What’s Behind the Arab Alternative to Trump's Gaza Proposal
The GCC +2 meeting, followed by the Arab League, has to take Trump's dangerously implausible ideas about Gaza seriously, but Israel won't countenance the Arab states’ alternative.
Regional Affairs
Sanctions on Syria Prevent Economic Recovery and Rebuilding the Country
For Syria to have a chance at stability, the United States and the EU need to urgently consider lifting the layers of economic sanctions imposed on Syria under Assad and allow Gulf countries to help rebuild the war-torn country.
Fashion Trust Arabia Unites Creative Voices in Middle Eastern Fashion
From innovative designs to a collaboration with Morocco, Fashion Trust Arabia brings energy to the region’s fashion community.
Bahrain
Fablemill: Bringing Stories From the Region to Life
Through Fablemill, Eman Alsabah and her team are creating content that celebrates the region’s diverse stories and speaks to a global audience.
The Bahraini Economy Might Benefit From Trump’s Tariffs
Bahrain’s free trade agreement with the United States might give Manama a golden opportunity to attract foreign capital and produce a diverse range of merchandise exports.
“Gentle Porosities:” Mashael Alsaie’s First Solo Show Urges a Tenderness Toward the Land
In Hunna Art’s new space, Bahraini multimedia artist Mashael Alsaie takes visitors on a journey through a metaphorical whirlpool, hoping to inspire a gentleness toward the environment.
Kuwait
Briefing for Kuwaiti Diplomats
On November 22, AGSIW hosted a briefing for a delegation of Kuwaiti diplomats.
Kuwait’s Big New Offshore Oil Find
Can the offshore Al-Nokhatha discovery help Kuwait’s oil and gas investments sail ahead?
With New Crown Prince Kuwait Bucks Gulf Succession Trends
The emir’s naming of Sabah al-Khaled al-Sabah – a noncontroversial politician and an experienced diplomat – as crown prince may help traverse Kuwait’s fissures, but there is still a long road ahead.
Oman
Oman’s Bid to Attract Investment
As Oman pursues its Vision 2040 reform agenda, many opportunities could stem from closer economic and long-term alignment with neighbors and other major trading partners.
Militarized Nationalism: Oman’s Military Discipline Program
Oman’s Military Discipline Program uses military codes to promote top-down objectives, such as strengthening social cohesion, responsibility, and a sense of national belonging among young Omanis.
Hand Into the Past: Omani Artist Kawthar Al Harthi’s Contemplative Creative Practice
Collagist and installation artist Kawthar Al Harthi uses mixed media to excavate material histories and personal memories.
Qatar
Qatar's Adroit Post-October 7 Diplomacy
Qatar appears to have turned a serious potential liability, its long-standing support for Hamas, into diplomatic advantage.
The End of Hamas in Doha?
Where Hamas operates from matters less than the broader absence of any coherent vision – from Israel, the Palestinians, or the international community – for future Arab leadership in Gaza.
No Low-Hanging Fruit to Help Qatar With Its Food Security Challenges
Qatar is working to boost local food production while coping with daunting obstacles, including falling aquifer levels, a paucity of arable land, and broader climate-change issues.
Saudi Arabia
Discovering New Gold: Culture and the Future of Saudi-U.S. Relations
With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s bold blueprint for the future, culture is being elevated as a fundamental pillar of the Saudi-U.S. alliance.
The Trump Effect: The Potential Impact of the U.S. President on the Saudi Economy
Economic growth looks set to accelerate in Saudi Arabia this year, but the policies of President Donald J. Trump are creating considerable uncertainty for the outlook.
Distinguishing Myth From Reality: Saudi Arabia’s Trade and Investment With the United States
Saudi Arabia is an important economic and financial partner for the United States, but the dimensions of actual and potential Saudi investments and trade with the United States are currently being exaggerated.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE’s Humanitarian Aid Agenda
The use of pragmatic humanitarianism allows the UAE to advocate for strategies that reduce human suffering while also serving its national security interests.
Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial Boosts Arts Accessibility
The increasing investment into public art shows a commitment by Abu Dhabi to expand access to the city’s cultural offerings.
Book Talk: The Development of An Art History in the UAE
On December 3, AGSIW hosted a discussion on contemporary art in the United Arab Emirates.
Iran
The Decline of Iran’s Proxy Network
The “axis of resistance” that Tehran built has weakened considerably. And Iran is facing a dilemma that is a culmination of a pivotal year of setbacks and miscalculations.
Iran’s Options Narrowing Rapidly
With nearly all its obvious national security pathways closed, Iran might be left with no option other than to turn inward toward addressing its domestic strains while seeking de-escalation with adversaries and downplaying its drive for regional influence.
Tougher Sanctions on Iran May Help Other OPEC+ Producers
The global oil market will be challenging for OPEC+ members in 2025, although the likelihood of tougher sanctions on Iranian oil exports under the Trump administration may create space for production increases by other OPEC+ members.
Iraq
BP’s Return to Kirkuk
A new deal between the Iraqi government and BP to develop oil fields in Iraq's most contested province could rekindle a century-old flame between Baghdad and Erbil.
China's Rise in Iraq's Energy Sector: From Newcomer to Dominant Player
While Iraqi leaders consistently emphasize the importance of Western investment in their energy sector, their actions instead are increasing Iraq’s dependence on Chinese markets and oil firms.
The Kurdish View on the U.S. Election
Iraq’s Kurdish population may benefit more from a consistent U.S. foreign policy under Harris than the unpredictability of another Trump term.
Yemen
The Terror Designation: Houthis Scramble While Dismissing Its Impact
While not without risks, Trump’s redesignation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization is a powerful diplomatic tool for Yemen’s government.
The Coming War in Yemen
Trump’s executive order redesignating the Houthis a foreign terrorist organization threatens direct military action against the Houthis, raising the possibility that the United States could get sucked into another long-term conflict in the Middle East.
Great Power Competition in the Red Sea
For the United States, the Houthi threat in the Red Sea should be treated as part of strategic competition instead of merely a local or regional challenge.
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