David Kenner, Author at Institute of Current World Affairs

David Kenner is a reporter and the Middle East coordinator for the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. As an ICWA fellow (Saudi Arabia, 2019–2021), he was based in Riyadh and Beirut, reporting on political and economic upheaval in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Previously, he was Foreign Policy magazine’s Middle East bureau chief from 2013 to 2018, based in Beirut and Cairo and reporting regularly from Iraq, Jordan and Turkey. His work has been published in The Atlantic, Politico, Slate and elsewhere.

ICWA Dispatches by David Kenner

Down and out in Riyadh
Millions of foreign workers flock to Saudi Arabia for work but some earn barely enough to get by.
Saudi education 101
How the kingdom’s schools and universities shape its youth.
Saudi Arabia’s quiet frontier
When viewed from the kingdom’s deep south, political and economic life look different than in the bustling capital.
Present at the creation: William Eddy and the US-Saudi alliance
In a remote cemetery in Lebanon, the grave of the man who forged one of the 20th century's central relationships prompts questions about its limits.
Saudi Arabia’s hidden diversity
In Jeddah, a society with different cultural norms but many of the same economic challenges.

Publications by David Kenner

Washington Post: David Kenner on Israeli-Arab military cooperation
"Arab states expanded cooperation with Israeli military during Gaza war, files show," by David Kenner (Saudi Arabia, 2019 – 2021), The Washington Post, October 11, 2025
ICIJ: David Kenner on spyware firm Intellexa
"‘Predator’ spyware firm Intellexa resurgent after US sanctions," by David Kenner (Saudi Arabia, 2019 – 2021), International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, August 12, 2025
ICIJ: David Kenner on the fall of a Pentagon contractor’s empire
"How a Pentagon contractor built a global empire—and a massive tax evasion scheme," by David Kenner (Saudi Arabia, 2019 - 2021), International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, May 23,...
ICIJ: David Kenner on Qatari royal investing in Newsmax
"Qatari royal invested about $50 million in pro-Trump network Newsmax," by David Kenner (Saudi Arabia, 2019 - 2021), Sarah Ellison and Jonathan O'Connell, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists,...
ICIJ: David Kenner on alleged Hamas financier
"Alleged Hamas financier holds stake in Cyprus company that mines Egyptian gold, leaked files reveal," by David Kenner (Saudi Arabia, 2019-2021), International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, December 20,...