Middle East

The Middle East is undergoing a transformative moment where the old order is vanishing and a new one is beginning to take shape. Wars in Gaza and Iran, the evolution of terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and the fall of Bashar al Assad have dramatically changed the region, leading to unprecedented conflict and alliances in the midst of changing economies and energy flows. CSIS experts grapple with these fast-moving developments and explore questions surrounding issues such as geopolitics and geostrategy, governance, counterterrorism, economics, and water security.

Photo: UAE Presidential Court/Handout/Anadolu/Getty Images

Photo: UAE Presidential Court/Handout/Anadolu/Getty Images

A New Rift in the Gulf, and Only the Gulf Can Solve It

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have a lot in common. Instead of fostering cooperation, it led to rivalry.

Commentary by Michael Ratney — January 16, 2026

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Jon Alterman

Jon B. Alterman

Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy
Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

President, Defense and Security Department; Harold Brown Chair
Daniel Byman

Daniel Byman

Director, Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program
Will Todman

Will Todman

Chief of Staff, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department; and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program

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Understanding Global South Perspectives on Taiwan

The CSIS Freeman Chair convened an international task force on Taiwan and the Global South. Members evaluated the state of Taiwan’s relationships in the Global South, opportunities to expand engagement, and Global South perspectives on cross-Strait issues. This event and accompanying report reviews what they found, and explores how Global South powers have a critical stake in Taiwan’s future, while Taiwan’s interests are deeply linked to its position in the Global South as well.

Event — January 28, 2026

Beyond Hacktivism: Iran's Coordinated Cyber Threat Landscape

Iran’s state sponsored hacktivist operations blur the line between state action and independent actors. Tracking this dynamic remains crucial in understanding Iran’s goals and capabilities as cyberattacks increase in the region.

Blog Post by Jiwon Lim — January 14, 2026

Understanding the Saudi Reaction to the Escalation in Yemen

The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council’s capture of two southern Yemeni provinces, as well as Saudi forces’ recent strike on UAE-shipped weapons and vehicles in Al Mukalla, has led to unprecedented tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Commentary by Michael Ratney — December 31, 2025