China’s Saudi Arabia-Iran Mediation: An Important but Slender Achievement
China may be able to build on its breakthrough with more ambitious Gulf diplomacy, but, in the meantime, it appears Saudi Arabia and Iran are forging ahead on their own.
Regional Affairs
Omani and Saudi Economic Zones Create Avenues for Cooperation
Given Saudi Arabia’s economic might and Oman’s specialized knowledge, cooperation – rather than competition – in the economic zone space may serve both countries’ interests.
Iran and Saudi Arabia: Fragile Managed Rivalry
Tehran and Riyadh have agreed to restore diplomatic relations, however, every actor who stands to lose from the agreement has strong incentives to sabotage it.
Bahrain
Home of Khaleeji Hip Hop and R&B: Bahrain in the Gulf Music Scene
To Bahraini music producer Sarah Nabil, khaleeji hip hop and R&B are all about the grooves native to Arab cultural heritage and a language that is relatable.
Turkey-Bahrain Relations Getting Back on Track, as Erdogan Set to Visit Manama
Two old regional partners forge ahead with renewed diplomatic, economic, and security ties, putting frictions related to Qatar boycott in the rearview mirror.
A Conversation With Ambassador Steven C. Bondy
On November 8, AGSIW hosted a virtual roundtable discussion with Steven C. Bondy, the U.S. ambassador to Bahrain.
Kuwait
Charting a Path for Cycling the Arab World
As part of their regional economic diversification plans, Gulf countries are increasingly investing in sports-related ventures.
What It Means to be a Woman Crime Fiction Novelist
Best-selling Kuwaiti author Fadwa Al Taweel shares her experiences as a woman crime fiction novelist and offers insight into the state of crime fiction novels in the Arab world.
Constructing Mars in Kuwait: Young Kuwaitis Lead Space Sector Development
Lama Al-Oraiman, a winner of this year’s Emerging Space Leaders award, pushes for more space education in Kuwait, the development of a local space strategy, and the increased participation of women in the field.
Oman
Is Oman the “Switzerland of the Middle East”?
The concept of neutrality is often stretched, but using the term to describe Oman’s foreign policy risks losing track of Oman’s peculiarities, interests, and objectives.
Oman and the Power of Music as a Cultural Diplomacy Tool
The Omani hit song “Amatiyah” is promoting Omani culture and heritage to a global audience.
Oman Debuts at the 59th Venice Biennale With “Destined Imaginaries”
Oman is participating in the International Biennale of Arts in Venice with a multimedia group show highlighting the country’s conceptual art scene.
Qatar
Qatar Reshuffles Cabinet and Its Relations in the Gulf and Beyond
An immensely wealthy, pivotal energy supplier seeks to consolidate its regional position and retool its leadership ambitions.
2022 FIFA World Cup: Tourism Springboard or Critical Spotlight?
Despite subjecting the small Gulf state to criticism, over the long term, hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup enhances Qatar’s brand recognition and can help accelerate the country’s tourism agenda.
The Security Side of Qatar’s World Cup
Qatar is relying on a robust injection of security capabilities and training from partner countries to help it cope with the challenges and potential risks of hosting such a large international event and has worked to take advantage of this security response to drive its national security strategy.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Big Bet in Yemen
Saudi Arabia is looking for an exit from Yemen. While a Saudi withdrawal is unlikely to end Yemen’s civil war, the Saudis are likely to proceed if Iran can keep the Houthis onside.
“Listen to the Artist”: U.S. and Saudi Artists Develop Cultural Ties
Saudi and U.S. cultural programs provide an opportunity to bridge cultural differences – and showcase artists and performers blending artistic influences from the two countries – while harnessing sources for creativity and innovation.
Public-Private Partnerships in AI Emblematic of Saudi Efforts to Fulfill Ambitious Vision 2030 Goals
For Saudi Arabia, PPPs represent a critical means to accelerate major projects and attract investment, but they may highlight weaknesses, such as workforce limitations and lack of expertise to execute certain goals.
United Arab Emirates
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.
Event Report – UAE Security Forum 2022: Expanding Regional Partnerships for Security and Prosperity
This report is based on the presentations and discussions during the UAE Security Forum 2022, “Expanding Regional Partnerships for Security and Prosperity,” held on November 17, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Sultan Al Jaber’s COP28 Appointment Captures Key Climate Trends and Fault Lines
Beyond the criticism of environmental activists and praise of supporters, the appointment points to Gulf efforts to address the regional dilemma posed by climate change, highlights UAE exercise of soft power, and underscores U.S.-UAE cooperation.
Iran
The Iranian Opposition Abroad: Lack of Unity Limits Prospects
As long as the Iranian opposition lacks leadership, organization, and a shared vision for Iran’s future, it is unlikely to pose any serious challenge to the current Iranian regime.
Iran’s 2022-23 Protests: Why Has the Regime Survived?
The answer to this question can, in part, be found in the institutionalized nature of the Islamic Republic as well as the regime’s externalization of the crisis, ruthlessness, and pragmatism.
Iranian Protests and Tehran’s Regional Role
On February 14, AGSIW hosted a discussion on Iran's regional relationships amid ongoing protests.
Iraq
A New Opportunity for the Basra-Aqaba Pipeline?
While the Basra-Aqaba pipeline project promises economic, energy, and security benefits for Iraq and Jordan, high costs and political and security risks pose huge feasibility challenges.
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.
Sadr's Inevitable Comeback: How Will He Reenter the Political Game?
For the first time since 2005, Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has no clear political role and no formal road map to get back into politics until elections are held again in 2025. So where does this leave him and the Sadrist movement?
Yemen
The Evolving Iranian-Houthi Relationship Spells Trouble for Ending the Yemen Conflict
Iran has leverage, influence, and history with the Houthis. As Saudi Arabia tries to extract itself from Yemen, Tehran will utilize all three to prolong the conflict.
Book Talk – The Huthi Movement in Yemen: Ideology, Ambition, and Security in the Arab Gulf
On January 24, AGSIW hosted a discussion with Bernard Haykel and Joshua Rogers on this new book and the Houthi movement in Yemen.
From the Mountains, Into the Palace: The Houthis Won the War but Might Lose What Comes Next
The Houthis will be more vulnerable after the full withdrawal of Saudi and Emirati forces than they have been at any time during the war.
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