News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – What does the addition of a second aircraft carrier say about US strategy towards Iran?
The deployment of the USS Gerald Ford to the region signals the US is serious about striking Iran.
February 20, 2026
Insights News and analysis
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Syrian government consolidates control over north east
Damascus has asserted control over north east Syria, putting an end to Kurdish ambitions for autonomy.
February 13, 2026
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Riyadh, royalty and Britain’s defence pitch; the Saudi–UAE bet on Black Sea cable
The UK’s Prince of Wales is set to visit Riyadh to reinforce political, economic and security ties and Saudi–UAE advance the Black Sea cable project.
February 6, 2026
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Region moves towards more assertive digital governance; what the Saudi-Turkiye-Pakistan talks mean for regional order
Egypt is the latest regional state to signal tighter regulation of children’s access to social media.
January 30, 2026
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Saudi and UAE pursue competing security models
The trajectory points away from collective Gulf defence and towards a fragmented but competitive security environment.
January 23, 2026
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Iran unrest intensifies and regional escalation risks grow; Jordan regains relevance in Washington
Nationwide protests in Iran have intensified as US weighs military and cyber options. Security cooperation improves Jordan’s standing in Washington
January 16, 2026
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Saudi and UAE move towards open rivalry
Competition between the UAE and Saudi Arabia has entered a more overt and confrontational phase.
January 9, 2026
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Gulf hedges in China-GCC and UAE-EU trade talks as Turkiye expands its Somalia footprint
China-GCC and UAE-EU trade talks highlight Gulf hedging strategy and Turkiye expands its economic and security footprint in Somalia.
December 19, 2025
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – UAE and Qatar signal new LNG push as EU moves to tighten sustainability regulations
Gulf producers are expanding LNG capacity and stepping up energy diplomacy as the EU tightens sustainability rules.
December 12, 2025