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
Commentary
Faced with a common foe, Iran and West should consider ending their estrangement
Faced with a common foe, Iran and West should consider ending their estrangementRodger Shanahan The Australian9 May 2015Rodger Shanahan
Analyses
Australian foreign fighters: Risks and responses
In this Analysis, Andrew Zammit argues that Australians fighting in Iraq and Syria pose a threat to Australia’s security and examines the options for responding to that threat,…
Commentary
Barack Obama's framework nuclear deal with Iran will not ease tension in the Middle East
Barack Obama's framework nuclear deal with Iran will not ease tension in the Middle EastRodger ShanahanSydney Morning Herald9 April 2015Click here for the online…
Commentary
Crisis in Yemen no proxy war
Crisis in Yemen no proxy warRodger ShanahanThe Australian27 March 2015Click here for the online text.Rodger Shanahan
Commentary
Bishop's Iran visit transmits clearest possible diplomatic signal
Bishop's Iran visit transmits clearest possible diplomatic signalRodger ShanahanThe Australian Financial Review24 March 2015Click here for the online text.Rodger Shanahan
Commentary
Iranian nuclear deal offers stability, but with a catch
Iranian nuclear deal offers stability, but with a catchRodger ShanahanThe Drum19 February 2015Please click here for the online textRodger Shanahan
Analyses
Iranian foreign policy under Rouhani
In this Lowy Institute Analysis Rodger Shanahan examines changes in Iranian foreign policy under President Rouhani. He argues that while the Iranian President has changed the tone…
Commentary
There's method to Islamic State's pure madness
There's method to Islamic State's pure madnessRodger ShanahanSydney Morning Herald5 February 2015Please click here for the online text.Rodger Shanahan
Commentary
U.S. made mistakes over Syria but avoiding military intervention was not one
U.S. made mistakes over Syria but avoiding military intervention was not oneRodger ShanahanThe Australian5 February 2015Rodger Shanahan
Analyses
Jordan's youth after the Arab Spring
In this Lowy Institute Analysis, Marty Harris examines political and social activism among Jordanian youth in the aftermath of the Arab uprisings. The Analysis argues that Jordan…