All Policy Analysis by Simon Henderson

A presentation on Saudi royal succession and evolving military relations, including key figures in the Pakistani defense and nuclear establishments, made by Simon Henderson to Harvard University's Belfer Center in May 2014.

An unexpected and unprecedented series of changes in the kingdom's military leadership raises questions about future Saudi strategy.

A revolution in domestic production may bring the United States closer to energy independence, but American energy security will continue to depend on global markets and the stability of Middle East exports.

Piping Israeli gas to liquefaction plants in Egypt is the most commercially logical option but remains politically risky.

The inclusion of long-range Chinese-made missiles in a Saudi military parade is likely a diplomatic signal to Iran and the United States.

Six weeks after Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates announced the withdrawal of their ambassadors from Doha, signs of reconciliation are emerging.

The sudden shakeup at the top of the kingdom's intelligence service will likely have implications for Saudi policy on Iran and Syria.

A closer look at the most pressing economic, diplomatic, territorial, and succession issues in each of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Does Obama still have pull over Riyadh when the king's point man -- Prince Bandar -- is pulling the strings from afar?

Supplying more reliable electricity to West Bank and Gaza residents could help change the political atmosphere and enable more diplomatic progress in the future.

Although Iran's nuclear potential will likely dominate talks between President Obama and King Abdullah on March 29, Riyadh's own nuclear plans should also be part of the discussion.

King Abdullah's appointment of Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, his half-brother, as deputy crown prince could marginalize Crown Prince Salman.

The summit is a crucial opportunity for the two allies to repair relations, but major differences will likely persist.

A deal to buy Israeli natural gas can help mitigate the kingdom's energy shortage and steer Amman away from problematic nuclear plans, but it risks stirring domestic opposition.

The withdrawal of several ambassadors from Qatar is a setback to U.S. diplomacy with Gulf allies and another item for President Obama's upcoming meeting with the Saudi king.

A fatal shootout involving security forces and Shiites coincides with a change in the kingdom's intelligence leadership.