Rethinking Gulf Water Security
True water security in the Gulf involves finding a balance between water security and tradeoffs with other goals.
Regional Affairs
From Petrodollar Partners to Geo-Economic Rivals? Washington and the Arab Gulf States
On May 8, AGSIW will host a discussion on how U.S. geoeconomic policy is reshaping ties with Gulf states.
A Conversation With Ambassador Michael Ratney
On April 22, AGSIW hosted a conversation with Michael Ratney, the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain
Manama Story: Preserving the Soul of the City
The Manama Story project seeks to preserve the history of the Bahraini city, one archive at a time.
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.
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
Rahina: A Jeweler’s Ode to Dhofari Heritage
Through Rahina, Fatma al-Najjar is exploring her Dhofari heritage and tapping into ancestral memories, one piece of jewelry at a time.
Exploring Oman’s History, Culture, and Cuisine: A Conversation With Chef Dina Macki
On March 26, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the history of Omani cuisine.
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.
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
Will Trump’s Visit Mark a New Chapter in U.S.-Saudi Relations?
On May 15, AGSIW will host a discussion on Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Economic Diversification and the Current Account Deficit
Saudi Arabia has continued to make progress in diversifying its economy, although lower oil revenue, higher imports, and stronger remittance outflows pushed the current account into a small deficit in 2024.
Redlines and Realpolitik: Saudi Arabia’s Diplomatic Test Ahead of Trump’s Visit
Trump’s trip to Saudi Arabia has the potential not only to reinforce the deep-rooted U.S.-Saudi alliance but also to expose the fault lines that could undermine future cooperation.
United Arab Emirates
Independent Researchers Are Advancing UAE History on Social Media
Independent researchers and informal collaboratives have been connecting through social media to fill in gaps in popular knowledge of the United Arab Emirates’ pre-state era.
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.
Iran
The Obstacles to Getting to “Yes” With Iran
The ongoing negotiation process between the United States and Iran will be complex and volatile – while some of the most central issues might be soluble, sanctions issues might prove intractable.
The Real Deal? Are Washington and Tehran Closer to a Compromise?
On April 29, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the U.S.-Iranian nuclear negotiations.
Iran Eyes Russian Gas
Proposed Russian investments may come in handy as Iran attempts to develop its gas infrastructure, but international sanctions and geopolitics pose major problems.
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
See Something? Say Nothing: The Houthis’ Criminalization of Truth
The Houthis’ “Midri” campaign isn’t just about silencing Yemenis, it’s about blinding the outside world.
Betting Big in Yemen
For the Houthis, this is an existential fight. But the United States has a harder path to success.
Yemen’s Weakest Link: The Presidential Leadership Council
To eliminate the Houthis' capabilities, the United States will need the support of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, a body plagued by infighting and incompetence.
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Through its careful examination of the forces shaping the evolution of Gulf societies and the new generation of emerging leaders, AGSIW facilitates a richer understanding of the role the countries in this key geostrategic region can be expected to play in the 21st century.
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