3
September
2026
September 17, 2026
This situation assessment examines the evolving relationship between NATO and the GCC following the 2026 Ankara Summit. It explores defense cooperation, maritime security, the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, and the role of the Mecca Defense Alliance in an emerging layered regional security order.
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September 10, 2026
Iraq’s militia disarmament deadline and anti-corruption campaign promise reform, but they may primarily serve the government’s political survival. This paper assesses Baghdad’s attempt to balance Washington and Tehran—and what could follow after September 30.
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September 2, 2026
The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement marks a historic shift in regional security. It responds to declining U.S. credibility while stopping short of separating regional defense from American power.
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September 10, 2026
Iraq’s militia disarmament deadline and anti-corruption campaign promise reform, but they may primarily serve the government’s political survival. This paper assesses Baghdad’s attempt to balance Washington and Tehran—and what could follow after September 30.
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31
August
2026
The New Syria: Regional Reintegration and Reconstruction
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27
August
2026
The War of the Straits: From Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb to Suez
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September 16, 2026
Six months of war have left Iran economically battered, its society exhausted, and its politics more conflicted than before. But the country is neither on the verge of collapse, as repeatedly predicted by its adversaries, nor the bastion of unity and stability portrayed by the Islamic Republic itself. The political, economic and social picture inside… Continue reading Iran Is Battered, but Not on the Brink of Collapse
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September 13, 2026
A development that was a mere strategic hypothetical a few weeks ago has now become a dangerous reality on the ground. The Houthis’ rapid advance along Yemen’s western coast, in a push to seize control of Mocha, Dhubab and the island of Mayyun (or Perim) at the mouth of Bab al-Mandab, signals a qualitative shift… Continue reading The Gulf Caught Between Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab
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September 10, 2026
On the night of July 28, Saudi Arabian and American warplanes struck positions of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF)—an umbrella organization of mostly Shia paramilitary groups—across seven provinces, from Nineveh to Basra. At least 20 fighters were killed, among them at least five Iranians, and 32 were wounded. Riyadh said the strikes were an answer to… Continue reading The End of Saudi Restraint in Iraq
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September 16, 2026
Six months of war have left Iran economically battered, its society exhausted, and its politics more conflicted than before. But the country is neither on the verge of collapse, as repeatedly predicted by its adversaries, nor the bastion of unity and stability portrayed by the Islamic Republic itself. The political, economic and social picture inside… Continue reading Iran Is Battered, but Not on the Brink of Collapse
learn more
September 13, 2026
A development that was a mere strategic hypothetical a few weeks ago has now become a dangerous reality on the ground. The Houthis’ rapid advance along Yemen’s western coast, in a push to seize control of Mocha, Dhubab and the island of Mayyun (or Perim) at the mouth of Bab al-Mandab, signals a qualitative shift… Continue reading The Gulf Caught Between Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab
learn more
September 10, 2026
On the night of July 28, Saudi Arabian and American warplanes struck positions of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF)—an umbrella organization of mostly Shia paramilitary groups—across seven provinces, from Nineveh to Basra. At least 20 fighters were killed, among them at least five Iranians, and 32 were wounded. Riyadh said the strikes were an answer to… Continue reading The End of Saudi Restraint in Iraq
learn more