The recipients of Beijing’s supposed largess regularly find themselves trapped in debt leading to rising anti-Chinese sentiment.
Saudi Moderation: How Far Will Crown Prince Mohammed Go?
Despite the boldness of his moves, Crown Prince Mohammed has sent mixed messages about how far he is prepared to go to reform Saudi Arabia.
A Saudi Break With Ultra-Conservatism?
The surrender of a Brussels mosque offers hope that Saudi Arabia is serious about shaving off the sharp edges of its brand of Sunni Muslim ultra-conservatism. Or does it?
Asia’s Dark Underbelly and Long-Term Development
Across Asia, governments not only refuse to recognize a quest for cultural, ethnic, national or political rights, but are often willing to suppress them with brutal force.
Iran: Threat of Renewed Sanctions Reshapes Economic Thinking
Will the EU adopt legislation that would shield European companies from U.S. secondary sanctions targeting non-American entities invested in Iran?
Gulf Crisis: Is Qatar Really the “Region’s Israel?”
Unlike Qatar, Israel is not really in the business of fostering opposition or regime change in the region. Israel largely feels that autocratic rulers are more reliable partners.
Is Peace in Yemen Possible?
Even though the wars in Syria and Iraq are dying down, Saudi Arabia will have to learn to share the Middle East with Iran.
Transition in the Middle East: Transition to What?
In the Middle East and North Africa, the transition toward equitable economic development and transparent and accountable rule of law will take a very long time.
Why Saudi Arabia’s Lebanon Gamble May Pay Off
Hezbollah may choose to focus on its all-important goal of securing Lebanese-Syrian relations, at the expense of the Houthis in Yemen.
Pakistan: Where China Hits a Wall
Pakistan, an important node in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is concerned about a neocolonial Chinese effort to extract the country’s resources.
























