The Gulf Arab States Versus Hezbollah

by Giorgio Cafiero and Daniel Wagner In recent weeks, Lebanon has become a brighter flashpoint in the intensifying geopolitical rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Since the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and subsequently the League of Arab States, designated Hezbollah… Continue Reading

Russia Undermining U.S. in the Middle East

by Daniel Wagner and Giorgio Cafiero The Ukraine crisis and the resulting deterioration of Russia’s ties with the West have fomented a level of geopolitical instability in Europe unseen in decades. Yet, the Middle East is arguably where Moscow and… Continue Reading

Political Earthquake Hits Saudi Arabia?

 by Emile Nakleh In the early morning of Wednesday April 29, the Saudi King Salman issued 25 royal decrees announcing major succession and other personnel changes that created shockwaves in Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world. These decrees were… Continue Reading

Iran in Iraq: Saudi Arabia Still Worried

by Thomas W. Lippman Prince Saud al-Faisal has been foreign minister of Saudi Arabia for 40 years. He doesn’t make rookie mistakes. When he says something in public, he means what he says. That’s why it’s worth scrutinizing his comments… Continue Reading

A Saudi-Iranian Rapprochement?

by Jim Lobe Paul Pillar has a blog up at the National Interest on the possibility that Saudi Arabia and Iran are moving toward some form of rapprochement. The latest development, as Paul points out, is the long-awaited invitation this week by… Continue Reading