China’s Saudi Arabia-Iran Mediation: An Important but Slender Achievement
China may be able to build on its breakthrough with more ambitious Gulf diplomacy, but, in the meantime, it appears Saudi Arabia and Iran are forging ahead on their own.
Politics and Governance
Saudi Arabia’s Big Bet in Yemen
Saudi Arabia is looking for an exit from Yemen. While a Saudi withdrawal is unlikely to end Yemen’s civil war, the Saudis are likely to proceed if Iran can keep the Houthis onside.
Qatar Reshuffles Cabinet and Its Relations in the Gulf and Beyond
An immensely wealthy, pivotal energy supplier seeks to consolidate its regional position and retool its leadership ambitions.
Security
Saudi-Houthi Backchannel Talks Alone Can’t Bring Lasting Peace to Yemen
Saudi-Houthi backchannel talks will not succeed in generating a comprehensive political settlement unless the concerns and grievances of all Yemeni factions as well as the region's long-term stability are given due consideration.
Countering Smuggling in the Arabian Sea: Multinational Approach Delivering Results
Despite the growing effectiveness of maritime operations along the route from Iran to Yemen, drug and weapons trafficking remains a serious threat with consequences for regional security.
The Evolving Iranian-Houthi Relationship Spells Trouble for Ending the Yemen Conflict
Iran has leverage, influence, and history with the Houthis. As Saudi Arabia tries to extract itself from Yemen, Tehran will utilize all three to prolong the conflict.
Economy
Omani and Saudi Economic Zones Create Avenues for Cooperation
Given Saudi Arabia’s economic might and Oman’s specialized knowledge, cooperation – rather than competition – in the economic zone space may serve both countries’ interests.
The Surge in Gulf Stock Markets: Gains From Institutional Reforms
Amid a global financial slump, government reforms in the Gulf Arab states have helped stock markets achieve a remarkable boost in market capitalization.
Public-Private Partnerships in AI Emblematic of Saudi Efforts to Fulfill Ambitious Vision 2030 Goals
For Saudi Arabia, PPPs represent a critical means to accelerate major projects and attract investment, but they may highlight weaknesses, such as workforce limitations and lack of expertise to execute certain goals.
Energy
A New Opportunity for the Basra-Aqaba Pipeline?
While the Basra-Aqaba pipeline project promises economic, energy, and security benefits for Iraq and Jordan, high costs and political and security risks pose huge feasibility challenges.
Oil Markets Stable but Chinese Demand Surge and Russian Output Cut Pose Risks
Whether oil supply will match an anticipated demand surge hinges on Russia’s response to sanctions and OPEC+ output policy.
IEA Projects Record Oil Demand in 2023, but Russia and China are Key
Oil market reports highlight uncertainties relating to the speed of the recovery in China and the impact of sanctions on Russian oil exports.
Environment
Sultan Al Jaber’s COP28 Appointment Captures Key Climate Trends and Fault Lines
Beyond the criticism of environmental activists and praise of supporters, the appointment points to Gulf efforts to address the regional dilemma posed by climate change, highlights UAE exercise of soft power, and underscores U.S.-UAE cooperation.
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.
Society
Charting a Path for Cycling the Arab World
As part of their regional economic diversification plans, Gulf countries are increasingly investing in sports-related ventures.
Women in Afghanistan are Inspired, Emboldened by Protests in Iran
The women-led uprising in Iran unified diverse groups of Iranians and drew support from across the world. It is now motivating Afghan women to pluck up the courage and push back against the Taliban.
Iran’s 2022-23 Protests in Perspective
More widespread, protracted, and violent, the evolution of protests under the Islamic Republic suggests a dangerous trajectory for the regime.
Arts and Culture
“Listen to the Artist”: U.S. and Saudi Artists Develop Cultural Ties
Saudi and U.S. cultural programs provide an opportunity to bridge cultural differences – and showcase artists and performers blending artistic influences from the two countries – while harnessing sources for creativity and innovation.
What It Means to be a Woman Crime Fiction Novelist
Best-selling Kuwaiti author Fadwa Al Taweel shares her experiences as a woman crime fiction novelist and offers insight into the state of crime fiction novels in the Arab world.
Home of Khaleeji Hip Hop and R&B: Bahrain in the Gulf Music Scene
To Bahraini music producer Sarah Nabil, khaleeji hip hop and R&B are all about the grooves native to Arab cultural heritage and a language that is relatable.
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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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