Middle East – Washington Institute For Defence & Security

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 […]

12 Feb 22

Washington Institute press statement on the Terrorist Attacks in Egypt

The Washington Institute for Defence and Security supports Egypt’s efforts to combat terrorism in the Sinai, and other locations in throughout Egypt. We extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of the Egyptian soldiers killed combating terrorism in the region, and we wish those injured a swift and complete recovery. Terrorism, […]

12 Feb 22

Washington Institute press statement on the Terrorist Attacks in UAE

The Washington Institute for Defence and Security strongly denounced the terrible terrorist attacks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and other locations in Saudi Arabia on Monday, 17 January. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strikes, which killed three people and wounded six more. We extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families […]

10 Feb 22

Prison Break: What al-Sina’a means for the War against ISIS in Syria

On January 20th, the al-Sina’a prison camp in Hasakah, northeastern Syria, home to thousands of ISIS detainees, was rocked by explosions and gunfire. Immediately after, over 200 armed fighters began a large-scale assault on the camp while inmates staged a riot inside. Prisoners and attackers overwhelmed the guards and seized control of large portions of […]

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

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

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

WIDS Security Bulletin – April 2022

The Ukraine War Could Be the Worst Thing for Syria.

The Negev Summit: New Architecture or Cracked Foundation?

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

Washington Institute press statement on the Terrorist Attacks in Egypt

Washington Institute press statement on the Terrorist Attacks in UAE

Prison Break: What al-Sina’a means for the War against ISIS in Syria

Strengthening Cybersecurity Cooperation with the UAE: A Collaborative Approach to Addressing Digital Threats

Upholding Human Rights and Rule of Law in the UAE: A Call for Greater Accountability

Microsoft Should Suspend Data Center Plans in Saudi Arabia: Balancing Corporate Growth with Human Rights Considerations

Newsletter

Official info:

Social Media

Newsletter

Official info:

Social Media

Subscribe to our newsletter