All Policy Analysis by Simon Henderson

Bahrain's decision to restrict contact between foreign diplomats and political activists should be condemned by Washington and ignored by the U.S. embassy in Manama.

Iran's new president will soon be tested on his ability and willingness to address international concerns about his country's nuclear program.

Tension is peaking in Bahrain, where some opposition groups have called for huge protests that could turn violent.

If Riyadh concludes a major arms deal with Moscow in return for reduced Russian backing of the Assad regime, it will come at the expense of U.S. influence in the Middle East and possibly across the world.

A Saudi prince's tweet has focused attention on a likely fall in the price of oil, which could boost the global economy while causing instability in the kingdom.

Pakistan's successes and stumbles suggest that the United States should enhance its involvement with Egypt in order to help manage the reemergence of a civilian-led democracy.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait's new financial aid to Cairo should be used to facilitate a political transition and stabilize Egypt's fragile economy.

A letter to the editors of the Economist regarding how close Tehran has come to achieving nuclear breakout capability.

The chaotic events in Egypt are also a major test for Qatar, whose extensive diplomatic and financial support for Morsi's government now looks like overreach.

The emirate's transition to a new generation of younger leaders continues, with uncertain implications for Doha's foreign policy and relations with Washington.

Israel's export decision should be welcomed, but domestic opposition could discourage necessary foreign investment.

Knee-deep in Syria's civil war and surrounded by family quarrels, Qatar's emir is looking to hand over the country to his thirty-three-year-old son.

Although Bahrain's ongoing troubles are domestically focused, the latest developments are a reminder of the region's wider Sunni-Shiite divide and the problematic role played by Iran.

The forthcoming elevation of Crown Prince Tamim to Qatar's top leadership roles could spur Iran and other rivals to play mischief.

Qatar, an often-difficult ally, has been actively aiding the Syrian opposition and the Egyptian government, and Washington will likely press Doha to coordinate better on both issues.