by Omid Shokri Kalehsar Because of the EU/U.S. sanctions regime against Iran’s energy sector, the country’s oil and gas production capacities have been decimated. Following the signing of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal—the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—Iran hoped… Continue Reading
by James M. Dorsey The fate of missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, assuming that his disappearance was the work of Saudi security and military officials, threatens to upend the fundaments of fault lines in the Middle East. At stake is… Continue Reading
by Emile Nakhleh The disappearance and possible murder and dismemberment of Jamal Khashoggi lay bare the “reform” lies that Mohammad bin Salman (MbS) has been spouting about his so-called opening up of Saudi society. His thuggish attitude and vicious actions… Continue Reading
by Paul R. Pillar The concept of a rogue state (or outlaw state, or any equivalent term) cannot just refer to a state pursuing interests that the United States does not happen to like or identify with. States must be… Continue Reading
by Thomas W. Lippman In the 75-year history of the improbable alliance between the United State and Saudi Arabia, the Saudis have taken many actions and adopted many policies that infuriated the White House or Congress or both. They participated… Continue Reading