Bilal Y. Saab

Strategy & Conflict   Nov 20, 2017 Snapshot

Don’t Let the Saudis Destabilize Lebanon

Riyadh is set to make Lebanon the next front in its conflict with Tehran. That would be a mistake.

Bilal Y. Saab

Strategy & Conflict   Nov 6, 2017 Snapshot

What Hariri’s Resignation Means for Lebanon

On November 4, 2017, Saad Hariri announced live on Al Arabiya satellite television that he had resigned as Lebanese prime minister.

Bilal Y. Saab

U.S. Foreign Policy   May 18, 2017 Snapshot

Trump Goes to Saudi Arabia

What Trump offers in terms of concrete plans to counter Iran in conjunction with his regional partners will determine the visit’s success or failure and the duration...

Bilal Y. Saab

Terrorism & Counterterrorism   May 2, 2017 Snapshot

Fatah Fights Jihad in Lebanon

Recent clashes between Fatah soldiers and jihadists have serious implications for the future of Fatah as a political party outside Palestine and for the future of...

Bilal Y. Saab

From the Archives   Jan 5, 2017 Snapshot

Can Mohamed bin Salman Reshape Saudi Arabia?

The Treacherous Path to Reform

Bilal Y. Saab

Lebanon   Oct 31, 2016 Snapshot

Lebanon’s New Head of State

The longest presidential void in Lebanon’s history—two and a half years—was finally filled today by Michel Aoun.

Bilal Y. Saab

Obama Administration   Apr 12, 2016 Snapshot

The United States Has No Gulf Allies

The word “ally” is used far too casually in Washington’s Middle East lexicon. It’s time to break this bad habit, because the truth is that with the exception of Turkey...

Bilal Y. Saab

Lebanon   Jan 26, 2016 Snapshot

Back to Lebanon's Future

By endorsing Michel Aoun’s candidacy for president, Geagea set in motion his own political ascendency among Lebanese Christians and brought political relevance back to...

Bilal Y. Saab

War & Military Strategy   Dec 17, 2015 Snapshot

Saudi Arabia's Plan in Syria

Saudi Arabia's goal—to unite the Syrian opposition—is a worthy one. In fact, it is critical for international efforts to end the civil war.

Bilal Y. Saab

Terrorism & Counterterrorism   Dec 6, 2015 Snapshot

Lebanon's Deal with the Devil

Prisoner swaps typically require compromises by both sides. But in this particular deal, it must be said, Jabhat Al Nusra emerged as a winner. What’s tragic is that...

Bilal Y. Saab

Political Development   Aug 31, 2015 Snapshot

Trashy Politics in Beirut

Ongoing protests are not only about government performance—they are about making a clean break with history by getting rid of the country’s political structure. They...

Bilal Y. Saab

  Jun 11, 2015 Snapshot

Can the House of Saud Survive ISIS?

The Islamic State’s current terrorist campaign in Saudi Arabia looks an awful lot like al Qaeda’s 12 years ago. Back then, Riyadh successfully held off its jihadist...

Bilal Y. Saab

Strategy & Conflict   May 12, 2015 Snapshot

A Fresh Start with the Gulf?

Obama's Camp David summit with Gulf leaders could be an historic opportunity to restore stability in the Middle East, if only Washington would adopt a strategic...

Bilal Y. Saab and Barry Pavel

War & Military Strategy   Mar 29, 2015 Snapshot

Houthi and the Blowback

With the intervention in Yemen, Saudi Arabia’s military is trying to kill several birds with one stone: safeguard the country from an immediate military threat, assert...

Bilal Y. Saab

Political Development   Jan 23, 2015 Snapshot

Saudi Arabia's Way Forward

Leadership matters, especially in the Middle East, where institutions are weak and often nonexistent. But charisma and talent, on their own, won’t be enough to dig...

Bilal Y. Saab

Terrorism & Counterterrorism   Jan 21, 2015 Snapshot

Hezbollah Hesitates?

If the three-decade history of confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah is any guide, the latter will likely retaliate for this week's raid. But that is not...

Daniel Byman and Bilal Y. Saab

Economics   Jan 6, 2015 Snapshot

Riyadh's Oil Play

Following a plunge in the price of oil, Saudi Arabia was expected to cut back its production and help stabilize the market. But in a break with tradition, Riyadh has...

Bilal Y. Saab and Robert A. Manning

Strategy & Conflict   Oct 31, 2014 Snapshot

Silent Partner

Oman tends to feature far less in international discussions about the Middle East than other countries in the region. But that is mostly a reflection of its deliberate...

Bilal Y. Saab

NATO   Aug 14, 2014 Snapshot

Friends With Benefits

The United Arab Emirates has recently said and done all the right things to prove that it wants a stronger partnership with NATO. It is clear what NATO might want from...

Bilal Y. Saab

Strategy & Conflict   Jul 30, 2014 Snapshot

The Dishonest Broker

Qatar’s diplomatic intervention in Gaza has exposed the risks inherent in its broader grand strategy. Although Qatar’s foreign policy has not changed, it is no longer...

Bilal Y. Saab