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MEES map showing Israeli and Lebanese maritime border claims in the East Mediterranean.

Maps & Graphics

Israel’s Karish Gas Field: Diplomatic Opportunity or Casus Belli?

Seven experts examine how the fraught decision to start production might affect Beirut’s negotiating stance, Hezbollah’s military calculus, U.S.-Israel relations, and other factors.

Sep 20, 2022

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Simon Henderson
Hanin Ghaddar
Matthew Levitt
Ehud Yaari
David Makovsky
David Schenker
Andrew J. Tabler

Recent Institute Analysis

High Prices, War in Ukraine, a Cold Winter Ahead—and Now OPEC+ Piles On

The oil cartel’s reported plan to cut production could roil global markets, U.S.-Gulf relations, and American voter sentiment.

Oct 4, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Smoke is seen at a Saudi oil facility in Abqaiq, 2019 - source: Reuters

Will a Sense of Revenge Spur Iran to Attack Saudi Arabia?

While the regime doubles down on its domestic crackdown, it has increased its threatening rhetoric abroad as well, potentially drawing U.S. assets into a new round of military escalation reminiscent of summer 2019.

Oct 4, 2022

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Farzin Nadimi

Iran's Ali Karimi, wearing green wristbands at a 2010 World Cup qualifier - source: Reuters

Celebrities, the Clergy, and Succession: Wild Cards in Iran’s Protests

By targeting celebs and financially coopting the clergy, the regime has revealed a great deal about what it sees as its greatest vulnerabilities.

Sep 30, 2022

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Mehdi Khalaji

A woman at the Al-Hawl detention camp in Syria - source: Reuters

Detention Facilities in Syria, Iraq Remain Vulnerable to Islamic State Attacks

An attempted suicide operation against al-Hawl camp highlights the ongoing risks posed by indefinite detention of foreigners associated with IS.

Sep 29, 2022

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Devorah Margolin

Saudi King Gives Up Prime Minister Role to Crown Prince

The transfer further boosts his son’s authority and could even be a prelude to an unprecedented abdication.

Sep 27, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Zeev Schiff Memorial Forum

Video

Israeli National Security on the Eve of Yet Another Election

A Forum in Memory of Zeev Schiff

Watch an expert forum on the new realities of the Middle East and Israel's strategic position amid deepening ties with Arab countries, Iran's regional ambitions, Palestinian political crisis, and renewed great-power competition.

Sep 22, 2022

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Amos Gilead
Ephraim Sneh
Ehud Yaari
Amos Yadlin

In Focus: Counterterrorism in the Biden Administration & Beyond

U.S. Capitol rioters, Taliban forces, last U.S. soldier to leave Afghanistan

U.S. Counterterrorism Reimagined:

Tracking the Biden Administration's Effort to Reform How America Addresses Violent Extremism

This collection reveals the growing prevalence of nonkinetic tools while exploring the balance authorities must strike between preventing attacks and protecting civil rights.

Sep 7, 2022

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Matthew Levitt

In Focus: Recent Middle East Opinion Polls

Fikra Forum

July/August 2022 UAE Survey Shows U.S. Leads Iran, but Lags Russia and China

Emiratis share their views on global players, regional dynamics, and economic conditions.

Aug 30, 2022

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David Pollock

Fikra Forum

New Saudi Poll Shows Biden's Visit Barely Budged Skepticism

The Saudi public gave mixed reviews on issues such as normalization and ties with the United States, but remained mostly united regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine and relations with Iran.

Aug 26, 2022

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David Pollock

New Poll Shows Gazans Pragmatic Now, But Not Long-Term

A new public opinion poll from Gaza shows some pragmatic, short-term moderation toward the U.S. and Israel over the past

Jul 15, 2022

Israeli and UAE flags flying together in Abu Dhabi - source: Reuters

Arab Public Opinion on Arab-Israeli Normalization and Abraham Accords

A recent poll indicates that though more Gulfis now disapprove of the Abraham Accords, undertones of warming sentiments towards allowing

Jul 15, 2022

INFOGRAPHIC

Maps & Graphics

Timeline of Tunisia's Constitutional Crisis and the U.S. Response

An infographic illustrating President Saied's controversial political moves since summer 2021 and the steps U.S. officials have taken to discourage authoritarian backsliding.

Jul 20, 2022

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Ben Fishman
Kyle Robertson

Webcast Series: The KRG at 30

Video

The KRG Turns Thirty: The Future of U.S.-Kurdish Relations in Iraq

On the anniversary of the Kurdish region’s first election, three experts take stock of the bilateral relationship and internal political and economic challenges.

May 23, 2022

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Bilal Wahab
Amberin Zaman
Vance Serchuk

Video

The KRG Turns Thirty: The Future of U.S.-Kurdish Relations in Iraq (Part 2)

In the second of three discussions marking the thirty-year anniversary of the KRG, experts spotlight the impressive U.S.-Kurdish legacy along with current challenges facing the partnership.

Jun 9, 2022

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Jennifer Gavito
Qubad Talabani
Bilal Wahab

Photo of an oil facility in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Video

The KRG Turns Thirty: The Future of U.S.-Kurdish Relations in Iraq (Part 3)

Three experts evaluate the KRG’s oil and gas industry and discuss the growing urgency of resolving its disputes with Baghdad.

Jun 28, 2022

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James Jeffrey
Matthew Amitrano
Bilal Wahab

In Focus: The Ukraine Crisis and the Middle East

How Turkey Views Russian Naval Access to the Black Sea

Despite supporting Ukraine militarily, President Erdogan has crucial political and economic reasons for preserving good ties with Moscow, so he is unlikely to take any actions in the Black Sea that are not strictly laid out in the Montreux Convention.

Sep 2, 2022

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Soner Cagaptay

Russian President Putin and Iranian President Raisi meet in Tehran in 2022 - source: Reuters

Russia and Iran Keep Growing Closer

Given their proven capacity for jointly disrupting Western imperatives in the Middle East, both countries should increasingly be treated as part of the same strategic set.

Jul 26, 2022

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Anna Borshchevskaya

Video

Top Seven Things You Need to Know About Ukraine

A video explainer on the war’s causes, Putin’s mindset, and the likely consequences if the West does not check his imperial ambitions.

Mar 2, 2022

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Anna Borshchevskaya

Iranian Drones to Russia: Capabilities and Limitations

Besides signaling that Iran has shifted to active military support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, the prospective transfer gives Moscow a stopgap option until its own advanced drones are ready for service.

Aug 1, 2022

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