Toward a Strategic Partnership? Takeaways From the First EU-GCC Summit
On November 27, AGSIW will host a discussion with Luigi Di Maio, EU special representative for the Gulf region.
Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman
President, AGSIW
Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman is president of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. He previously served as U.S. ambassador to Iraq from 2016-19 and U.S. ambassador to Kuwait from 2014-16. From 2013-14, he served as a senior advisor in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs in the U.S. Department of State, working on Iraq issues and the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. Silliman was deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq from 2012-13, minister counselor for political affairs in Baghdad from 2011-12, and deputy chief of mission in Ankara, Turkey from 2008-11. He joined the Department of State in 1984.
Silliman served as director and deputy director of the Department of State’s Office of Southern European Affairs, as political counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Jordan, and as the regional officer for the Middle East in the Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism. He worked as a political officer in Islamabad, Pakistan, in the Office of Soviet Union Affairs, as the desk officer for Lebanon, and as a staff assistant to the assistant secretary for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs. Silliman began his career as a visa officer in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and a political officer in Tunis, Tunisia.
In 2018, Silliman received the Presidential Distinguished Service Award from President Donald J. Trump. He has received numerous awards from the Department of State, including the Secretary’s Award for Public Outreach in 2007 and senior performance awards. Silliman received the Sinclaire Language Award in 1993 and the W. Averell Harriman Award for outstanding junior officer in 1988 from the American Foreign Service Association. He retired from the Foreign Service in April 2019 after 35 years.
Silliman received a Bachelor of Arts in political science, summa cum laude, from Baylor University in Texas, where he was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He earned a Master of Arts in international relations from the George Washington University. Silliman speaks Arabic and French. He is married and has two adult children.
In addition to his position as president of AGSIW, Silliman also serves on the board of advisors of the Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, which helps American businesses expand their international business and trade ties, especially in the Middle East and Gulf region. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Academy of Diplomacy.
Roundtable With Oman’s Ministry of Finance
On October 22, AGSIW hosted a discussion on Oman's economic reforms.
Will the 2024 U.S. Election Prove an Inflection Point for Middle East Policy?
On October 9, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the U.S. presidential election and what it means for U.S.-Middle East policy.
A Conversation With H.E. Mohammed A. Al-Hadhrami and Timothy A. Lenderking
On September 18, AGSIW hosted a discussion on Yemen.
Virtual Roundtable on Kuwait
On May 22, AGSIW hosted a roundtable on developments in Kuwait.
Petro Diplomacy 2024: The Countdown to Net Zero
On June 11, AGSIW convened its 10th annual Petro Diplomacy conference.
What Do the Latest Parliamentary Elections Mean for Democratic Politics in Kuwait?
On April 15, AGSIW hosted a discussion on Kuwait's April 4 parliamentary elections.
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AGSIW Outlook 2024: Gulf Transformations Amid Uncertainty
AGSIW experts explain the regional trends they’ll be following most closely as the year unfolds.
2024 Outlook
On January 9, AGSIW hosted a virtual roundtable with its leadership and scholars as they looked ahead and assessed trends likely to shape the Gulf region and U.S. foreign policy during the coming year.
Will the Israel-Hamas Conflict Spell the End of Regional Reconciliation?
On October 12, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Petro Diplomacy 2023: The Energy Transition and the Road to COP28
On June 27 and 28, AGSIW convened its ninth annual Petro Diplomacy conference.
How Will Presidential Election Results Affect Turkey’s Regional Outlook?
On June 1, AGSIW and the Middle East Institute co-hosted a discussion on Turkey's presidential election results.
Will Kuwait’s Upcoming Elections Help Resolve Its Political Gridlock?
On May 31, AGSIW hosted a discussion on Kuwait's upcoming parliamentary elections.
Poll Launch – 20 Years Later: What Do Iraqis Think of the U.S. Invasion and Its Aftermath?
On April 27, AGSIW hosted a discussion on a new poll conducted by Almustakilla, the Independent Institute of Administration and Civil Society Studies.
The Future of Security in the Middle East
On April 21, AGSIW and the Middle East Policy Council co-hosted a Capitol Hill conference on security in the Middle East.
A Conversation With Dana Stroul, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East
On March 21, AGSIW hosted a conversation with Dana Stroul, deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East.
20 Years After the U.S. Invaded: What’s Next for Iraq?
On March 9, AGSIW hosted a discussion reflecting on the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq ahead of the 20th anniversary.
A Conversation With Barbara A. Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs
On March 3, AGSIW hosted a conversation with Barbara A. Leaf, assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs.
A Conversation With H.E. Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology
On February 24, AGSIW hosted a conversation with H.E. Sarah Al Amiri, UAE minister of state for public education and advanced technology.
