Gulf Countries Seek to Avoid Getting Drawn Into the Israel-Iran Confrontation
Gulf Arab states are yet again watching on the sidelines as other powers shape their present and future strategic environment.
Regional Affairs
Book Talk: Gulf Women’s Lives: Voice, Space, Place
On October 18, AGSIW will host a discussion on the lives of Gulf women, exploring how Gulf women negotiate spaces through their writing and focusing on women’s narratives.
Oil Prices Between Regional Conflict and the U.S. Presidential Election
On October 17, AGSIW will host a discussion on the implications of regional conflict and the U.S. presidential election on oil prices.
Bahrain
A Conversation With H.E. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
On October 1, AGSIW hosted a private roundtable with H.E. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the undersecretary for political affairs of Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Khosh Fkra Reshapes Bahrain's Media
Khosh Fkra has grown from a podcast interviewing local business owners to a thriving media agency creating content from Bahrain to Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The Evolution of Bahrain’s Post-Pandemic Economic Philosophy
Bahrain’s post-coronavirus economic strategy positions the government as a venture capitalist, providing capital for strategic investments, but at the same time offering regulatory support for the private sector.
Kuwait
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.
Virtual Roundtable on Kuwait
On May 22, AGSIW hosted a roundtable on developments in Kuwait.
Oman
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.
Oman Cultural Complex Highlights Shift in Arab Cultural Production
Through the Oman Cultural Complex, Oman joins its neighbors in a collective Gulf vision of the future while maintaining its lauded commitment to Omani cultural heritage.
Oman Capitalizes on Domestic, Regional Economic Momentum
Following progress addressing economic vulnerabilities, Oman is poised to enter a new phase of economic policymaking, armed with new policy tools and development initiatives.
Qatar
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.
Leaving a Legacy: How Qatar Is Leveraging the Success of the 2022 World Cup to Build a More Diversified Economy
On March 14, AGSIW hosted a discussion on economic diversification in Qatar.
Becoming “Neutral”: Addressing the Increasing Stakes of Qatar’s Hamas Mediation
To adapt to the post-October 7 environment, Qatar may need to abandon some long-standing policies and reemerge as a truly neutral broker and mediator.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi National Day Evolves
Saudi Arabia's 94th National Day reflected a new seriousness in the kingdom, alongside the celebrations.
Book Talk: Saudi Youth: Policies and Practices
On October 2, AGSIW hosted a discussion on Saudi youth policy development.
Trees of the Gulf: Olive Trees and a Mediterranean Diet in the Desert
Saudi Arabia is challenging the Mediterranean’s 6,000-year hold on olive oil, but is this sustainable?
United Arab Emirates
The UAE’s Network-Based Vision for Economic Integration
The United Arab Emirates’ global trade and investment policy is providing an alternative vision to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Trees of the Gulf: The Date Palm and the UAE’s Liwa Dates Festival
Gulf date festivals celebrate heritage and tell the story of tourism, trends, and entrepreneurship.
The UAE’s Path to Food Self-Sufficiency
While under current conditions achieving food self-sufficiency is likely to remain aspirational, taking bold steps could radically improve the UAE’s food security in the interim and make the goal of food self-sufficiency more achievable down the line.
Iran
Iran After the Lebanon Debacle: Suppress Domestic Dissent and Dash for the Bomb?
Undeterred by the politically and militarily decapitated Hezbollah, Israel is free to target critical components of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, and Iran's perceived weakness may fuel domestic opposition.
Iran’s New President Takes the Oath With Promise of Reform and Outreach
Iran has the capacity and desire to produce more oil and gas, but the need for new investment and the uncertain outcome of the U.S. presidential election in November represent key challenges.
Pezeshkian's Proposed Cabinet: The Art of the Possible
The Cabinet picks of Iran’s new president, largely technocrats, reflects Pezeshkian’s preference for consensus and continuity of former President Hassan Rouhani's foreign and economic policies.
Iraq
Chinese Firms Snag Iraqi Oil and Gas Blocks
Chinese investors are less risk averse than their Western counterparts, hence their strong showing in the latest upstream opportunities offered by Baghdad.
Iraq Moves to Tackle Climate Challenge
Iraq is stepping up efforts to reduce flared gas as the first solar power plant moves forward with France’s TotalEnergies.
Iraqi Provincial Elections Could Come With Major Political and Security Ramifications
The victory of pro-Iranian groups in Iraq’s provincial elections could exacerbate internal political tensions and raise concerns about regional stability.
Yemen
Day One Problems: Yemen
No matter who wins the presidency in November, the United States will need a strategy that allows it to protect free and open trade in the Red Sea without becoming bogged down in an open-ended conflict in Yemen.
A Conversation With H.E. Mohammed A. Al-Hadhrami and Timothy A. Lenderking
On September 18, AGSIW hosted a discussion on Yemen.
The Houthis’ Achilles Heel
In the short term, increasing economic pressure on the Houthis is likely to prompt them to reignite attacks on Saudi Arabia, while in the long term it could make reuniting Yemen into a single state all but impossible.
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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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