Energy & Economics

Policy Analysis on Energy & Economics

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

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

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

Israeli Prime Minister meets Bahraini foreign minister al-Zayan in Manama - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Bennett’s Bahrain Visit Further Invigorates Israel-Gulf Diplomacy

The trip reflects the diplomatic competition between Manama and Abu Dhabi, and also suggests that a breakthrough with the Saudis could be close.

Feb 14, 2022

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Simon Henderson

A sign identifying the NordStream 2 pipeline - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Energy Markets Take a Costly Turn with the Drama of World Tensions

In the current act, Russia enjoys advantages over its Western rivals, including high revenues and the gas that keeps Ukrainians and Germans warm.

Feb 7, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Qatari leader Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Gas Likely to Top Agenda of Qatar’s White House Visit

Originally planned as a thank-you for crucial assistance in last summer’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, the meeting will probably focus on Doha’s potential role in addressing the Ukraine crisis instead.

Jan 31, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Reality Check for Israel’s Natural Gas Plans

Washington has logical reasons to step away from an undersea pipeline project in the East Mediterranean, though the decision effectively kills Israel’s improbable dream of becoming a significant gas supplier to Europe.

Jan 27, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

The Russia-Ukraine Crisis Is Creating an Energy Predicament

For once, an emerging energy crisis isn’t Middle East-focused, but it will still have implications for that region, including countries that missed out on hydrocarbon wealth.

Jan 24, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Recasting Syria’s Cross-Border Aid Debate

The UN aid mechanism is alive for another six months, but the threat of famine, Russian vetoes, and military escalation will persist unless Washington takes appropriate steps before the next round of renewal negotiations.

Jan 21, 2022

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Anna Borshchevskaya
Andrew J. Tabler
Calvin Wilder

Articles & Testimony

Solving Syria’s Crisis Starts with Sanctioning Iranian Oil

Instead of quietly greenlighting the Assad regime’s diplomatic rehabilitation, U.S. officials should escalate economic pressure on its Iranian enablers to regain leverage at the negotiating table.

Jan 3, 2022

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Andrew J. Tabler
Matthew Zweig

A professional golfer at a tournament in the UAE - Source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

The Golf War on the Arabian Peninsula

The Emirates are the region’s leading destination for the sport, but Saudi Arabia is coming on strong as part of their broader economic competition.

Dec 26, 2021

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David Schenker

In-Depth Reports

Power to the People?

Scrutinizing the U.S.-Arab Effort to Supply Energy to Lebanon via Syria

Residents of the beleaguered country desperately need electricity, but a U.S.-Arab scheme carries complications that could benefit Syria's Assad regime.

Dec 16, 2021

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Katherine Bauer
Ben Fishman
Hanin Ghaddar
Simon Henderson
David Schenker
Andrew J. Tabler

Israeli Prime Minister Bennett meets with the UAE's foreign minister in December 2021 - Source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Bennett Visit Shows the UAE Balancing Between Israeli Ties and Regional De-escalation

The meeting confirmed how eager both countries are to keep their economic progress humming along, but such cooperation could become complicated if concerns about Iran’s nuclear program come to a head.

Dec 16, 2021

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David Makovsky

Brief Analysis

Iran’s Next Budget Assumes No Nuclear Deal

The government seems to believe the economy will grow significantly even without sanctions relief or increased oil revenue.

Dec 14, 2021

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Patrick Clawson

Articles & Testimony

Lebanon Stands at a Crossroad Between a Painful Revival and a Complete Submission to Iran

The country’s ongoing crises are closely intertwined with Hezbollah’s internal challenges, creating real potential for change if the West stands firmly behind fair elections, judicial accountability, and targeted pressure.

Dec 7, 2021

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Hanin Ghaddar

Articles & Testimony

Will an Apparent Saudi Concession on Oil Production Drop US Prices at the Pump?

It is unclear how long any price effects might last, and Riyadh may yet expect a diplomatic quid pro quo from Washington.

Dec 3, 2021

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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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Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy

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