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Iraq Looks for Expanded Economic Ties and to Put Baghdad Back on Washington’s Political Map
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein’s public outreach and official meetings seem to have put Iraq back on the policy agenda in Washington. But both sides will need to take further steps to sustain the positive momentum.
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AGSIW Outlook 2023: Rapprochement, Competition, and Tensions
AGSIW experts explain the regional trends they’ll be following most closely as the year unfolds.
2023 Outlook
AGSIW hosted a virtual private roundtable with its leadership and scholars as they looked ahead and assessed trends likely to shape the Gulf region and U.S. foreign policy during the coming year.
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Video – UAESF 2022: A Conversation With Vice Admiral Cooper
Vice Admiral Brad Cooper delivered the keynote address at UAE Security Forum 2022: Expanding Regional Partnerships for Security and Prosperity.
Roundtable With Ambassador Alina L. Romanowski
On December 14, AGSIW hosted a virtual roundtable discussion with Alina L. Romanowski, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq.
UAE Security Forum 2022: Expanding Regional Partnerships for Security and Prosperity
AGSIW convened the 2022 UAE Security Forum on November 17, where U.S., UAE, and regional partners gathered to find creative solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges.
As Failed Government Formation Escalates Into Violence, What’s Next for Iraq?
On Thursday September 8, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the current political crisis in Iraq.
Roundtable With Ambassador Mohammed A. Al-Hadhrami
As part of AGSIW’s Ambassadors Series, H.E. Mohammed A. Al-Hadhrami, ambassador of Yemen to the United States, discussed local developments in Yemen as well as ongoing international and domestic efforts to bring the conflict in the country to an end.
Understanding Global Political Violence: Implications for the Middle East and the West
On May 31, AGSIW hosted researchers and guests from the Chicago Project on Security and Threats to present findings and insights into political violence across the globe for 2021.
International and Regional Involvement in the Middle East
“International and Regional Involvement in the Middle East" is a bimonthly workshop series launched in September 2021, co-hosted by AGSIW and the University of Haifa.
A Conversation With Tim Lenderking
On April 28, AGSIW hosted a virtual roundtable discussion with Tim Lenderking, the U.S. special envoy for Yemen.
State and Culture in Saudi Arabia: Understanding the Moment of Transformation
On April 20, AGSIW hosted a workshop examining the question of state and culture in Saudi Arabia.
A Conversation With Vice Admiral Bob Harward
AGSIW hosted a discussion with Vice Admiral Bob Harward, former deputy commander of U.S. Central Command and current executive vice president for international business and strategy at Shield AI.
The Role of the Business Community in U.S.-UAE Relations
On March 23, AmCham Abu Dhabi and AGSIW hosted a briefing on the role of the U.S. business community within the wider U.S.-UAE relationship.
Roundtable with Abdullah Al Awadhi
On March 2, AGSIW hosted a roundtable discussion with Abdullah Al Awadhi, director of foreign relations for the speaker of the Kuwaiti National Assembly.
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Iraq and Kuwait Close the File on Reparations, Look to Open a New Chapter
Iraq’s final reparations payment to Kuwait may open the door to increased cooperation, but competing visions and shared security concerns will shape the future.
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AGSIW Outlook: Trends and Developments That Will Shape the Gulf in 2022
AGSIW experts explain the regional trends they’ll be following most closely as the year unfolds.
What’s in Store for the Gulf Region in 2022?
AGSIW hosted a session as part of Gulf Intelligence’s Global UAE Energy Forum 2022: “What’s in Store for the Gulf Region in 2022?”
2022 Outlook
AGSIW's leadership and scholars assessed trends likely to shape the Gulf region and U.S. foreign policy in 2022.
UAE Security Forum 2021: U.S.-Gulf Relations in a Changing Region
From December 7-9, UAESF 2021 assessed geopolitical trends in the region.
Book Launch: A Political Economy of Free Zones in Gulf Arab States
On July 13, AGSIW hosted a discussion of Robert Mogielnicki's recent book, "A Political Economy of Free Zones in Gulf Arab States."
Climate Action in the UAE: A Conversation With H.E. Aisha Al Abdooli, UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
On June 17, AGSIW hosted H.E. Aisha Al Abdooli, acting assistant undersecretary for green development and climate change for the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
A Conversation With H.E. Nayef Falah M. Al-Hajraf, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council
Al-Hajraf provided insights on the GCC's current state of affairs following the Al Ula summit and renewed hopes for increased cooperation among its member countries.
Briefing on the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue
AGSIW hosted a media briefing with Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman on the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue.
A Conversation With H.E. Motaz Zahran, Ambassador of Egypt to the United States
As part of AGSIW’s Ambassadors Series, Ambassador Motaz Zahran discussed a range of domestic and international issues impacting Egypt, including relations with the United States and the Gulf Arab states.
