Why Iran Is Not a Mideast Hegemon

by Adnan Tabatabai For many observers, Iran emerged as the major winner of Middle East developments in 2017. They saw a “new superpower” in the region now securing military victories “outside its own borders.” Although the dynamic in places like… Continue Reading

Gulf Crisis Turns Qatar into “Region’s Israel”

by James M. Dorsey Prominent US constitutional lawyer and scholar Alan M. Dershowitz raised eyebrows when he described Qatar as “the Israel of the Gulf states.” Known for his hard-line pro-Israel views, Dershowitz drew his conclusion following an all-expenses paid trip to… Continue Reading

Saudi Prince Mohammed’s Achilles Heel

by James M. Dorsey Emboldened by perceived White House support, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appears to have stepped up his risky, so far faltering effort to counter Iranian influence in the Middle East. The kingdom, despite Prime Minister Saad… Continue Reading

Murder in The Hague: Saudi-Iranian Proxy War Heats Up

by James M. Dorsey Shot dead this week on a street in The Hague, Ahmad Mola Nissi may have died the violent life he lived, but his murder suggests a possible retching up of the proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran… Continue Reading

Saad Hariri’s Saudi Resignation: Good News for Iran and Hezbollah

by Aurélie Daher At the end of October, Sunni Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri, an ally of the West and of Saudi Arabia, went to Riyadh for an official visit. On November 1, back in Beirut, he announced that… Continue Reading