The Trump administration emphasizes its differences with its predecessors, particularly the Obama administration, and claims to be pursuing radically different policies across the board. On foreign policy, in many cases the distinctions are primarily rhetorical rather than practical or are limited in scope. However, regarding Iran, new policies are emerging that could herald a new strategic approach, and in several key instances they are being put into practice. For most of the Gulf Arab countries, a willingness to combat Iran’s regional agenda is the most important aspect of U.S. regional policy and a litmus test of each administration.
On November 27, 2013 the Bureau International des Expositions elected Dubai as the host for World Expo 2020. By any measure a remarkable achievement, Dubai’s selection capped an astonishing rise for the city from obscure trading post to world-class status. Dubai is the first city in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia to host such a world event, which according to noted UAE commentator Abdulkhaleq Abdulla is indicative of a “momentum” that has “left everyone behind.” He further notes that “no other Middle Eastern and North African city is as global and glamorous as Dubai.”
For many conservative people in the Gulf Arab states, practicing medicine as a woman is still unacceptable. The nature of the job requires long absences from home and family responsibilities. It also requires interaction with men, which is against traditional cultural values. According to a public opinion survey, Saudi men are less likely to marry doctors and nurses because of their jobs. The hashtag #ترضى_تتزوج_طبيبة (#wouldyoumarryadoctor) has been trending on Twitter since 2012.
Bahrain has attempted some subsidy reforms as well as the implementation of new taxes and fees since 2015, though there have been several retractions or delays in reform initiatives. Initial plans to lift gas subsidies on January 8, that would have increased gas prices from 12 to 25 percent, were put on hold on January 23. And, unlike Saudi Arabia and the UAE who both implemented VAT on January 1, Bahrain has delayed plans – initially to mid-2018 and now to late 2018, per last week's announcement by Minister of Finance Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Khalifa.
Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene is becoming more vibrant by the day. The recent opening of social space as well as increased interest in Saudi artists of both genders has facilitated access and visibility to their work. Named after the geographical coordinates of Jeddah (21.5433°N, 39.1728°E), 21,39 – Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art festival – opened earlier this month with a number of exhibitions and workshops. Entitled “Refusing to Be Still,” the exhibition included the work of Ahaad al-Amoudi, a young multidisciplinary Saudi artist.
At a recent Valdai Discussion Club conference in Moscow, the Russian participants were highly critical of U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East (as were many speakers from the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. itself). The Valdai Club is a Russian forum for dialogue between Russian and foreign specialists on foreign policy issues, and the criticisms were not surprising given that this February’s session took place at a nadir in U.S.-Russian relations. Mark N. Katz is a non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute In Washington.
On February 22, AGSIW hosted a panel discussion analyzing the regional implications of U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s evolving Iran policies. The panel focused on the Trump administration’s shifting strategies and rhetoric with regards to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear agreement, the level of U.S. commitment to helping shape the outcome of the Syria conflict, and U.S. declarations encouraging recent protests in Iran.
Yemeni youth activists played a critical role in the popular movement that led to the end of Ali Abdullah Saleh’s presidency and the National Dialogue Conference that followed. In the wake of Saleh’s death, and suggestions of new alliances being formed, can Yemeni youth mobilize themselves again to serve as a catalyst for a negotiated end to the war and a transition to an inclusive, postconflict government? Is it even possible to imagine the resurgence of a cohesive youth “movement,” or have Yemen’s young people fragmented along with the rest of society? This panel addressed these questions and more.
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 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. 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 more