Escaping a Zero-Sum Struggle Between Iran and Saudi Arabia
On February 26, AGSIW hosted a conversation with Ambassador Seyed Hossein Mousavian and Abdulaziz Al Sager.
2021 Outlook
AGSIW hosted a virtual private roundtable with its leadership and scholars as they looked ahead to assess trends likely to shape the Gulf region during the coming year.
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AGSIW Outlook 2021
AGSIW experts explain what regional trends they’ll be following most closely as the year unfolds.
Roundtable With H.E. Anwar Gargash
On January 19, AGSIW hosted a roundtable with H.E. Anwar Gargash, minister of state for foreign affairs of the United Arab Emirates.
The Outlook for U.S. Foreign Policy Under the Biden Administration
AGSIW hosted a session as part of Gulf Intelligence’s Global UAE Energy Forum 2021: “Outlook on the Year Ahead.”
Roundtable Discussion on Iraq
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Iraq Business Council, in partnership with AGSIW, hosted a roundtable discussion on the latest developments in Iraq and the region featuring Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman and Ali Alfoneh.
Iraq Briefing
AGSIW held a briefing on Iraq for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs with Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman, Hussein Ibish, Ali Alfoneh, and Ambassador Feisal al-Istrabadi.
Succession in Kuwait
The recent health issues of Emir Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah have revived concerns about succession in Kuwait.
Petro Diplomacy 2020
For the sixth consecutive year, AGSIW convened its Petro Diplomacy conference, this year virtually.
A Conversation With Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and CEO, World Energy Council
As part of the sixth annual Petro Diplomacy conference, Wilkinson discussed the ongoing energy transition and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on energy producers.
Kuwait After Emir Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah
On October 7, AGSIW hosted a virtual panel discussion on the future of Kuwait's leadership.
The Future of U.S.-Saudi Relations
On August 27, AGSIW hosted a virtual roundtable on the future of U.S.-Saudi relations.
A New Iraqi Government and the Future of the Popular Mobilization Forces
On June 10, AGSIW hosted a virtual panel discussion examining the future of the Popular Mobilization Forces and their relationship with the new Iraqi government.
Roundtable With Ibrahim Al-Muhanna
On May 14, AGSIW hosted a virtual private roundtable with Ibrahim Al-Muhanna, former advisor to the minister of energy, industry, and mineral resources of Saudi Arabia, and member of the board of directors of AGSIW.
Inherent Uncertainty: The Future of the U.S. Presence as Iraq Confronts Multiple Crises
On April 15, AGSIW hosted a virtual panel discussion analyzing the future of the U.S. military and diplomatic presence in Iraq.
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2020 Outlook: What AGSIW Will Be Tracking This Year
AGSIW experts explain what regional trends they’ll be following most closely as the year unfolds.
Discussion With Fareed Yasseen, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq
Fareed Yasseen, ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United States, examined the recent crises in Iraq, the fallout from the U.S. airstrike that killed Iran’s Quds Force commander Major General Qassim Suleimani, as well as the future of U.S.-Iraqi relations.
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U.S.-Iranian Tensions: Iraq
Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman discusses internal Iraqi dynamics amid tensions between the United States and Iran.
Strategic Implications of Iraq's Multiple Crises
On January 23, AGSIW hosted a panel discussion examining the recent crises in Iraq and the fallout from the U.S. airstrike that killed Iran’s Quds Force commander Major General Qassim Suleimani.
2020 Vision: AGSIW Assesses Threats and Opportunities in the Gulf
On January 8, AGSIW hosted a conversation considering the trends likely to shape the Gulf region in 2020.
UAE Security Forum 2019: Reshaping the Future of the Horn of Africa
For the fourth consecutive year, AGSIW convened the UAE Security Forum, where U.S., UAE, and regional partners gathered to find creative solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges.
Workshop on the Future of U.S.-Gulf Relations
On November 14, AGSIW hosted a workshop on the future of U.S. Gulf relations, featuring remarks by Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, undersecretary for international affairs of the kingdom of Bahrain.
An Assessment of U.S.-Saudi Relations With HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud
HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud provided his perspective on U.S.-Saudi relations and domestic and regional challenges facing the kingdom’s leadership.
Roundtable With H.E. Fuad Hussein, Finance Minister, Iraq
At this roundtable, part of AGSIW’s Iraq Initiative, H.E. Fuad Hussein discussed the wider government effort to rebuild the country after the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.
Petro Diplomacy: Challenges to the Energy Transition in the Gulf Countries
For the fifth consecutive year, AGSIW convened its Petro Diplomacy conference, bringing together private and public sector stakeholders to discuss emerging trends in energy markets and regional politics.
Taking Stock of the UAE’s “Year of Tolerance”
AGSIW hosted a roundtable discussion with Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of Hedayah, the International Center of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism; Maqsoud Kruse, executive director of Hedayah; and Yousef Al Obaidli, director-general of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.