Middle East - Washington Institute For Defence & Security

26 Feb 24

Netanyahu’s Vision For Post-War Gaza: Security Control And Local Governance

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, has outlined his plans for Gaza after the conflict. According to his idea, the land would be governed by Palestinians who had no ties to anti-Israel organizations, and Israel would have permanent authority over security. The US, Israel’s main backer, wants the Palestinian Authority (PA), which is located […]

22 Feb 24

Gaza Health Ministry Reports Grim Casualty Figures

There’s nothing to agree upon, according to a Hamas official, because Israel won’t leave Gaza, won’t let Palestinians who have been displaced to return to their homes, and won’t guarantee that adequate aid will reach the region. Reports of “multiple forms of sexual assault” by Israeli troops against Palestinian female captives have alarmed UN experts, […]

05 Feb 24

NATO Allies Unite: Supporting US Efforts to Minimize Iran’s Threat to the Middle East

During a joint news conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Soltenberg on Monday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US will hold Iran accountable and take firm action against any aggression. “At the same time, we remain focused on our core objectives in the region, both in terms of the conflict in Gaza […]

08 Mar 23

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Iraq and pledges to maintain military presence

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made a surprise visit to Iraq, his first as part of President Joe Biden’s administration. The visit comes almost 20 years after the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein and created instability that allowed the rise of Islamic State militants after the US withdrew its forces in 2011. Austin, […]

04 Mar 23

The Washington Institute for Defense and Security Warns US Government of Potential UAE Spyware Threat to American Citizens

The Washington Institute for Defense and Security is deeply concerned about the potential use of spyware by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against American citizens. Recent reports suggest that the UAE has acquired and used sophisticated spyware to target dissidents, journalists, and activists both within the UAE and abroad. This is a troubling development, and […]

15 May 22

Why does the UAE want to be a club med for world kleptocrats?

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the massive flow of Russian riches stashed offshore has gone only one way: away from houses in London, New York, and other once-welcoming cities to avoid the new “iron curtain” of Western sanctions. As Russian billionaires and kleptocrats sought another safe haven, they discovered it most notably in Dubai. Despite […]

04 May 22

WIDS Security Bulletin – April 2022

Washington Institute for Defense and Security Security Bulletin – April 2022 Europe & North America: Mariupol, Ukraine: Russian forces have encircled the southeastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, cutting off supplies and logistics for the defenders. By April 22nd, the final Ukrainian holdouts were concentrated in the Azovstal Steel Plant, an industrial facility which has […]

03 May 22

The Ukraine War Could Be the Worst Thing for Syria.

Russia’s conflict in Ukraine has dramatically damaged Moscow’s once-dominant role in Syria, putting growing strain on the agreements it had in place with major parties such as the US, Iran, Turkey, and Israel. While some powers involved in Syria’s civil war are using the new circumstances to their advantage, Russia is attempting to maintain its […]

29 Mar 22

The Negev Summit: New Architecture or Cracked Foundation?

On Sunday of this past weekend, the settlement of Sde Boker made history as the site of the Negev Summit, the first Arab-Israeli diplomatic conference hosted in Israel. The foreign ministers of Israel, Bahrain, Morocco, Egypt and the UAE met to discuss several key issues of shared interest including curtailing Iran, deepening regional cooperation and […]

12 Feb 22

Event: Saudi Arabia & Global Ambitions of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman

Opening Remarks: Laura Belmonte, CLAHS Dean or Farida Jalalzai, CLAHS Associate Dean for Engagement & International Initiative. Introductions: Yannis Stivachtis, CEUTTSS. Angelos Kaskanis, Tactics Institute Panelists: Bettina Koch, Professor of Political Science Saudi Arabia under the Leadership of the Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud: Domestic and International Dimensions Aaron Brantly, Associate Professor of […]