One year after a crucial turning point in the war in Syria – the fall of rebel-held parts of Aleppo to pro-regime forces – the once closely linked and relatively coherent struggle inside the country has fragmented into a series of intense, but highly localized, battles that, at first glance, appear only loosely connected: a dramatic flare-up in the south of Syria pitting Israel against Syrian government and Iranian forces; a bitter battle between Turks and Kurds in the north, also involving a tense standoff between fellow NATO members Washington and Ankara; and a horrifying series of attacks by the Assad regime, both in the far-flung north and Damascus’ own suburbs, with hundreds of civilians killed in a few days.
Since the opening of the Kuwaiti Parliament’s current session on December 19, 2017 opposition members of parliament have moved aggressively to stymie the government’s austerity agenda. These efforts appear to have raised serious concerns within Kuwait’s government. While it has implemented austerity measures, the extent of opposition hampers government attempts to allay public concern over Kuwait’s long-term prosperity.
If you are in the construction business and a Gulf government is your client, be sure to be paid in advance.The collapse of a major international construction and contracting firm, with many projects in the Gulf Arab states, has rattled the industry. Carillion, the British construction firm, failed to secure financing to continue its operations. Like the Bin Laden Group and Saudi Oger, Carillion has proved that the construction of megaprojects in the Gulf, however lucrative and central to state-led development plans, is full of pitfalls.
المواجهة العسكرية الأخيرة بين قوات التحالف الدولي الذي تقوده الولايات المتحدة وقوات موالية للنظام السوري حاولت التقدم ضد موقع لقوات سوريا الديمقراطية المتحالفة مع الولايات المتحدة شرق نهر الفرات، وأدت إلى مقتل أكثر من 100 عنصر من القوات المهاجمة، كانت متوقعة وحتى حتمية، لأنها تعكس السياسة الثابتة لنظام الأسد وحليفيه الرئيسيين إيران وروسيا، أي استعادة السيطرة على أكبر قدر ممكن من الأراضي السورية التي وقعت تحت سيطرة القوى المعادية للنظام في دمشق خلال السنوات السبع الماضية.
In addition to original content, AGSIW.org in Arabic is regularly updated with new Arabic translations of AGSIW's analysis. Recent translations include:
Speaking with Arab News, Ambassador Marcelle M. Wahba, AGSIW president, discussed the escalating regional tensions surrounding Iran’s increasing involvement in the conflict in Syria. Speaking with Axios, Senior Resident Scholar Hussein Ibish commented on U.S. airstrikes against pro-regime forces in Syria.
Department/Team: Publications and Digital Media Hours: Part Time (20+ hours/week, no benefits) Location: Washington, DC
Job Summary: This position is responsible for supporting the Publications and Digital Media team by contributing to the development and production of engaging, innovative, and high-quality audio, video, and graphic content. Read moreVisiting Scholars
Department/Team: Senior Resident Scholars Period: Fall 2018 Location: Washington, DC
About the Candidate: Visiting scholars are individuals who possess a PhD or equivalent professional experience, and whose primary purpose for residence at AGSIW is to conduct independent research. The length of stay for a visiting scholar is typically a semester or academic year. AGSIW is actively seeking candidates with significant regional experience and fluency in written and spoken Arabic. Read moreInternships
Position Title:Program and Digital Media Intern Period: May – August 2018 Location: Washington, DC
Job Summary: The Internship Program at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington provides talented students and recent graduates with a three-month (or longer) training opportunity designed to encourage professional and personal development. We encourage out-of-the-box thinking and value fresh perspectives. Interns will receive a monthly stipend. Read more
