Energy & Economics

Policy Analysis on Energy & Economics

Brief Analysis

Renewing the Iran Sanctions Waivers (Part 2): Energy and Afghan Trade

Washington should phase out the oil waivers carefully and prevent Chabahar port from becoming an escape valve for Iran.

Apr 22, 2019

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Patrick Clawson

Brief Analysis

Renewing the Iran Sanctions Waivers (Part 1): Nuclear Activities

Neither blanket extension nor wholesale cancellation is the best course, but several of the expiring waivers would serve U.S. interests if properly—and publicly—revised.

Apr 22, 2019

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Patrick Clawson

Articles & Testimony

Does Designation of the Revolutionary Guards Make a Difference?

The handful of new tools in question could expose Iraqi officials to sanctions and criminal liability given Baghdad's energy dependency on Iran.

Apr 18, 2019

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Matthew Levitt

Brief Analysis

How Sanctions Are Affecting Iran’s Airline Industry

Greater delays, downtime, and problems acquiring new planes have made Iran feel the heat, but its civil aviation sector continues to generate revenue for the regime.

Apr 17, 2019

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Farzin Nadimi

Articles & Testimony

Don't Pull Back from the Middle East

Safeguarding America’s widely agreed interests in the Middle East requires a substantial presence, as does the region’s tendency to export insecurity.

Apr 16, 2019

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Robert Satloff

Brief Analysis

Israel and Bahrain’s Normalization Setback

The scuttling of a high-profile opportunity for commercial engagement is a reminder that expanding Gulf-Israel ties to the public realm will be a slow, thorny process.

Apr 16, 2019

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

An Economic Roadmap to Humanitarian Relief in Yemen

Washington should accelerate common-sense economic efforts that can help right away, even as the fraught, slow-moving UN peace process continues.

Apr 16, 2019

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Dave Harden
Michael Knights

Brief Analysis

Iran’s Holiday Prologue to Exploiting Nuclear Loopholes

Although Tehran refrained from using its annual ‘Nuclear Day’ to threaten a wholesale breakout, it seems determined to push the West’s boundaries on centrifuge technology and other issues.

Apr 10, 2019

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Omer Carmi

Brief Analysis

Algeria’s Long Buildup to Mass Protests

The main drivers of the current crisis have been in play for many years, so Washington should focus on economic and security initiatives that can help Algeria regardless of which new leaders emerge.

Apr 9, 2019

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Sabina Henneberg

Articles & Testimony

Saudi Aramco Reveals Its Financials—and More Secrets

The oil giant’s latest moves will help fund ambitious infrastructure projects, but the implications for foreign investment and economic diversification remain to be seen.

Apr 7, 2019

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Bouteflika Resigns: Next Steps in Uncharted Territory

The accelerating pace of events calls for a careful U.S. response, since instability in Algeria could cause significant disruptions in North Africa, the Mediterranean, energy markets, and counterterrorism.

Apr 3, 2019

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Ben Fishman

Articles & Testimony

Nuclear Issues Sharpen Focus on U.S.-Saudi Relations

Those who favor helping the Saudis develop their nuclear industry are running up against skeptics who fear Riyadh cannot be trusted with such capabilities.

Apr 2, 2019

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Algeria on the Brink?

As Algiers braces for wider protests, Washington should coordinate with Arab and European allies to signal the government that it risks losing control unless it changes course.

Mar 8, 2019

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Sarah Feuer

Brief Analysis

U.S. Sanctions Are Hurting Hezbollah

To further tighten the noose, Washington should disrupt the group’s efforts to tap international aid, Lebanese ministry budgets, Syrian smuggling revenue, and other resources.

Mar 6, 2019

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Hanin Ghaddar

Brief Analysis

Cyprus Gas Discovery Could Be an East Mediterranean Game-Changer

The latest success will encourage more exploration in the area, but probably more regional rivalry as well.

Mar 1, 2019

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Simon Henderson

Syrian flag over a ruined building destroyed by bombing

Brief Analysis

Assad Needs the United States and Its Allies for Reconstruction

Damascus and its partners can’t rebuild the country by themselves amid their growing budget crunch, so Washington has leverage on key transition issues even if Assad keeps stalling.

Feb 28, 2019

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Jomana Qaddour

Articles & Testimony

Russia’s Growing Influence in North Africa

Moscow casts itself as a reliable mediator and security partner, but in actuality it benefits from playing all sides of regional disputes and fostering perpetual low-level conflict.

Feb 26, 2019

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Anna Borshchevskaya

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

International Engagement in Iraq Is Tied to Military Presence

The U.S.-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State is the strongest alliance Iraq has ever enjoyed, but much of the resultant international attention and support could dissipate if forces are removed.

Feb 21, 2019

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Michael Knights

Articles & Testimony

Saudi Arabia’s Powerful Prince Tours Asia—With Purpose

The trip has coincided with a new flare-up in India-Pakistan tensions, making Riyadh’s balancing act between regional rivals trickier than ever.

Feb 19, 2019

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Simon Henderson

Satellite image of the Red Sea region and the Arabian Peninsula

Brief Analysis

Seeing Red: Trade and Threats Shaping Gulf-Horn Relations

The Red Sea is fast becoming a critical economic and security node between the Gulf states and the Horn of Africa, so Washington should work to ensure cooperation, not conflict.

Feb 15, 2019

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Elana DeLozier

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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Featured experts

Patrick Clawson

Patrick Clawson is the Morningstar Senior Fellow and Research Counselor at The Washington Institute.

Simon Henderson

Simon Henderson is the Baker Senior Fellow and director of the Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy at The Washington Institute, specializing in energy matters and the conservative Arab states of the Persian Gulf.

Henry Rome

Henry Rome was a Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, specializing in Iran sanctions, economic, and nuclear issues.

Michael Singh

Michael Singh is the Managing Director and Lane-Swig Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute.

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