Middle East Perceptions of the Roles Played by Global and Regional Powers

by James J. Zogby The tumult that has rocked the Arab World, has contributed to dramatic changes in the Arab public’s attitudes toward important global and regional powers. This is one of the findings of a recent Zogby Research Services… Continue Reading

The Gulf Arab States Buy Influence in Comoros

By Emmaline Ivy Johnson and Giorgio Cafiero Comoros, an impoverished Indian Ocean archipelago-nation known for its post-colonial history of political instability, rarely enters a discussion about Middle Eastern affairs. Early this year, however, the Arab League’s southernmost member made headlines… Continue Reading

Azerbaijan’s President Goes to Mecca

by Giorgi Lomsadze Yes, you read that right. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on April 7 swapped his usual suit-and-tie look for the white robes of a Muslim pilgrim to Mecca. His wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, and daughters Leyla and Arzu, the country’s… Continue Reading

It’s Egypt That Needs Higher Oil Prices

by Thomas W. Lippman The country that could ultimately suffer the most damage from a sustained depression in the world price of oil could be one that is not a major producer: Egypt. Unable to sustain itself, Egypt is being… Continue Reading

Which Is Worse for Saudi Arabia, ISIS or Maliki?

by Thomas Lippman Has King Abdullah backed away from his longstanding refusal to have anything to do with an Iraqi government that includes Nouri al-Maliki? Reporters who were in Jeddah when Abdullah met with Secretary of State John F. Kerry… Continue Reading