Saudi-Iranian Negotiations: Managing the Conflict and Gauging Broader Regional Impact
Moves to ease tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran are already creating ripple effects across the region.
Regional Affairs
Climate Change in the Middle East and North Africa: Hosting Negotiations and Catalyzing Action
The region seems to have jumped on the climate bandwagon, but its expanding ambitions also suggest it is trying to take control of the steering wheel.
Pakistan’s New Government’s Bid for Gulf Financial Support
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is appealing to Gulf partners for essential economic support, which could serve as a political lifeline for the new government.
Bahrain
Abdulla BinHindi: The Rise of NFT Art in the Gulf
A Bahraini artist and toymaker transforms his nostalgia-driven artistic practice into NFT art during the pandemic.
VAT Hike in Bahrain Points to Fiscal Challenges, Unattractive Choices Government Faced
Even though an increase in the VAT seems the most viable option, higher levels of public buy-in could be secured through greater transparency in fiscal policy.
Latifa Al Khalifa: A Local Curator Showcases Gulf Societies
From collecting wedding photos and exploring the evolution of khaleeji music to using humor to write about how people behave during the holy month of Ramadan, a Bahraini curator brings to light intriguing stories about Gulf societies.
Kuwait
Building a New Urban Identity: Revitalizing Kuwait City
There is a disconnect between Kuwait City’s history and the current spatial reality, but moving forward, the city can reshape itself to better mirror the identity of its people.
Old Playbook for New Kuwaiti Government Signals Further Stasis
An addictive recourse to the same political class and governance scheme suggests Kuwait’s new government, like its predecessors, will prove unable to effectively confront the country’s many challenges.
Despite Crisis-Easing Amnesty, Gridlock Remains a Real Possibility in Kuwait
The emir’s move to grant amnesty to members of the opposition is a start on the path to improve executive-legislative relations, but many issues remain unresolved.
Oman
Optimism for Oman: Economic Recovery With Caveats
There is renewed buoyancy for the Omani economy as rallied oil prices are expected to ease the execution of plans, big and small. Yet, public trust in government plans still falls short.
EU and Oman: Small Steps Toward a Stronger Partnership?
The EU and Oman share a complementarity of means and goals in the Gulf, and a recent aviation agreement is an important step in a trust- and relations-building process aimed at deepening ties.
Young Artists Animate Oman's Quiet Art Scene
Omani youth spearhead national pavilions in Dubai and Venice as upcoming artists Abdulrahim Al Kendi and Mays Al Moosawi draw recognition for their novel explorations of love, religion, and self-acceptance.
Qatar
Qatari Emir’s Visit Points to Deepening Cooperation With Washington, Despite Differences
The strengthening of U.S.-Qatar cooperation points to a Doha moment in Washington’s bilateral and regional relations, shaped by current crises.
Qatar’s Shura Council Elections: Incrementally Strengthening Local Politics
The new Shura Council is neither a democratic wand changing Qatar’s political culture nor a pointless exercise. Instead, it is a small evolutionary step in the state’s governance in a more democratic direction.
What to Expect From Qatar's First Legislative Elections
On September 30, AGSIW hosted a discussion ahead of Qatar's first legislative elections.
Saudi Arabia
“Jeddah Central” at a Crossroads: Development in an Age of People-Centered Urbanism
Still in its early stages, Jeddah Central can build on lessons from other urban renewal projects to focus on inclusive urban development to benefit all people rather than simply a select few.
World Defense Show Reflects Saudi Arabia’s Critical Juncture
This first World Defense Show in Riyadh captured a moment in time when the kingdom’s economy, its international relations, and particularly its strategic relationship with the United States all seem to be at a turning point.
A New Virtual Reality: The Growth of Esports and Gaming in Saudi Arabia
Beyond paying economic dividends, there are social and cultural interests at play in the Saudi gaming industry.
United Arab Emirates
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan: The Unassuming Leader Who Laid the Infrastructure for the UAE’s Transformation to a Modern State
Ambassador Marcelle M. Wahba, AGSIW president emeritus and former ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, reflects on the rule of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, following the May 13 death of the UAE's president.
UAE’s Lurking Unemployment Issue Raises Questions
With increasing unemployment and the introduction of taxes, Gulf citizens are beginning to ask questions about their economic future.
Opportunities and Challenges for the UAE’s Chinese Expatriate Community in a New Era
Dubai is the new entrepôt of China into the Middle East and Africa.
Iran
Implementing the China-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Not So Fast
While long on aspiration and flourish, implementation of the comprehensive strategic partnership has seemed short on substance, highlighting China’s long-held strategy of viewing Tehran as an expendable piece in its chess match with Washington.
Could Iran Replace Russian Oil and Gas?
A revived nuclear deal with Iran would untangle some energy knots while tightening others.
The Complications of Easing Iran Sanctions
Reopening the U.S. financial system to Iran might be one incentive to offer Tehran in possible follow-on talks, subsequent to a restoration of the JCPOA. Yet, even if offered, this sanctions relief might be difficult to put into practice.
Iraq
Internal Squabbles, Legal Challenges, and Muddled Policy Impede Kurdish Gas Exports
Europe is desperately seeking alternatives to Russian gas, but the Kurdistan Regional Government has some way to go before it can produce excess gas for exportation.
Pressure Mounts to Form Iraqi Government
Iraq’s government formation drama might continue, but public pressure could force rival parties to reach a deal after Ramadan.
Iraq’s Corruption and Rule of Law Deficits Nourish a Worsening Drug Problem
Since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, Iraq has become a transit country for drug cartels. And as social conditions in Iraq have deteriorated, drug addiction among Iraqis has increased.
Yemen
Yemen’s Presidential Council Launches a New Era
Whether the truce holds or not, Yemen’s conflict is moving into a new phase, with its own troubling issues.
Old Wine in New Skins: The Yemen Presidential Council
Yemen’s new presidential council was made in Saudi Arabia and backed by the UAE, which means it may struggle to find legitimacy on the ground.
The Ramadan Cease-Fire in Yemen
An agreement is likely still a long way off in Yemen, but at least some of the parties are starting to talk, listen, and, ever so slowly, compromise.
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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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