China and the Persian Gulf in the Aftermath of a U.S. Withdrawal

China and the Persian Gulf in the Aftermath of a U.S. Withdrawal

Executive Summary • Given longstanding U.S. economic ties to the Arab Gulf states, the withdrawal of the U.S. military would not mean the United States is departing from the region. Even if it did signify that, however, China would be unlikely to fill the vacuum. A U.S. decision to maintain a military presence in the…

Assad Move by KSA and UAE Is All About Investing in Russia as a Guarantor for Elites to Remain in Power

Assad Move by KSA and UAE Is All About Investing in Russia as a Guarantor for Elites to Remain in Power

America may “be back” for most of the world, but for the Middle East the only thing it is “back” to, is Obama’s “soft power” touch in the region. GCC countries have so much to learn from Assad on how to survive an uprising and how to stay in power. But what he can really…

Rebirth of a Strategic Partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

Rebirth of a Strategic Partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

During a three-day visit to Riyadh in early May, the prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan together with his top military official Qamar Javed Bajwa confirmed Islamabad’s decision to revive the strategic alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Khan’s meeting with Saudi crown prince Muhammad bin Salman Al Saud resulted in a number of agreements getting…

Is Peace Breaking Out in the Middle East? Should We Thank MBS?

Is Peace Breaking Out in the Middle East? Should We Thank MBS?

The Biden effect is shaking up the Middle East and forcing foes to talk to one another. But where it’s all heading is even more exciting for Saudi Arabia and Iran. Unimaginable reconciliations are taking place across the entire region, since Joe Biden was sworn into office and indicated that he wasn’t going to tolerate…

Russian & Iranian Experts Finally Discussed Their Differences Over Syria

Russian & Iranian Experts Finally Discussed Their Differences Over Syria

The Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) and the Institute for Iran-Eurasia Studies (IRAS) published a joint report addressing their nations’ differences over Syria which finally breaks the taboo about openly discussing them and will hopefully inspire more regular expert interactions on these important issues. Breaking The Taboo It had hitherto been taboo for many in…