Programs & Projects
The West Asia Program
The West Asia program provides original research on developments in the Middle East and Central and Southwest Asia, including as they impact on Australia. Central research issues include relations between West Asia and East Asia, the Arab uprisings and geo-political change in the Middle East and Australia’s relations with the Gulf.
Experts
Latest publications
News and media
Obama's intervention: Iraq is not Syria
The limited use of military force announced by President Obama earlier today was likely prompted by concern at the success of ISIS's latest offensives across Syria and Iraq. The…
India links: Human Development Index, space diplomacy, Israel dilemma, US-India and more
Rukmini S investigates the numbers and tells the stories of Delhi's reported rape cases as part of a three-part series in the Hindu. Part three is due to be released later today…
Gaza: Searching for a ceasefire (mediator)
The latest Gaza war is heading into new and bloody territory with no end in sight. As with previous conflicts in Gaza (and in Lebanon for that matter), both sides are engaged in…
India links: CEO of India, Congress, China-India, forest cover, gay rights and more
Should Prime Minister Modi's new role be best understood as 'CEO of India'?
There are reports of mutiny in the ranks of the Indian National Congress. Is there any hope of a…
Saudi-China relations: Emblematic of China's new foreign policy challenges
Not too long ago, Deng Xiaoping's 'hide your strength, bide your time' motto informed China's interactions with the outside world as it slowly worked its way up to become the…
Israel's Gaza ground operation: How does this end?
This morning I recorded this conversation with Lowy Institute Middle East expert Anthony Bubalo about the escalation of Israel's military operations against Hamas in the Gaza…
India links: Union budget, BRICS, malnutrition, female leaders, Bay of Bengal and more
As mentioned in last week's India links, the Modi government has released its first Union Budget. While The Economist commends its transformative measures, Abheek Bhattacharya…
Israel-Gaza violence: Political ground shifts under the dome
Coming days may well see a de-escalation of the latest confrontation between Israel and the Palestinians. I say this more in hope than with real analytical conviction.
Despite the…
Baghdadi's caliphate is a mirage, but a damaging one
ISIS has released video of its leader Abu Baqr al Baghdadi appearing at a Mosul mosque (pictured) during Friday prayers last week, claiming to be the caliph, or leader, of the…
Egypt: Peter Greste (and don't forget the rest)
In passing comment on the seven-year jail sentence handed down to Australian journalist Peter Greste, it would be all too easy just to join the swollen ranks of the indignant.
You…