MDC Research and Analysis

Joseph Dubroff analyzes Saudi Arabia's economic performance over King Salman's reign, with an aim to answer how controversial foreign policy choices have affected Saudi economic performance.

Benjamin Yoel analyzes the relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea and proposes an interpretation of why the peace treaty between the two countries was recently signed.

Z. Asli Elitsoy explores how music may become a tool to bring Israelis and Turks closer together.

Michael Barak analyzes the online campaign led by the Al-Azhar Institute, with the encouragement of the Egyptian government, to reduce the high divorce rate in Egypt, and the ambivalent attitudes among Egyptians users of social media towards the campaign.

Ariel Koch exposes the activity of Balushi terrorist organizations in Sistan-Baluchistan in Iran, and the way that they have adopted the ideology of Salafi-Jihadi organizations, most significantly that of al-Qaeda.

Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak reviews the public discourse on Turkish social networks surrounding the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson from a Turkish prison, and the increased antagonism towards the US and its ally, Israel.

Guest author Derek Lief examines this summer's protests and mass demonstrations in the kingdom.