Iran Gets a New President and a Supreme Leader in Waiting
Long rumored to be the favorite to succeed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ebrahim Raisi will use the presidency as a steppingstone.
Politics and Governance
Libya’s Fragile Political Consensus Faces Daunting Challenges
Libya’s unity government is restoring ties with international partners and jumpstarting the country’s economy, but with a delicate political consensus will the interim government be able to deliver free and fair elections?
Kadhimi Triumphs Over the Militias, At Least for Now
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s arrest and detention of a powerful militia commander signals significant changes in Iraq as the country prepares for parliamentary elections.
Security
The Gulf Cooperation Council at 40: Finally Ripe for a Regional Security System?
The signing of the Al Ula agreement ending the GCC crisis may finally allow the Gulf countries to establish a regional security system, an endeavor that has been decades in the making.
Saudi Arabia’s New Dialogue With Iran was Long in the Making
New talks reflect a broad range of regional and international developments in recent years.
Yemeni Soldiers and the Battle for Pay
Lacking and intermittent payments to soldiers risk incentivizing local small wars that could persist regardless of whether a national conflict resolution deal is achieved.
Economy
Keeping the Spirit Alive: Vision 2030 Five Years On
Saudi government outreach acknowledges the strains of diversification plans and austerity measures while also seeking to renew the public’s interest in achieving the economic transformation's goals.
Oman's Protesters Seek Jobs and Reform
While the high rate of unemployment among youth sparked recent protests in Oman, the problem now goes beyond creating job opportunities.
Rising Crime and Insecurity in Iran
The Iranian government’s failure to devise policies to address the economic challenges facing Iranians has directly contributed to the rise of crime in Iran.
Energy
Qatar and Gaza’s Electricity: Mediation, Aid, and Expertise
As the largest liquefied natural gas exporter in the world and one of the few countries able to work and negotiate with various parties in Israel and Gaza, Qatar is uniquely positioned to work within Gaza’s energy sector.
Qatar Petroleum Comes of Age as it Assumes Sole LNG Ownership
After more than 25 years of working alongside international oil company giants, Qatar Petroleum has the technical capability and expertise to manage its own gas business. But it is unlikely to end all its partnerships.
Everything at Once: Transformation of Abu Dhabi’s Oil Policy
Abu Dhabi traditionally managed its oil and gas resources cautiously and conserved hydrocarbon wealth for future generations, but the energy transition is reshaping its strategy.
Environment
Pressure Builds on Gulf Countries To Take Climate Action
In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic dealt a significant blow to global climate diplomacy, but the strengthening of a number of trends might signal more momentous changes to come.
Oman’s Tradition of Environmental Protection Runs Into Economic Headwinds
The Omani government’s focus on protecting the natural environment and wildlife goes back decades, but a shift in authorities might jeopardize the country’s progress toward advancing its national climate strategy.
Gulf States’ Climate Change Policies Amid a Global Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic represents an opportunity to reevaluate existing policies and tools, and climate change provides the needed lens for redirecting development onto sustainable trajectories.
Society
Kuwait’s Ongoing Struggle Against Gender Violence
Grassroots activism demanding an end to gender-based violence in Kuwait has gained national traction and is encouraging more legislative action.
The Long Game in Iraq: Shia Clerics, Activists Find Common Cause To Confront the State
A new generation of Iraqis has formed an informal alliance with Iraqi clerics in a move that has the potential for a reimaging of the Iraqi state.
Keep the Faith: Mohammed bin Salman’s Message to Saudis
On April 27, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sat down for a television interview five years after the announcement of Vision 2030.
Arts and Culture
Latifa Al Khalifa: A Local Curator Showcases Gulf Societies
From collecting wedding photos and exploring the evolution of khaleeji music to using humor to write about how people behave during the holy month of Ramadan, a Bahraini curator brings to light intriguing stories about Gulf societies.
Children’s Literature in the Gulf: Reviving the Art of Local Storytelling
Local authors contribute to the region’s art of storytelling and revive the heritage of traditional tales.
101: Stimulating the UAE’s Grassroots Art Scene
During the coronavirus lockdown, young Emiratis set up a platform to support emerging local artists and engage with a wider audience to inspire curiosity and raise awareness about the local art scene.
Support Us
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.
Learn More