Chatham House MENA

The Gulf states are coordinating with one another and mutually supporting each other. This spirit is no surprise, especially at times of crises. But this unity needs to deepen and sustain itself beyond the conflict. Unity is key if we are to take ownership of our region and work on avoiding forever wars.

'In the case of Western Sahara... A more balanced approach is needed – one in which both Morocco and Polisario accept an equal amount of risk for the opportunity of peace. Read the new article by Jacob Mundy on Kalam ⤵️ kalam.chathamhouse.org/articles/endin…

'To [Iran-backed militants in Iraq], this is an existential fight, because they rely so heavily on the relationship with Iran... and so as Iran has shifted its posture, it’s looking to effectively show chaos in the region as much as possible,' says @RenadMansour via @guardian. theguardian.com/world/2026/mar…

If Iranian Kurdish groups feel that the IRGC is weakened and the regime is weakened in Tehran, they wouldn't be able to restrain these groups the way they do now. In our #IraqInitiative webinar, Zmkan Ali Saleem explores how Kurdish actors are recalibrating amidst the US–Israel war on Iran. Watch in full: facebook.com/watch/live/?re…

In 2023, Iraqi feminist & human rights defender Yanar Mohammed wrote for Chatham House on the lived realities of Iraqi women and the cost of defending their rights. Her recent assassination is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who confront injustice and challenge entrenched power. Read Yanar's essay: chathamhouse.org/2023/03/iraq-2…

'Some Gulf Arab states... are capable of joining the fight against Iran using their formidable air power assets. But would doing so make a difference in the war, or be strategically wise? Neither is clear.' Read the new Expert Comment by Bilal Saab ⤵️ chathamhouse.org/2026/03/should…

'If this had happened in peak demand in summer or high demand season in winter, it would be a lot worse and we'd be seeing a lot more critical power issues.' Jared Levy on the war's impacts for Iraq's oil production & knock-on risks for power supply in our #IraqInitiative webinar. Watch: facebook.com/watch/live/?re…

Thank you @BillLaw49 @arabdigest for hosting this conversation. It was a pleasure to talk to you as always.

📢 NEW EVENT: US-Israel war on Iran: How is Tehran's regional 'axis of resistance' responding? Panellists discuss how axis actors are reacting, adapting, and surviving, and examine implications for the region’s political and security landscape. 📅 23 March 🕐 13.30 GMT 📍 Zoom Register now ⤵️ chathamhouse.org/events/all/sta…

The Iraqi Shia Coordination Framework has not managed to find a way to exert better influence over pro-Iran groups. It is going to become irrelevant if the war expands. @SajadJiyad on implications of US-Israel war on Iran for power dynamics in Iraq in our #IraqInitiative webinar. Watch: facebook.com/watch/live/?re…

🚨NEW PODCAST! 🚨 On Arab Digest, @SanamVakil breaks down Iran’s strategy: drag the US into a costly war of attrition and spread the burden to reshape global involvement. @BillLaw49 @ch_menap #IranWar #MiddleEast Listen NOW! 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/3LHz1i…

'Even if [Iraqi] militias are not necessarily attempting to inflict maximum damage...one of these attacks could prove fatal, and you would see the US return to leadership strikes.' @VictoriaT_ on US-Iran escalation in Iraq in our recent #IraqInitiative webinar. Watch in full: facebook.com/watch/live/?re…

📢 Film screening: 'The President’s Cake' Join us for a screening & panel discussion with @MonaChalabi, Hasan Hadi (Director, 'The President’s Cake'), and @RenadMansour. 📅 9 April 🕐 16.30 GMT 📍 @ChathamHouse Register now! Places are limited ⤵️ chathamhouse.org/events/all/sta…

Many believed the old rules held: that Iraqi Iran-aligned actors would stay out of the war. But from my January conversations with PMF leaders, it was clear a wider conflict would draw some in. That threshold has now been crossed & the most dangerous scenario is unfolding in Iraq

'What the [regime's] resilience has relied on has been this semi-informal network of the IRGC, Basij, and other state offices that serve multiple roles at the same time.' @MaryamAlemzadeh in our recent webinar 'US–Israel war on Iran: What’s happening inside Iran?' Watch in full ⤵️ fb.watch/FOEXJUmEOi/

Tehran’s strikes and Trump’s Gaza peace plan show Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Gulf states that they should no longer rely on America for security guarantees, write @NeilQuilliam1 and Kristian Alexander for @TheWorldToday. chathamhouse.org/publications/t…