Intra-Gulf Competition in Africa’s Horn: Lessening the Impact

by International Crisis Group What’s new? Middle Eastern states are accelerating their competition for allies, influence and physical presence in the Red Sea corridor, including in the Horn of Africa. Rival Gulf powers in particular are jockeying to set the terms… Continue Reading

Gulf Wealth: All That Glitters Is Not Gold

by James M. Dorsey Little suggests that fabulously wealthy Gulf states and their Middle Eastern and North African beneficiaries have recognized what is perhaps the most important lesson of this year’s popular uprisings in Algeria and Sudan and the 2011… Continue Reading

Is Sudan Joining the Anti-Qatar Bloc?

by Giorgio Cafiero Recent clashes between security forces and protestors are destabilizing Sudan two months after ex-president Omar Hassan al-Bashir’s removal from power. Sudan’s transition, which a host of outside actors are working to influence, is not going smoothly. The… Continue Reading

An Uncomfortable Alliance: The United States and Bahrain

by Thomas W. Lippman Every year in late winter or early spring, the commander of all U.S. military forces in the Middle East and Central and South Asia delivers an extensive report to Congress about operations, strategy, planning, and training… Continue Reading