Council of Councils
Think Global Health
Online Store
-
The Saudi ExceptionThe U.S.-Saudi relationship is fraught with complications. Saudi Arabia has the largest oil reserves in the world, giving it influence over what Americans pay at the gas pump. At the same time, the kingdom’s human rights abuses are at odds with the United States’ stated democratic values. Who holds the power in this partnership? And what compromises are being made so the countries can work together?
-
Waiting for Thermidor: America’s Foreign Policy Towards IranThe Islamic Republic of Iran may be on an accelerated schedule for revolutionary decay, at least if compared to the USSR.
-
Iran’s Protests, Raisi’s UN Speech, and Nuclear Deal Talks: What to KnowThe death of Mahsa Amini has sparked large-scale protests in Iran. But President Raisi’s speech at the UN General Assembly signals that the regime is not likely to soften its stance toward the Iranian people nor toward the West.
Experts in this Region
Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies and Director of the International Affairs Fellowship for Tenured International Relations Scholars
-
Women This Week: Protests in Iran Demand End to Decades of Women’s OppressionWelcome to “Women Around the World: This Week,” a series that highlights noteworthy news related to women and U.S. foreign policy. This week’s post covers September 17 to September 23.
-
The Islamic Republic’s Power CentersWho calls the shots in Iran on economic policy, security, and domestic calls for reform? A look at the government’s organization chart indicates how complicated the answer is.
-
A Conversation With Foreign Minister Abdallah BouHabib of LebanonForeign Minister Abdallah BouHabib discusses the relationship between Lebanon and the West, especially in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine, global humanitarian issues including refugees and food insecurity, and the future of Lebanon’s economy.
-
Egypt Is Hosting COP27. Can It Become Africa’s Climate Champion?As host of the UN climate talks, Egypt is trying to attract financial support for the continent’s climate actions. But its record of repression and reliance on fossil fuels threaten to undercut that effort.
-
U.S.-Saudi RelationsSteven A. Cook, the Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa studies at CFR, and Martin S. Indyk, distinguished fellow at CFR, discuss the future of the U.S.-Saudi relationship and …
-
Young Professionals Briefing Series: The Threat of Terror at Home and AbroadOur panelists discuss U.S. counterterrorism policy, including the current terror threat landscape in the Middle East and Africa, the growth of domestic terrorism, and the ability of the United States to address threats at home and abroad. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership.
-
How Inter-Shia Strife Is Threatening Iraqi SecurityViolence between rival Shiite factions has raised concerns that Iraq’s weak government is facing prolonged political upheaval.
-
The Conflict in Syria and the Failure of International Law to Protect People GloballyOn the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, David Scheffer, International Francqui Professor (Spring 2022) at KU Leuven, reviews Jeremy Sarkin’s latest book ‘T…
-
Saving Democracy in TunisiaIn Tunisia, President Kais Saied's consolidation of power and embrace of autocratic measures threaten the lone remaining success story of the Arab Spring. The Biden Administration should move from rhetorical support for democracy in Tunisia to the use of American financial assistance to press for reforms, and should not support Tunisia’s requested IMF loan unless they are forthcoming.
-
Macron’s Algeria Trip, Drought in China, Anniversary of Afghanistan Withdrawal, and MoreThe United States marks one year since its military withdrawal from Afghanistan; China goes through a severe drought, with repercussions for agriculture, energy, and supply chains; and French President Emmanuel Macron travels to Algeria to try to mend relations.
-
Turkey’s Growing Foreign Policy AmbitionsTurkey’s geography and membership in NATO have long given the country an influential voice in foreign policy, but the assertive policies of President Erdogan have complicated its role.
-
How Israel and Turkey Benefit From Restoring RelationsThe reopening of diplomatic ties with Israel is the latest move in Turkey’s regional rapprochement. With it, Ankara aims to bolster national security and its wavering economy.