A showdown on Capitol Hill over what is potentially one of the most far-reaching and consequential pieces of foreign policy legislation in many years was set up on Friday, September 23, when U.S. President Barack Obama vetoed the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA). Read more
Change comes slowly in the patriarchal and religiously conservative society of Saudi Arabia. Yet women in the Saudi legal profession have achieved a phenomenal transformation in a relatively short period of time. This result is, in part, a reflection of the Saudi government’s new focus on increasing women’s participation in the labor market. But this rapid integration also came about due to the strategy adopted by women lawyers themselves to deal with the social controversy regarding their participation in the profession. Read more
In this paper, Kristian Coates Ulrichsen puts the attempts by Gulf Arab states and Iran to launch large-scale development programs into historical and comparative context. Strategic “visions” have been a hallmark of regional policymaking for more than two decades but persistent difficulties in implementation have meant that the plans have fallen far short of intended outcomes. Read more
يتوقع المراقبون والخبراء في الشؤون الانتخابية أن يراقب حوالي 100 مليون نسمة المناظرة الأولى بين المرشحة الديموقراطية هيلاري كلينتون ومنافسها الجمهوري دونالد ترامب ما يعني أنها ستكون المناظرة التي سيراقبها أكبر عدد من الأمريكيين منذ المناظرة الأولى بين الرئيس جيمي كارتر ومنافسه الجمهوري رونالد ريغان في 1980 والتي راقبها أكثر من 80 مليون نسمة اطلع على المزيد
Embrace Doha began with the simple idea that a two-way dialogue can create sustainable friendships and connections, and at the same time aid in the preservation of Qatar’s traditional identity as it undergoes intense development and transformation. Founder Amal Alshammari intends for her initiative to be a cultural resource that increases understanding between the Qatari and non-Qatari communities. Read more
There is a certain irony in the Arab Gulf states’ rising power across the Middle East and North Africa. International prestige, the ability to intervene militarily in regional conflict, and holding the same leverage as international financial institutions in aid and investment are what these states have long coveted. But now that they have the power – both economic and military – Gulf states like Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are faced with the dilemma of demonstrating their dominance without destroying the neighbourhood. Read more
As the 71st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) wraps up, it is time to reflect on the headline-grabbing speeches and powerful stances expressed by world leaders. For his part, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef addressed the country’s efforts to combat radicalism and urged Iran to exercise a “Good Neighbor policy.” Read more
A protracted period of dramatically lower oil prices has ushered in momentous challenges for Gulf Arab states and oil producing countries around the world. AGSIW hosted a daylong conference, “Petro Diplomacy: Challenges in the New Energy World,” focusing on key drivers of the oil price outlook, upstream oil investment strategies, economic and energy policy reforms in the GCC, and the impact of lower prices on foreign policy agendas at the regional and global levels. Read more
On September 22, AGSIW hosted undergraduate and graduate students from the Gulf region and U.S. students focused on the Gulf and the broader Middle East for its second annual student open house and reception. Read more
In the Media
AGSIW Board Chair Ambassador Frank G. Wisner and Board Member Ambassador Thomas Pickering are among a bipartisan group of former officials who have signed a letter urging Congress to uphold U.S. President Barack Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act.
Position Title: Associate – Cultural Programs Department/Team: Programs and Communication Period: Part Time (25 hours/week, no benefits) Location: Washington, DC
Job Summary: The cultural associate will be responsible for proposing and implementing cultural programming at AGSIW, such as panel discussions, film screenings, art exhibitions, and music performances. The associate will monitor the arts and culture scene in the GCC countries and help shape the direction of AGSIW cultural programming. The associate will provide administrative, communication, and logistical support to the programs team to plan and execute cultural programming. Read more
Position Title: Research Associate (Economic Analysis) Department/Team: Senior Resident Scholars Period: Part Time (20-25 hours/week, no benefits) Location: Washington, DC
Job Summary: Provide research assistance and administrative support to senior resident scholars at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. At the direction of the scholars, conduct research on Gulf politics, foreign policy, finance, macroeconomics, and U.S. policy toward the region. Monitor contemporary developments in the Gulf states and in U.S. policy, including reviews of regional and international media. Source data, compile bibliographies, and write summaries on relevant topics. Create charts and graphics for AGSIW publications. Provide administrative, communications, and logistical support to senior resident scholars, and perform additional tasks as requested. Read more
