External Forces Hold the Key to Libya’s Cease-Fire
There is renewed momentum to resolve Libya’s conflict, but will foreign powers, like the UAE, Turkey, and Russia, abide by the terms of the new cease-fire agreement?
Regional Affairs
Cracks Showing in OPEC+ Alliance as Ministerial Meeting Approaches
Signs of strain within OPEC could reflect negatively on the market by casting doubt on the commitment of OPEC+ countries to adhere to production targets.
Redefining Gulf Security Begins by Including the Human Dimension
The coronavirus pandemic has come as a reminder of the urgent need for a renewed approach to security that no longer focuses merely on the political and military aspects of security but includes a broader look at people-centered dimensions.
Bahrain
Death of Bahrain’s Prime Minister Promotes Reformer, But Perhaps Not Reforms
The death of the traditional and uncompromising Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa clears the way for the reformist crown prince to head the government. Still, state and financial security will continue to top Bahrain’s priorities.
Virtual Roundtable With Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa
On April 23, AGSIW hosted a virtual private roundtable with H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, ambassador of Bahrain to the United States.
Why Bahrain is Embracing Normalization With Israel
While the UAE had a complex range of goals, Bahrain is focused on Iran.
Kuwait
Roundtable With Alina L. Romanowski, U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait
Romanowski provided her on-the-ground perspective on Kuwait's response to the coronavirus pandemic, U.S.-Kuwaiti relations, and Kuwait’s role in the Gulf and Middle East.
The Legacy of Emir Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah: Statesman, Mediator, and Father of Modern Kuwait
On September 29, Kuwait announced the passing of Emir Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah.
Kuwaiti Foreign Policy Under Sabah al-Ahmed
With the current makeup of Kuwait’s political system, popular influence will continue to play a role in charting Kuwait’s foreign policy.
Oman
Oman’s Tradition of Environmental Protection Runs Into Economic Headwinds
The Omani government’s focus on protecting the natural environment and wildlife goes back decades, but a shift in authorities might jeopardize the country’s progress toward advancing its national climate strategy.
Oman’s Economic Reforms Struggle To Keep Pace With Mounting Challenges
The unpredicted fallout from the coronavirus pandemic shortly after the new sultan ascended the throne not only raises the stakes associated with reform implementation but also will test the population’s ability to shoulder new economic burdens.
Oman Restructures Government in Bid To Revive Economy
Sultan Haitham’s 28 royal decrees aim to centralize and empower the government, but they are only the beginning of reforms in the sultanate.
Qatar
Qatar, the Taliban, and the Gulf Schism
Qatar’s mediation efforts and activist foreign policy set up a Manichean split between opposing world views.
Qatar Balances Fraught Regionalism Against Uncertain Globalization
In order to remain a relevant actor in the global economic order, Qatar has established a middle ground between the trends of regionalism and globalization through a strategic strengthening of bilateral partnerships.
Qatar Shuffles Back to the Future
Qatar’s recent Cabinet reshuffle and announcement it will withdraw from OPEC are decisions that are not likely to herald a strategic shift in the country’s direction, but they do demonstrate that Doha is, once again, pursuing its own regional interests.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia and the G-20
AGSIW hosted a virtual private roundtable to discuss Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy and attract investments, its presidency of the G-20, recommendations of the T20 group of think tanks, and the outcomes of this year’s G-20 meeting.
Saudi Tourism to Turkey Suffers as Bilateral Tensions Grow
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Turkey may continue to push Saudi tourists to choose other destinations, adding pressure to an already struggling Turkish economy.
G-20 Summit Signals Start of Challenging Decade for Saudi Economic Transformation
Saudi policymakers face the dilemma of how to accomplish ambitious Vision 2030 targets with fewer financial resources and more uncertainties.
United Arab Emirates
What the F-35 Deal Says About U.S.-UAE Relations
The fast tracking of the F-35 sale to the UAE raises questions regarding the incentives motivating all actors involved in the deal.
UAE-Israel Economic Ties Proliferate in the Wake of Normalization
Economic ties between the UAE and Israel are moving rapidly in many different directions, but the hard work lies ahead.
Nuclear Power in the Middle East: The Politics of Stakeholder Coalitions
The creation and management of domestic and external stakeholder coalitions is intrinsic to a sustained commitment to nuclear energy in the UAE.
Iran
Rather Than Addressing Poverty, Iran Cracks Down on Dissent
The rise of economic hardships, widespread poverty, and increasing use of violence by the Islamic Republic are major grievances dominating state-citizen relations.
Iran’s Post-Sanctions Weapon Purchases: Ambition Collides With Reality
Iran will do as it always has – seek to quietly develop asymmetric capabilities, ideally built domestically, and only purchase the few items that it cannot make hoping to counter key U.S. military capabilities.
Deepening Poverty Threatens the Social Contract in Iran
“Public welfare” and “social justice” have been key slogans of the Islamic Republic’s political narrative. However, sanctions, corruption, and inadequate government policies have accelerated the rate of poverty in Iran.
Yemen
Roundtable With Lise Grande, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Yemen
On May 4, AGSIW hosted a private virtual roundtable with Lise Grande, the United Nations resident coordinator for Yemen.
Will Reviving the Riyadh Agreement Quell Conflict in South Yemen?
A rigorous dialogue process will be necessary for the Riyadh Agreement to make a real, lasting difference.
Rebuilding Yemen’s Maritime Forces Hobbled by Internal and External Rivalries
Without a durable political agreement to end Yemen’s conflict, the country will remain divided, unable to assume a coherent stance on issues affecting maritime stability.
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