Energy & Economics

Discussions with Chinese officials and analysts highlight the need for measured cooperation on various regional issues, including endgame diplomatic proposals for Iran and de-escalation in Syria.

Two leading scholars of Russian and Chinese foreign policy explored Moscow and Beijing's evolving interests and approaches to the Middle East at the Institute's 2013 Soref Symposium.

Qatar, an often-difficult ally, has been actively aiding the Syrian opposition and the Egyptian government, and Washington will likely press Doha to coordinate better on both issues.

The next six months could see either a game-changing strategic energy compact between Turkey and the Iraqi Kurds or movement toward a more sustainable Ankara-Baghdad-Erbil relationship. Washington has a strong interest in encouraging the latter.

The role of oil in Iran's economy is declining, undercutting Western efforts to press the regime by reducing its oil export revenue.

President Obama should support regional initiatives that help ameliorate Jordan's energy problems, such as exporting natural gas from fields off the coasts of Israel and Gaza.

"Israel is like Intel on steroids ... Israeli engineers saved the company." Greg Slater, senior counsel and director of trade and competition policy, Intel Corporation "Israel is probably the ally in the region whose interests are most closely aligned with those of the United States." Michael Eisenstadt, director, Military and

Given their similar goals for Iraq, Washington and Ankara should pursue tighter strategic cooperation to reduce Baghdad-KRG tensions and maximize oil production.

How Israel contributes to U.S. hard and soft security, from defense and intelligence to economic competitiveness and sustainability.