Energy & Economics

Policy Analysis on Energy & Economics

What Saudi Arabia Wants from President Xi’s Visit

China is already one of the kingdom’s major commercial partners and a significant supplier of military and nuclear technology, but Riyadh wants more of each.

Dec 6, 2022

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Simon Henderson
Carol Silber

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani receives President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Doha, Qatar - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

UAE Leader Visits Qatar: An Advance, Not a Breakthrough

Sandwiched between meetings with a Taliban leader and Israel’s president, the Doha trip reflects the scope and versatility of Emirati diplomacy.

Dec 5, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Tunisians Pessimistic Ahead of Parliamentary Election

Socioeconomic unrest is growing in many parts of the country, and the series of elections planned this month and next year hold little prospect of bolstering public confidence in an increasingly autocratic government.

Dec 2, 2022

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Sabina Henneberg

Articles & Testimony

Inflation, Soccer, Russia’s Mischief—Will Anyone Pay Attention to OPEC+?

Whether or not the cartel tweaks production quotas at its next meeting, ongoing global crises and the approach of a dark, cold winter in Europe may yet cause economic shudders.

Dec 1, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Palestians on a Mediterranean beach in Gaza

Brief Analysis

Changing Population Patterns Will Reshape the Middle East

Several of the region’s demographic heavyweights will be surpassed, and major shifts at the global level may affect how great powers vie for influence there as well.

Nov 22, 2022

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Patrick Clawson

U.S. Army tactical microgrid equipment - source: U.S. Army

Brief Analysis

Using Microgrids to Provide Energy Security for U.S. Bases in the Middle East

The Ukraine war has shown how vulnerable military facilities are to potential attacks on a host country’s energy infrastructure, but Washington has cost-effective renewable options to mitigate this risk, especially in the Middle East.

Nov 21, 2022

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Nathan P. Olsen

New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attends the first regular session of the Council of Ministers in Baghdad in November 2022 - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Who Is Mohammed Shia al-Sudani?

A closer look at the new prime minister’s political career, past affiliations, and key cabinet picks as he attempts to balance relations with pro-Iran groups and wary U.S. officials.

Nov 18, 2022

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May Kadow
Erik Yavorsky

Fikra Forum

What Could Iraqis Gain from Their Oil Windfall?

Although Iraq stands to gain significant revenues from an oil windfall, urgent reforms are needed to ensure these funds benefit the people, not just the elites.

Nov 18, 2022

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Mohammed Hussein

Qatari and Saudi soccer players in the 2014 Gulf Cup final game - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Gulf Rivalries and the Qatar World Cup

Nearly two years after Gulf neighbors put a splint on their diplomatic fracture with Doha, persistent tensions and historic quarrels will form a major part of the competition’s backdrop.

Nov 17, 2022

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Simon Henderson

President Joe Biden waves from the steps of Air Force One - source: White House photo

Brief Analysis

Biden Heads to Egypt Amid Economic Protests and Libyan Gridlock

Although climate issues will by definition headline the latest COP summit, Egypt’s human rights record, simmering protest movement, and questionable policies in neighboring Libya will provide plenty of additional fodder for Biden’s discussions with Sisi.

Nov 10, 2022

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David Schenker
Ben Fishman

Brief Analysis

Iran’s Oil Exports Are Vulnerable to Sanctions

Iran continues to export significant volumes of oil, providing a key source of revenue for the regime—and a potential target for increased economic pressure.

Nov 9, 2022

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Henry Rome

Fikra Forum

In 2022 Polls, Views on U.S. Relations On Par with Other World Powers in the Middle East

Regional polls from March and August reveal shifting power dynamics, as economic conditions and relations with Israel continue to weigh on citizens’ minds.

Nov 9, 2022

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Frances McDonough

A cargo ship carrying Ukrainian grain passes through the Bosphorus - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

MENA Countries Stand to Lose the Most If the Ukraine Grain Initiative Falters

Russia will continue using the Black Sea corridors as leverage, so Western countries and their partners should prepare alternative routes and other assistance as counter-leverage.

Nov 8, 2022

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Anna Borshchevskaya
Louis Dugit-Gros
Sabina Henneberg

Saudi men take pictures at the Al Souda mountain - source: Reuters

Video

Brief Analysis

Inside Saudi Arabia: A Trip Report

After leading an extensive group visit throughout the kingdom, Washington Institute scholars offer insights from their encounters with leaders in government, religion, business, and culture.

Nov 4, 2022

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Robert Satloff
David Schenker

Fikra Forum

Two Years On, the Abraham Accords Bear Fruit

The Abraham Accords agreement between the UAE and Israel has made important steps in the direction of regional economic and political cooperation.

Oct 26, 2022

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Mohamed Maher

Articles & Testimony

How to Make the Most of Israel-Lebanon Maritime Deal

To maximize the benefits for the Lebanese people and regional stability, Washington must now increase pressure on Beirut to implement crucial reforms, particularly in the energy sector.

Oct 26, 2022

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Hanin Ghaddar

Brief Analysis

Snapback Sanctions on Iran: More Bark Than Bite?

Threatening to reimpose old UN sanctions would likely have little practical effect on Tehran’s ability to trade oil and export drones, while the plethora of other potential complications suggest that it should be treated as a tool of last resort.

Oct 25, 2022

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Henry Rome
Louis Dugit-Gros

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Israeli Startups Are Leading Efforts to Combat Food Insecurity

From barn owls and crop sensors to 3D-printed steak and animal-free baby formula, Israeli firms are finding—and exporting—innovative ways to address challenges in the agricultural and food sectors.

Oct 25, 2022

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Shaina Katz

◆ Asset Test

Articles & Testimony

When There's Good News About the Middle East, We Should Take Note

Israel’s maritime deal with Lebanon, facilitated by U.S. mediation efforts, reduces the risk of war and establishes a precedent in Lebanese recognition of a boundary line.

Oct 17, 2022

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Dennis Ross

Brief Analysis

Israel Debates the Lebanon Maritime Deal

The imminent election and the resultant rush to strike a deal are distracting from what could be a significant diplomatic and economic milestone for both countries.

Oct 13, 2022

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David Makovsky

Supported by the

Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy

The Washington Institute's Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy embodies the Institute's long-term research focus on the conservative Arab Gulf states -- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman -- and the key role these countries play collectively as a primary source of the world's oil and natural gas.

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