Arona Baigal

Apr 23, 2024 | cnas.org | Hamzeh Hadad |Jonathan Lord |Arona Baigal

Part of Middle East Security Since April 2021, Washington and Tehran have attempted to renegotiate a return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). At certain moments, a return to compliance with the deal has appeared imminent. At others, press has reported the JCPOA’s final demise. Neither has yet proven to be true, but however it ends, the resolution of the future of the Iran nuclear deal will have transformative impacts on Middle East policy decision-making worldwide.

Feb 1, 2024 | cnas.org | Jonathan Lord |Arona Baigal |Hamzeh Hadad

Since Hamas’s attacks sparked the war in Gaza on 7 October 2023, a dangerous cycle of escalation has played out across the Middle East. Iran and its proxies – such as the Houthis in Yemen, Hizbullah in Lebanon, and Iraqi paramilitaries operating as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq – have exchanged attacks with Israel and the US military presence across the region.

Dec 6, 2023 | cnas.org | Emily Kilcrease |Rachel Ziemba |Jocelyn Trainer |Arona Baigal

The United Nations’s 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) is well underway. The two-week event, hosted by the United Arab Emirates, convenes key world leaders to discuss their commitments to climate change policies. CNAS experts respond to the occasion, and remark on the potential national security implications of the summit. All quotes may be used with attribution. To arrange an interview, email Alexa Whaley at [email protected].

Oct 2, 2023 | cnas.org | Hamzeh Hadad |Stewart Latwin |Jonathan Lord |Arona Baigal

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented and destructive attack on Israel. The consequences of this attack will reverberate throughout the region, with difficult obstacles ahead for Israel, the United States, and their global partners and allies. In this special edition of Sharper, CNAS researchers provide important insight to sharpen the conversation on Israeli security and what this attack means for the Middle East region and beyond.

Jul 19, 2023 | thehill.com | Arona Baigal |Kiana Alirezaie

In February, President Ebrahim Raisi became the first Iranian president in more than 20 years to make a state visit to Beijing. During his three-day trip, Raisi signed 20 pacts with China, deepening ties between Beijing and Tehran while signaling a newfound resolve to resist a shared adversary and competitor: the West. Unfortunately, Washington’s current defense strategy fails to account for the growing linkages between Iran and China.