Policy Analysis

As India seeks to grow in its self-reliance, developing more balanced relations with the Gulf will strengthen ties while helping to balance Chinese influence in the region.

Iran is building military, social, and economic influence among eastern Syrian tribes, which are poised to invade SDF-controlled regions in the event of a U.S. withdrawal.

The pope's visit in Iraq highlights Iranian-back militias' failure to successfully depict themselves as saviors of Iraqi Christians.

Arab and Mediterranean countries with common interests are creating new shared tools that can be used to combat Turkish and Iranian influence in their regions.

The pandemic has not ended terrorism in Jordan, and ISIS is still a significant threat.

There are several steps the Biden administration can take to strengthen its allies in Syria and promote a peaceful solution.

Good relations with Iraqi Kurdistan are a valuable strategic asset for the United States, but support from the Biden administration should not be unconditional.

Iraq's Yazidis need assertive international support to protect their rights and well-being. ​

China, Russia, and Iran are currently exploiting COVID-19 to conduct information warfare, specifically targeting the Middle East.

A federalist system is the only viable option for a new government in Yemen.

The United States and Jordan need to broaden the scope of their security relationship and prepare for a more diverse array of security concerns.

ISIS publications reveal the geographic location and concentration of its counter-espionage operations.

Shia militias in Iraq are losing control of their own narrative, and their true motives are becoming visible.

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, and thereby Iran, have gained increased influence in Kurdish areas around Kirkuk.

Yemenis are eager for Biden to act on his campaign pledge to end the war in Yemen, using U.S. influence to bring all sides to negotiate an end to the conflict.

Saudi Arabia should not pursue its perfect political arrangement in Yemen at the expense of peace.

For Biden to reach a deal with Iran, the administration will need to address a host of difficult issues. While any changes in the U.S. policy towards Iran may have a significant impact, a nuclear deal might be a pipe dream.

Two weeks ago, Turkish authorities released the Syrian brigadier general Ahmed Rahal—who had originally defected from the Syrian regime—after months of detention that observers claim is due to his strong and public critique of the Syrian National Army and the policies of Turkish-backed forces in the liberated areas. Rahal’s detention

Failed international cooperation and an increase in dam construction is threatening Iraq's security.

Already a global leader in 5G infrastructure, China is investing heavily in a broader range of advanced technologies and seeking to introduce them globally as a means of achieving even greater economic influence. Beijing has focused heavily on three main technological areas—artificial intelligence (AI), smart and safe cities, and unmanned