Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan poses a security challenge to some Middle Eastern countries, especially the Gulf states, which prompted them to take measures to protect their interests. However, this withdrawal constitutes an opportunity for other Arab regimes such as Jordan to tighten their grip on their opponents.
While diversionary conflict is necessary in some cases to maintain stability in the face of domestic upheaval, in Iran’s case, a “diversionary peace” is a more likely solution.
Yemen’s peace process is (hopefully) just beginning—here’s what the international community can do to help.
In the grueling battle over the oil rich city of Ma’rib, the Houthis stand to win it all as the sluggish efforts for peace continue.
The recent agreement between Iran and China promotes a strategic partnership that goes beyond economic objectives as China continues to focus on achieving its geopolitical interests in the Middle East, Eurasia, and the Indian Ocean.
Measures taken by Saudi Arabia and the UAE to diversify their economies are beginning to undermine pre-existing social contracts that hinge on the paterfamilias figure of the ruler, the tribal care of the state, and the preservation of cultural norms and citizen privileges.
The recent eruption of protests in Oman has highlighted the efficiency of dynamic citizen journalism, which utilized social media platforms to freely cover events and express opinions, in contrast to the shackled state-owned media, which appeared to be lagging and unable to provide accountable reporting of events.
The recent protests and the effects of the pandemic have emphasized the need to expedite structural economic reforms.
For years Raisi has been considered one of the three most promising candidates to succeed Khamenei. As president, Raisi is in prime position to succeed Khamenei.
As the Biden administration attempts to promote democracy and human rights in the Middle East, it will confront the deep-seated belief among Arabs that U.S. policies are unfair to their central causes and biased in favor of the ruling elite of their countries.
Houthi control of Ma’rib would not only remodel the balance of power on the ground but reframe ongoing peace processes too.
The regional competition revolving around Bab al-Mandab and its coastal extension is affecting the course of the war in Yemen.
The Sultanate of Oman’s policies toward women are inconsistent, not particularly progressive, and do not enjoy strong government support.
Biden’s decisions regarding Yemen are not a departure from those of previous administrations, simply part of the United States’ slow transition from direct support to one of the warring parties to seeking the role of a mediator in the conflict’s resolution.
The law of the Oman Council bolstered the government’s control not only in the unilateral decisionmaking process but also granting it the right to reject any proposed law submitted by the Council.
Saudi Arabia is building a new megacity to woo international partners. But the plans may pit Saudi against its long-time partner, the UAE.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman says that the time has come to pressure Saudi Arabia and the UAE to withdraw from Yemen so that the country can resume to the peace process and restore a Yemeni state.
The fruitless protracted blockade of Qatar not only failed to reform Doha’s “destabilizing behaviors,” but also strengthened Iranian-Qatari relations for the foreseeable future.
Mohammed bin Salman’s growing repression emboldens opposition abroad and creates more challenges for the rising leader.
Oman’s growing influence in Syria could make it an increasingly important diplomatic actor there, though the Sultanate must tread carefully.