Middle East - Washington Institute For Defence & Security

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 […]

20 Dec 21

UAE Foreign Policy Diversification

The United Arab Emirates ordered 80 Rafale fighter jets and 12 military helicopters last week, deepening economic and political ties with France through an arms contract worth 17 billion euros ($19.20 billion). The arms sale came during a visit by President Emmanuel Macron to Dubai, according to a statement by the Elysee cited by state-run […]

07 Aug 21

Drones War: Iran is transforming the Middle East

Propaganda can be just as essential as actual breakthroughs in drone conflicts. Everyone that builds drones seemed to be copying each other. The Sentinel was a replica of Iran’s Saegeh. Iran’s jet-powered Simorgh, the Shahed S-171, is also a replica of the US Sentinel drone, which was initially deployed by Tehran in 2014. The IRGC’s […]

06 Aug 21

Egypt obtains its fourth submarine from Germany

Egypt’s fourth German-built S-44 submarine arrived at its Alexandria naval station on Monday, according to the Egyptian Navy. In a statement, Egyptian Armed Forces spokesperson Gharib Abdel Hafez said, “This latest addition to Egyptian naval forces represents a huge reinforcement for the capabilities of the Egyptian army, which will contribute to the protection of the […]

08 Mar 21

How Biden’s Experience Could Make or Break His Middle East Policy

by Ahmed Charai – President Joseph R. Biden has a unique strength that much of the world has overlooked: He has nearly a half-century of experience navigating the maze of agencies and departments in Washington. That experience is why President Barack Obama, who had only three years of experience in the U.S. Senate, tapped Biden to […]

08 Mar 21

Difficult post-ISIS challenges emerge for US, allies

BY SETH J. FRANTZMAN, The Hill – With the military defeat of ISIS in Syria, its once large “caliphate” that stretched across Iraq and Syria has been reduced to dozens of tents near the Euphrates River. Now, new challenges are arising. ISIS members from Western countries are demanding a right to return to their home […]