With the new Taliban regime in Kabul, Saudi leaders are likely to remain cautious and keep a close eye on power dynamics. But they are likely to keep some channels of communication open with the Taliban to promote stability in the region.
The answer to this question can, in part, be found in the institutionalized nature of the Islamic Republic as well as the regime’s externalization of the crisis, ruthlessness, and pragmatism.
A downturn in Taliban-Qatari ties has indirectly contributed to an increase in engagement between the Taliban and the United Arab Emirates, suggesting the UAE may become the new regional interlocutor with the Taliban.
This report is based on the presentations and discussions during the UAE Security Forum 2022, “Expanding Regional Partnerships for Security and Prosperity,” held on November 17, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Drone exports and cooperation with Russia are part of a quid pro quo strategy that could provide a much-coveted boost to Iranian air defense and military hardware.
Vice Admiral Brad Cooper delivered the keynote address at UAE Security Forum 2022: Expanding Regional Partnerships for Security and Prosperity.
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.
Inconsistent policymaking, slowing growth figures, and a shrinking population may put to question China’s collective strength as an economic partner for the Gulf Arab states.
For many of Qatar’s neighbors, the World Cup has been an economic boon, potentially paving the way for future cooperation.
Oil market reports highlight uncertainties relating to the speed of the recovery in China and the impact of sanctions on Russian oil exports.
The oil market is showing concerns over weakening oil demand, and new Western sanctions on Russia have introduced an added element of uncertainty in a market already reeling from the repercussions of the Ukraine crisis.
Post-COP 27, Gulf countries have the opportunity to demonstrate a net-zero world is possible through leading by example and bringing together two competing visions of how to get there.
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 states will have to reconcile their plans for increasing oil and gas production and investments in fossil fuels with their ambitious climate targets.
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.
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.
More widespread, protracted, and violent, the evolution of protests under the Islamic Republic suggests a dangerous trajectory for the regime.
Saudi Arabia has made significant progress on women’s rights and labor force participation, but there is still a lot of work to do.
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.
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.
Entrepreneur and creative Mo Abedin launched Sandstorm Comics as a dedicated comic book production studio, educational space, and community site to fill a gap in the UAE’s creative industry.
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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