Security

On April 21, AGSIW and the Middle East Policy Council co-hosted a Capitol Hill conference on security in the Middle East.

Riyadh appears set to consolidate Arab consensus on Syria, raising further questions about U.S. regional influence.

The role of Admiral Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in the Iranian-Saudi talks is a strong indication of the supreme leader’s direct influence over Iran’s foreign policy decision making.

Saudi Arabia is looking for an exit from Yemen. While a Saudi withdrawal is unlikely to end Yemen’s civil war, the Saudis are likely to proceed if Iran can keep the Houthis onside.

Saudi-Houthi backchannel talks will not succeed in generating a comprehensive political settlement unless the concerns and grievances of all Yemeni factions as well as the region's long-term stability are given due consideration.

Despite the growing effectiveness of maritime operations along the route from Iran to Yemen, drug and weapons trafficking remains a serious threat with consequences for regional security.

Pakistan hopes enhanced security ties with the Saudis will win it financial support. Cash-strapped Pakistan may have little choice but to hold out the possibility of a strategic defense partnership with Saudi Arabia.

Iran has leverage, influence, and history with the Houthis. As Saudi Arabia tries to extract itself from Yemen, Tehran will utilize all three to prolong the conflict.