The End of Hamas in Doha?
Where Hamas operates from matters less than the broader absence of any coherent vision – from Israel, the Palestinians, or the international community – for future Arab leadership in Gaza.
Politics and Governance
Can the Middle East Help Make America Great Again?
As President-elect Trump returns to the White House, he will find a transformed Gulf region, brimming with confidence and initiative; the best way to tap this energy is to consult the region and take on board the regional perspectives.
For Gulf States, Gaza War Overshadows Ukraine
The Gulf Arab states are continuing their balancing game around the war in Ukraine, though their attention is being pulled to the war in Gaza.
Security
Great Power Competition in the Red Sea
For the United States, the Houthi threat in the Red Sea should be treated as part of strategic competition instead of merely a local or regional challenge.
Syrian Democratic Forces’ Commander Worries About Turkey Action Against Kurds
A Turkish-led proxy force in Syria has begun an offensive targeting the Kurdish-majority city of Kobane, an action that Kurdish leaders warn will lead to ethnic cleansing and could derail the fight against ISIS in northeast Syria.
Gaza Impact Creep: Is the Fight Against ISIL a Casualty?
The commander of the U.S. partner force in Syria says the Gaza war is damaging internal security and regional support in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.
Economy
Saudi Arabia on Global Stage for 2034 World Cup
Hosting the World Cup will be a huge opportunity for Saudi Arabia, supporting Vision 2030 reforms. While preparations for the tournament will be costly, they will boost economic growth and could spur further social change.
The Bahraini Economy Might Benefit From Trump’s Tariffs
Bahrain’s free trade agreement with the United States might give Manama a golden opportunity to attract foreign capital and produce a diverse range of merchandise exports.
Sanctions on Syria: Iran's Economic Gains and the Gulf-U.S. Divide
On Syria, the United States risks becoming increasingly out of step with its key allies, who have moved toward diplomatic engagement.
Energy
For the OPEC+ Oil Producers, a Year of Caution Paid Off
As 2024 comes to a close, oil markets remain under a cloud of uncertainty shaped by geopolitical risks, weaker-than-expected Chinese demand, and an evolving energy transition landscape.
Trump 2.0: Oil Market Implications for the Gulf States
As Trump seeks to maximize U.S. oil and gas output and choke off Iran’s oil exports, he will have no qualms about leaning into oil market issues.
Aramco’s Diversification Strategy: Fueling Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Aramco’s journey reflects not just the shift in Saudi energy policy but a broader reimagining of what national oil companies can achieve on the global stage.
Environment
Facing the Storm: Gulf States Build Climate Resilience
Gulf governments are working to shift their strategies from natural disaster response to preemptive resilience strategies by identifying and mitigating risks before disasters occur.
Trees of the Gulf: Olive Trees and a Mediterranean Diet in the Desert
Saudi Arabia is challenging the Mediterranean’s 6,000-year hold on olive oil, but is this sustainable?
Trees of the Gulf: The Date Palm and the UAE’s Liwa Dates Festival
Gulf date festivals celebrate heritage and tell the story of tourism, trends, and entrepreneurship.
Society
Saudi National Day Evolves
Saudi Arabia's 94th National Day reflected a new seriousness in the kingdom, alongside the celebrations.
Khosh Fkra Reshapes Bahrain's Media
Khosh Fkra has grown from a podcast interviewing local business owners to a thriving media agency creating content from Bahrain to Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Will Gulf Camping Survive the Tourism Boom?
Even as they make heavy investment in tourism projects, including in remote areas, Gulf governments will need to ensure they do not lose sight of a camping tradition that celebrates a shared heritage tied to the region's wild places.
Arts and Culture
Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial Boosts Arts Accessibility
The increasing investment into public art shows a commitment by Abu Dhabi to expand access to the city’s cultural offerings.
“Gentle Porosities:” Mashael Alsaie’s First Solo Show Urges a Tenderness Toward the Land
In Hunna Art’s new space, Bahraini multimedia artist Mashael Alsaie takes visitors on a journey through a metaphorical whirlpool, hoping to inspire a gentleness toward the environment.
A New Silk Road: The Gulf’s Cultural Engagement With the Far East
Collaborations between the Gulf Arab states and Asia underscore a growing sentiment that culturally there is more in common between the Gulf and the Far East than there is between the Gulf and the West.
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Through its careful examination of the forces shaping the evolution of Gulf societies and the new generation of emerging leaders, AGSIW facilitates a richer understanding of the role the countries in this key geostrategic region can be expected to play in the 21st century.
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