What are the fundamental impressions that Americans and Arabs from the Gulf states hold about each other? What are the cultural bases and key historical turning points that have shaped these impressions? How can both sides work together, and separately, to address concerns and rebuild confidence? On October 25, AGSIW hosted a discussion with James J. Zogby, who offered a detailed examination of these issues and more. Read more
Few outside forces that are not directly involved in the conflict in Iraq have more at stake in the outcome of the battle over Mosul than Gulf Arab countries. In particular, the war of words that has erupted between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi over the Turkish role in Iraq touches on a number of their most central concerns. As the offensive to reclaim Mosul from the brutal rule of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant has finally begun, Turkey has unexpectedly insisted on playing a direct role in the campaign. Read more
During the last week of September, Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Development Authority – along with other governmental agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, and The King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue – organized a five-day event at the United Nations secretariat building in New York City called “A Day in Riyadh.” In a clear attempt at rebranding, the organizers of the event sought to challenge Western assumptions about Saudi Arabia in general and its capital, Riyadh, in particular. Read more
مع دخول السباق الرئاسي شوطه الأخير، يجد العديد من الناخبين ربما أكثر من أي وقت مضى أنهم أمام خيارات أحلاها مرّ. المرشح الجمهوري دونالد ترامب يتمتع بتأييد حماسي، ولكن من قبل قاعدة غير واسعة، لا يمكنها لوحدها أن توصله إلى البيت الأبيض، كما أن حملته ساهمت في تعميق الاستقطابات السياسية والايديولوجية في البلاد، كما تنضح مواقفه بالتعصب الديني واحتقار بعض الأقليات والاستخفاف بالمرأة اطلع على المزيد
On October 21, AGSIW hosted a panel discussion examining the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act and its various impacts, as well as the international response and implications for U.S.-Saudi relations. Prince Turki Al Faisal, former Saudi ambassador to the United States, offered his thoughts on JASTA during the event. Read more
In the Media
On October 21, AGSIW hosted a panel discussion examining the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act and its various impacts, as well as the international response and implications for U.S.-Saudi relations. AFP covered the panel, noting comments by panelist Bernard Haykel, professor of near eastern studies at Princeton University, and Prince Turki Al Faisal, who offered remarks on JASTA at the conclusion of the discussion.
Speaking with Bloomberg, AGSIW Visiting Scholar Hala Aldosari discussed the reasons behind Twitter's popularity in Saudi Arabia. "People do not trust the official media," Aldosari said. "The only way for us to discuss these issues is through social networks like Twitter. It allows us to create groups of like-minded people.”
Director of Program Outreach and Communication Raymond Karam moderated the closing discussion at the Arabian Sights Film Festival on October 30. The panel of guest film directors and Arab film experts discussed the latest developments in Arab cinema and expectations for the future of an industry experiencing a relative renaissance. Panelists also discussed the wide range of sophisticated films tackling a variety of topics and receiving much critical acclaim locally and in international festivals, as well as the rising number of talented young Arab filmmakers.
Position Title: Research and Program Intern Department/Team: Programs and Communication Period: January through May 2017 Location: Washington, DC
Job Summary: The Internship Program at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (AGSIW) provides talented students and recent graduates with a three-month (or longer) unpaid training opportunity designed to encourage professional and personal development. As a newly established organization, we encourage out-of-the-box thinking and value fresh perspectives. AGSIW will provide interns with a transportation stipend for the duration of the internship. Read more
