November 2020 – Swedish Middle East & North Africa Network

25/11/202017/12/2020

SIPRI Policy Brief on missile proliferation in the MENA

Addressing Missile Threats in the Middle East and North Africa

Authors: Dr. Tytti Erästö & Pieter D. Wezeman
November, 2020

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

Abstract

This SIPRI Policy Brief contributes to the discussion on missile proliferation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by providing an overview of regional missile arsenals and by considering ways to address related risks. The paper makes policy recommendations, highlighting the need to move beyond the selective focus on certain types of missiles in the hands of certain states, towards a more comprehensive approach based on greater transparency, responsible arms exports and confidence- and security-building measures (CSBMs).

16/11/202014/11/2020

Paper on facilitating cooperation across the Persian Gulf

“So Close Yet So Far Apart. Facilitating Dialogue and Cooperation across the Persian Gulf”

Authors: Rouzbeh Parsi & Dina Esfandiary
October, 2020

Istituto Affari Internazionali

Abstract

Despite the shared history and cultural traits of the peoples living around the Persian Gulf, its littoral states are often at loggerheads. Deep-seated rivalries and suspicions continue to plague all attempts to create an inclusive and comprehensive security framework for the region. It is therefore necessary to look beyond the formal channels and methods of creating détente.

09/11/202014/11/2020

Publication on the JCPOA and Iran-EU relations

“State of play of EU-Iran relations and the future of the JCPOA”

Authors: Rouzbeh Parsi & Aniseh Bassiri Tabrizi
October, 2020

European Union:
Policy Department for External Relations
Directorate General for External Policies of the Union

Abstract

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), spearheaded by the European Union (EU), was a successful multilateral non-proliferation agreement. The hope was that it would also pave the way for dealing with other outstanding issues over which the EU and United States (US) were at loggerheads with Iran. Instead, with the election of President Trump, the main focus has been to save the JCPOA.