DATE Wednesday September 26 TIME 12:30 – 2:00 pm LOCATION AGSIW SPEAKERS Ali Alfoneh, Bessma Momani, and Seyed Hossein Mousavian MODERATOR Hussein Ibish
DATE Sunday October 14 TIME 4:00 pm LOCATIONSmithsonian Freer Gallery of Art SPEAKERS Meshal Al Jaser and Ali Al Sumayin, Saudi filmmakers MODERATOR Kristin Smith Diwan, Senior Resident Scholar, AGSIW
For the better part of the past three and a half years, since a Saudi-led coalition entered Yemen’s civil war and dramatically changed its contours, the conflict has been referred to as the world’s “forgotten” war. In recent weeks, though, there have been signs that the war is forgotten no longer.
Reciprocity has long been a hallmark of Qatar’s foreign policy. The former Qatari prime minister and foreign minister, Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, summed up this idea nicely when a U.S. official thanked him for Qatar’s investment in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005 and he responded, “We may have our own Katrina one day.”
As economic conditions in Iran have begun to deteriorate again over the past months, public debate over corruption as one of the key factors behind the economic decline has intensified. Local newspapers, social media, and even government-sponsored broadcasting networks have been covering economic issues more closely. There has been a major shift among the Iranian public from attributing all blame to the West, including the reimposition of U.S. economic sanctions, toward acknowledging some of the domestic causes of the decline of the economy, such as corruption and economic mismanagement.
Today Saudi Arabia is becoming a new art destination in the Gulf, but Muhannad Shono began his career when the creative economy was not a domain to be celebrated in the kingdom. Muhannad has converted his personal struggles as a naturalized citizen and an outsider into distinctive artwork. Growing up in Saudi Arabia facing identity issues and harboring a love of storytelling, Muhannad has reimagined the social narratives that he grew up hearing. Read more
في الوقت الذي حذرت فيه روسيا القوات الأمريكية المنتشرة في قاعدة التنف الواقعة في المنطقة الحدودية الثلاثية بين سوريا والأردن والعراق، من أنها تعتزم مهاجمة تلك المنطقة بحجة مكافحة بقايا الإرهابيين فيها، وهو تحذير تزامن مع الحشود العسكرية السورية والروسية لشّن هجوم بري وجوي وبحري ضد آخر معاقل المعارضة المسلحة في محافظة أدلب، كشفت الولايات المتحدة أن الرئيس دونالد ترامب لم يعد مستعجلا لسحب القوات الأمريكية من شمال شرق سوريا، وأنه قَبل بخطة تقضي بابقاء القوات الأمريكية إلى أجل غير مسمى اطلع على المزيد
Even if the nuclear deal, or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, falls apart between Iran and the international community following the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement, war is unlikely. A full-fledged military confrontation is not in the interests of either the United States or Iran, so both parties will probably attempt to avoid one even if provoked. For now, both Washington and Tehran believe they are operating from positions of relative strength. However, they will eventually discover the limitations of what can be accomplished under current circumstances. Read more
After years of Tehran’s psychological operations and information warfare in Iraq, Washington has struck back. It released decade-old interrogation reports of Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq Iraqi Shia militia. The Tehran-backed militant-turned-politician, whose parliamentary group gained 15 seats in Iraq’s elections in May, was reportedly bidding for a cabinet position. Now, he faces public embarrassment. Read more
Last year’s Paris Agreement marked the first time all 190 UNFCCC members committed to keeping the average global temperature rise from pre-industrial times well below 2 degree Celcius. While a collective action is needed to turn this vision into reality, the responsibilities of each country will differ depending on their national circumstances. The economic reality of the GCC states – being blessed with oil and gas reserves – suggests controversy in terms of the region’s role towards climate change. Read more
In the Media
Ambassador Marcelle M. Wahba, AGSIW president, spoke with The National regarding the postponement of the U.S.-GCC summit.
Position Title:Senior Resident Scholar (Political Economy) Location: Washington, DC
Job Summary: One of three senior resident scholars, this position at AGSIW oversees the political economic portfolio at the institute. (S)he is responsible for producing regular high-quality, written analyses of key economic, trade, and financial developments in the Gulf region, and their broader geopolitical implications. Read moreVisiting Scholar
Position Title:Visiting Scholar Period: Spring 2019 Location: Washington, DC
Job Summary: 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. AGSIW will provide a stipend that can be used to cover living expenses, travel costs, or incidental research expenses. Read more
