Top US security official quits, says Iran did not pose immediate threat | Reuters

You don’t say. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-national-counterterrorism-center-director-resigns-over-war-iran-2026-03-17/

All the polls on the U.S. war in Iran so far

G. Elliott Morris, writing on polls on US sentiment towards the Iran war in Strength in Numbers:

"The big takeaway from these numbers is that the new war in Iran is very unpopular. Not merely negative-number-so-what unpopular, but worst-ever-support-for-war-when-it-started unpopular. With just 38% of Americans in favor, support for bombing Iran is lower than retrospective support for the ... https://arabist.net/2026/03/06/all-the-polls-on-the.html

Qatar warns war will force Gulf to stop energy exports ‘within days’

Andrew England and Malcolm Moore, in the Financial Times:
Qatar’s energy minister has warned that war in the Middle East could “bring down the economies of the world”, predicting that all Gulf energy exporters would shut down production within days and drive oil to $150 a barrel.
Saad al-Kaabi told the FT that even if the war ended immediately it would ... https://diary.arabist.net/2026/03/06/qatar-warns-war-will-force.html

Governments Need to Disrupt the Business of War Crimes

Anton Moiseienko and Matthew Neuhaus, writing in Just Security:
International crimes are typically complex and coordinated, involving multiple perpetrators. For instance, crimes against humanity by definition entail a “widespread or systematic” attack against civilian population. This means they need to be funded and resourced, creating a financial ... https://diary.arabist.net/2026/02/12/governments-need-to-disrupt-the.html

Jean-Noël Barrot appelle à la démission de Francesca Albanese, la rapporteuse spéciale de l’ONU pour les territoires palestiniens | Le Monde

France is more interested in joining the Trump administration in shutting up calls for accountability for Israel’s crimes in Gaza then actually doing something to stop them. Barrot is a mediocrity and here is simply parroting Israel’s talking ... https://diary.arabist.net/2026/02/12/jeannol-barrot-appelle-la-dmission.html

Epstein never cracked the Gulf. After death, he’s finally a player. | Semafor

A piece of the relationship between Jeffrey Epstein and DP World chief Ahmed bin Sulayem that I missed earlier:
Beyond the vulgarities is an accusation that is inflaming Muslim passions: Epstein appears to have been in possession of a piece of the Kiswah, the cloth that covers the Kaaba. It’s impossible from the emails to verify the ... https://diary.arabist.net/2026/02/12/epstein-never-cracked-the-gulf.html

This Must Be the Podcast: Stephane Lacroix

Marc Lynch interviews renowned French islamologue Stephane Lacroix about his new book on Egyptian salafism. Marc is right here than Stéphane is one of the most exciting writers on modern Islamist movements around. https://abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/this-must-be-the-podcast-stephane-lacroix/?ref=abuaardvarkghost-newsletter

Renewed U.S.-led Talks in Madrid Lend Momentum to Western Sahara Diplomacy, but Big Challenges Remain | International Crisis Group

First direct talks since 2019. https://www.crisisgroup.org/anb/middle-east-north-africa/western-sahara/renewed-us-led-talks-madrid-lend-momentum-western-sahara-diplomacy-big-challenges-remain?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

After the Epstein revelations, Jack Lang leaves a mixed record at the Arab World Institute | Le Monde

Of course what’s coming out now - beyond Lang (and his daughter’s) proximity to Epstein – is Lang’s propensity to lead a life well beyond his means by maintaining a constant stream of activity with wealthy benefactors. The Institut du Monde Arabe merits a more serious president - who knows, maybe even someone with ... https://diary.arabist.net/2026/02/09/after-the-epstein-revelations-jack.html