Content

New Atlanticist

May 8, 2025

Trump’s Gulf gamble: Oil, conflicts, and opportunities in a high-stakes visit

By Racha Helwa

Trump’s trip to the Middle East is a pivotal opportunity to reimagine US–Gulf relations for a new era.

Macroeconomics Oil and Gas

In the News

May 7, 2025

Arnold Punaro on Fox Business on India-Pakistan tensions

By Atlantic Council

On May 7, Arnold Punaro was interviewed on Fox Business network regarding India-Pakistan tensions and the cessation of US bombing of Houthi sites in Yemen.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

May 5, 2025

How China turned the Red Sea into a strategic trap for the US

By Fatima Abo Alasrar

Beijing’s proxy warfare turns global trade routes into battlefields that the United States struggles to defend.

China Economy & Business

In the News

Apr 10, 2025

Daryl Press interviewed for ABC News article on B-2 nuclear-capable bombers

By Atlantic Council

On April 3, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Daryl G. Press was interviewed for an ABC News article entitled, “Satellite images show multiple US B-2 nuclear-capable bombers deployed to Indian Ocean.” In the article, Press was quoted as saying, “The movement of the aircraft to Diego Garcia definitely sends a signal to Iran about the extent […]

Defense Policy Iran

MENASource

Apr 10, 2025

No, Iran didn’t abandon the Houthis. It just wants Trump to think so. 

By Fatima Abo Alasrar

Instead of interpreting Iran's narrative shift as a break from the Houthis, we might see it as tactical storytelling. And the story's working.

Defense Policy Iran

MENASource

Apr 7, 2025

Can Donald Trump “completely annihilate” the Houthis in Yemen?

By Emily Milliken

The Trump administration’s Houthi strategy will require a more nuanced approach that deepens these non-military components.

Defense Policy Middle East

New Atlanticist

Apr 2, 2025

Trump should not forget the Russian hand behind the Houthis

By Katherine Spencer

While negotiating with Russia, the United States must bear in mind the Kremlin’s support for the Houthis’ attacks on Red Sea shipping.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Mar 27, 2025

Our experts separate Signal from noise in the Trump team’s messages about bombing the Houthis

By Atlantic Council experts

The still-unfolding revelations offer perhaps the clearest picture yet of how top officials in the Trump administration are thinking about US foreign policy.

Intelligence Maritime Security

New Atlanticist

Mar 21, 2025

Trump’s Middle East strategy is all about striking an Iran deal. Gaza could get in the way.

By Alan Pino

Recent US actions in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon fit together in supporting the central objective of a deal with Iran.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Trump’s military cudgel in Yemen will not achieve US regional objectives

By Jacob Ware and Amir Asmar

Donald Trump risks falling into US pattern of short-sighted military action at the expense of constructing a sustainable plan for Yemen.

Defense Policy Middle East

Experts