In New York, Saudis Dust Off Their Plan for Peace With Israel
The Arab Peace Initiative provides important clues to Saudi foreign policy calculations, even if controversy over OPEC+ oil production cuts diverts attention to Saudi oil policy.
Politics and Governance
Kuwait’s Parliamentary Elections and Individualism
Kuwait’s upcoming elections bring hopes for a new beginning for the executive and legislative branches of government. But that depends on the elections' outcome and the relationship forged with new government leadership.
What If Ayatollah Khamenei Had Not Been Resurrected From His “Death Bed”?
No matter who succeeds the supreme leader, the IRGC will be the most likely kingmaker.
Security
Shabwa and Cracks in the Foundation of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council
Recent fighting in Shabwa highlights lack of unity of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, threatening its ability to present a common front against the Houthis.
Does Iran Want the Nuke and How Fast?
Iranian leaders may find the current international circumstances more amenable to a dash to nuclear deterrence. But the risks are truly grave.
By Violent Means: Iraq’s PMF Descent From Popularity to Corruption and Repression
Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces will obstruct any reforms in Iraq that jeopardize the status quo and the militias’ political influence and hold over the state’s coffers.
Economy
Why is GCC Inflation So Low?
Consumer prices have risen much less in the Gulf states than in the United Kingdom and United States largely because of the idiosyncrasies of GCC economies.
The Legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai
If Dubai can accomplish an efficient post-expo transition into a sustainable and profitable city, then the first world exposition held in the Middle East could become the new international standard in legacy planning.
Expats Central to Gulf’s Post-Pandemic, Oil-Fueled Growth Plans
Regional governments are balancing a desire to attract high net worth individuals and skilled expatriates against the need to ensure the economic welfare of their citizenry.
Energy
Evolving Chinese Demand for Gulf Oil and Gas
China’s willingness to boost imports of discounted Russian crude oil reinforces why Gulf oil- and gas-producing states should strive for diversified energy partnerships.
Oil Price Rally Resumes After Biden Leaves Saudi Arabia
The U.S. president got promises but no firm commitments on an oil production increase during his visit to Saudi Arabia.
The European Union and Gulf Energy: A Gateway for Cooperation
In recent years, the EU has been inattentive to the GCC, but the immediate Ukrainian crisis and the long-term climate crisis have combined to jolt Brussels out of this complacency.
Environment
Gulf Net-Zero Pledges in a Challenging Global Energy Security Environment
Gulf states will have to reconcile their plans for increasing oil and gas production and investments in fossil fuels with their ambitious climate targets.
Climate Change in the Middle East and North Africa: Hosting Negotiations and Catalyzing Action
The region seems to have jumped on the climate bandwagon, but its expanding ambitions also suggest it is trying to take control of the steering wheel.
Building a New Urban Identity: Revitalizing Kuwait City
There is a disconnect between Kuwait City’s history and the current spatial reality, but moving forward, the city can reshape itself to better mirror the identity of its people.
Society
Iraq: Dangerous Landscape for Independent Journalism
Neutral journalism in Iraq is stifled by political parties that own media outlets and by armed elements using violence to silence scrutiny and criticism.
Iranian Efforts to Tout Arbaeen Pilgrimage – and Compete With Saudi Religious Soft Power – Boomerang
Poor organization and outsized financial support for pilgrimage blows back, inviting stinging criticisms of Raisi regime’s administrative competence and priorities.
Neither Bread nor Freedom in Iran
Protests are likely to continue flaring up in Iran as a function of the regime’s attempt at modernizing the country while denying personal and political freedoms to the children of modernization.
Arts and Culture
Qatar's World Cup and Public Art: Expanding the Field of Dialogue
As Qatar gears up to host the FIFA World Cup in November, Qatar Museums is ensuring that visitors get a taste of the country’s cultural scene through new public art installations.
Oman and the Power of Music as a Cultural Diplomacy Tool
The Omani hit song “Amatiyah” is promoting Omani culture and heritage to a global audience.
Sawtasura Captures the Voice and Lyrical Heritage of Saudi Women
Documenting the voice and lyrical heritage of Saudi women, the Sawtasura crowdsourcing platform opens new windows for historians.
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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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