Robert Mason

Dr. Robert Mason is the author of Foreign Policy in Iran and Saudi Arabia: Economics and Diplomacy in the Middle East. He tweets @Dr_Robert_Mason

Avoiding a precedent in Syria and the Balkanisation of the Middle East

A key part of resolving the Syrian conflict lies in establishing a more coherent military-diplomatic dynamic and in post-conflict planning, and the solution is heavily dependent on perceptions.

By Robert Mason

/ 24 Oct 2016

What happened to the Middle East Marshall Plan?

With economic instability and political upheaval spreading through the Arab world, is it time for a Middle East Marshall Plan?

By Robert Mason and Aida M.Yehia

/ 7 Nov 2014

Sisi’s economic roadmap

There is much to be done within Egypt to address its economic depression, which will rely on building public and international investor confidence. The scale of the economic task facing Sisi is daunting.

By Robert Mason

/ 26 Aug 2014

Establishing equilibrium in the Gulf: in search of a pragmatic agenda for stability and security

The Gulf countries and Iran need to address their mutually contentious foreign policy issues, such as Syria, Iran's nuclear programme, and their relationships with the US.

By Robert Mason

/ 7 May 2014

Establishing equilibrium in the Gulf: in search of a pragmatic agenda for stability and security

The Gulf countries and Iran need to address their mutually contentious foreign policy issues, such as Syria, Iran's nuclear programme, and their relationships with the US.

By Robert Mason

/ 7 May 2014

Why the solution to Afghan state building post-2014 lies in regional diplomacy

Until 2012, there was no comprehensive U.S. strategy on Afghanistan. Additionally, a number of systemic issues hampered the development of the Afghan state and economic gains. After the withdrawal of most U.S. troops in 2014, the only viable option for Afghanistan's development lies in consolidati

By Robert Mason

/ 23 Jul 2013

"No" to an IMF loan puts more pressure on the Egyptian economic recovery

For a range of sovereign economic and geo-strategic reasons, Egypt should be concluding a deal with the IMF as soon as possible.

By Robert Mason

/ 25 Jun 2013