Energy & Economics

Policy Analysis on Energy & Economics

Egypt, Israel, and Hamas: Opportunities for Progress in Gaza

Cairo is signaling more initiative than ever on rebuilding Gaza, curbing Hamas, and openly engaging Israel, but longer-term progress will require greater international donor resources and U.S. diplomatic support.

Apr 19, 2022

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Ramy Aziz

Brief Analysis

Saudi-Kuwaiti Tensions with Iran over Offshore Gas Field

A relatively straightforward legal dispute could have geopolitical consequences.

Apr 18, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Ukraine Invasion Ushers in Algeria’s Return

Although the wave of Western overtures is understandable, Algeria is unlikely to make up for Europe’s energy supply gaps or take other actions that give the appearance of choosing sides.

Mar 28, 2022

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Geoff Porter

Brief Analysis

Between Maritime Law and Politics in the East Mediterranean

Given the region’s fraught history and piecemeal legal frameworks, the parties and their allies should focus more on the political, economic, and security concerns underlying their legal disputes.

Mar 24, 2022

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Alexander Loengarov

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking

Brief Analysis

Khamenei Declares His New Year’s Resolutions for Iran

His Nowruz speech largely sidestepped foreign policy and the nuclear negotiations, instead focusing on his vision for making the country more self-reliant via a knowledge-based economy.

Mar 22, 2022

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Omer Carmi

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in 2018 - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

The Middle East—Read “Energy”—Complicates Ukraine Crisis

A new gas deal with Germany may help, but the Gulf states are taking a risk by intertwining urgent Western energy requests with seemingly tangential regional issues.

Mar 22, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

The Baghdad-Kurdistan Energy Arena: Policy Opportunities

Washington has many good options for avoiding a Kurdish economic meltdown and turning Iraq’s internal energy dispute into a net win for all players, but it must pursue them quickly.

Mar 22, 2022

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Michael Knights

Brief Analysis

How Much Would Iran Gain Financially from Returning to the JCPOA?

A closer look at what funds would actually be accessible and what impact they would have on Iran’s economy.

Mar 16, 2022

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Katherine Bauer
Patrick Clawson

Map illustrating strategies for preserving autonomy in northeast Syria.

Brief Analysis

How to Preserve the Autonomy of Northeast Syria

To offset the destabilizing measures coming from Turkey and the Assad axis, Western governments need to offer more development assistance—but in a targeted way that reassures local authorities and minimizes mismanagement.

Mar 15, 2022

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Fabrice Balanche

Brief Analysis

A British Trip to Secure Extra Saudi Oil?

Boris Johnson’s expected visit reflects both the urgency of the crisis and the chill between Riyadh and the White House.

Mar 14, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Worldwide Water Crises: Israeli Innovations Can Help

The country’s cost-saving advances in drip irrigation, desalination, and water-from-air tech are already helping scores of countries address growing shortages.

Mar 11, 2022

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Shaina Katz

◆ Asset Test

Israeli and UAE flags flying together in Abu Dhabi - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Israel-UAE Economic Cooperation Has Deep Roots and Broad Dividends

From growing bilateral investments to talk of a “new Quad,” the relationship could significantly affect regional economic integration and competition well beyond the Gulf.

Mar 8, 2022

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Katherine Bauer

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmon durnig a meeting with Russian President Vladimor Putin in Rihady - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

As the Ukraine Crisis Continues, the West Needs a Middle East Assist

The outcome of Israeli diplomacy, Iranian oil decisions, and Gulf hesitance may play a crucial role in the crisis, particularly if it drags on for months rather than weeks.

Mar 7, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Israel Juggles Diplomacy with Turkey, Cyprus, and Greece

A high-level visit to Athens was notionally about climate issues, but it also took advantage of a potential shift in regional politics, including with Turkey.

Mar 1, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Photo illustration of Russian Ruble banknotes with Chinese and Russian flags - Source:TWI/Reuters

Brief Analysis

A China-Russia SWIFT Alternative Will Not Undermine Iran Sanctions

There is no realistic prospect that Beijing and Moscow will establish a viable joint system that imminently and significantly reduces Tehran’s difficulties with accessing the international financial system.

Feb 25, 2022

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Steven Terner

Articles & Testimony

Why the US Needs Saudi Arabia to Help Put Pressure on Russia

Currently, the odds do not favor Riyadh making the substantial oil production increases sought by Washington.

Feb 25, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

Axis of Abraham: Arab-Israeli Normalization Could Remake the Middle East

The accords may point to a future in which the United States can do less in the region—but to get there, Washington must first do more.

March-April 2022

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Michael Singh

Flames emerge from flare stacks at Nahr Bin Umar oil field, north of Basra, Iraq - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

The Death of Oil Federalism? Implications of a New Iraqi Court Ruling

The legal decision and its political fallout are threatening some of the country’s key interests, including its aspirations toward federalism, its relations with Turkey, and its ability to attract sorely needed international investment.

Feb 18, 2022

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Bilal Wahab

Articles & Testimony

As China Thrives in the Post-9/11 Middle East, the US Must Counter

The West needs to radically alter its strategy for competing with Beijing in the region, particularly when it comes to economic stimulation, allied security blocs, and human rights.

Feb 16, 2022

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Jay Solomon

Articles & Testimony

Prepare for Russian Tanks to Crawl into Ukraine—and Cut Europe’s Energy

Although the immediate military horizon remains blurry, the longer-term energy crunch may be survivable, albeit painful.

Feb 15, 2022

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Simon Henderson

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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Energy & Economics

Policy Analysis on Energy & Economics

Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy

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