days, the Obama administration faces key decisions on how to respond to a Palestinian government "backed by Hamas," whether to condone Hamas participation in Palestinian elections, and what strategy to adopt in response to another effort by Palestinians to enhance their status in the UN.

Instead of careening between short-term objectives, U.S. policy toward Egypt should take a long-term, multilateral view that focuses on advancing security cooperation and political and economic reform simultaneously.

If current trends continue, the ISIL's latest gambit could bring a strategic reversal for the movement in Iraq.

How -- and if -- Hamas and Fatah overcome formidable security, institutional, and political roadblocks should dictate the international response to their unity deal and joint government.

The bureau's deputy director discusses the diverse range of domestic and foreign threats to the homeland, including potential terrorist activity stemming from the war in Syria.

What civil war? The regime's Tourism Ministry thinks you'll enjoy these new beachside cafes.

The regime's air defenses have been weakened by the war, leaving room for low-risk air operations that could achieve important military and humanitarian objectives with reasonable investment of resources.

Even if a permanent deal isn't achievable right now, Washington can still foster a process that contributes to peacemaking.

As the negotiations with Iran enter a critical stage, Washington needs to develop bipartisan consensus about the parameters of an acceptable agreement.

Woodside's decision shows how Israel will need to cement its foreign partnerships, investments, and export routes in order to take full advantage of its growing gas surplus.

Meet the man crazy enough to run for president against the new strongman in Cairo.

Long considered a bulwark against instability since its establishment in 1981, the Gulf Cooperation Council -- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman -- is now exhibiting an alarming degree of discord.

A detailed survey of how many fighters have joined the Syrian jihad, where they come from, how their efforts compare to past jihads in Afghanistan and Iraq, and what European governments are doing about the issue.

The votes are in, but Baghdad will need to resuscitate the revenue-sharing deal with the Kurds in order to steady the already-troubled government formation process.

A presentation on Saudi royal succession and evolving military relations, including key figures in the Pakistani defense and nuclear establishments, made by Simon Henderson to Harvard University's Belfer Center in May 2014.

Long-simmering tensions between non-Islamist and Islamist forces have boiled over into military actions centered around Benghazi and Tripoli, entrenching the country's rival alliances and bringing them ever closer to civil war.