Energy & Economics

Policy Analysis on Energy & Economics

America and the Middle East in an Era of Plentiful Oil

Thanks to technical innovation, and despite oil price fluctuations, the United States is producing more of its own oil and using relatively less. With this decreased dependence on imported energy, the grave danger is that perceived U.S. indifference to Middle East developments could worry allies and embolden hostile forces. In

Jul 27, 2016

◆

Patrick Clawson
Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Oil and Islam: Saudi Policy Post-JCPOA

Disappointed with the nuclear deal and sensing that Iran is challenging its leadership role in Islam, Riyadh seems prepared to ramp up bilateral tensions via oil production increases, sectarian provocations, and other tactics.

Jul 15, 2016

◆

Simon Henderson

Video

TWI Video Briefing: The JCPOA at One Year

One year after the signing of the nuclear deal with Iran, how has the agreement changed the Iranian economy, Tehran's foreign policy, and Russia's role in the Middle East? Watch video briefings by Washington Institute experts.

Jul 14, 2016

◆

Matthew Levitt
Patrick Clawson
Anna Borshchevskaya
Dennis Ross
Katherine Bauer

Brief Analysis

One Year Post-JCPOA, Not Post-Sanctions

The United States should not let Iran define effective sanctions relief at the expense of continued implementation of nonnuclear sanctions.

Jul 13, 2016

◆

Katherine Bauer

Brief Analysis

Europe and the JCPOA

In keeping with their limited view of the agreement's scope, and in light of their other pressing policy concerns, European officials are focused on enforcing the JCPOA's nuclear restrictions and ensuring that the West holds up its end of the deal.

Jul 13, 2016

◆

Olivier Decottignies

Brief Analysis

Iran's Modest Economic Changes Since JCPOA Implementation

Deeply entrenched interests are impeding reform in Iran, limiting the economy to only modest progress even with sanctions relief.

Jul 6, 2016

◆

Patrick Clawson

Brief Analysis

Targeting Hezbollah's Home-Front Finances

A law passed in late 2015, known as HIFPA, has successfully intensified pressure against the Lebanon-based militant group.

Jul 5, 2016

◆

David Schenker
Katherine Bauer

Brief Analysis

Israel's Calculus for Reconciliation With Turkey

While the agreement is unlikely to reset relations between two leaders who have profoundly different worldviews, it may catalyze economic and security initiatives that benefit mutual Israeli, Turkish, Palestinian, and U.S. interests.

Jul 1, 2016

◆

David Makovsky

Articles & Testimony

As the ISIS Tide Recedes

The beginning of the end of ISIS's dominance over the Sunni Arab region of Iraq is at hand, following the Iraqi security forces' clearance of ISIS from most of Fallujah, the first Iraqi city to fall to the terrorist group. Only one major Iraqi city remains in ISIS' hands: Mosul

Jun 29, 2016

◆

James Jeffrey

Brief Analysis

Turkey's Regional Charm Offensive: Motives and Prospects

After years of foreign policy setbacks, Ankara is trying to mend fences with Israel, Egypt, Iran, and Russia, and the potential implications for the United States are mostly beneficial -- assuming the Turks can actually pull it off.

Jun 27, 2016

◆

Soner Cagaptay
James Jeffrey

Articles & Testimony

Implications for the U.S. of the Brexit Vote

If Britain were to leave the EU, little would change in its core security and intelligence relationship with Washington, but it could take a serious hit on various economic and diplomatic issues.

Jun 23, 2016

◆

James Jeffrey
Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Israel's Leviathan Gas Field: Politics and Reality

Recent headlines about political breakthroughs with Turkey and potential future gas discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean are encouraging, but they must be placed in the context of the steep financial and technological hurdles associated with such projects.

Jun 23, 2016

◆

Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Little Change Expected in Upcoming FATF Statement on Iran

The organization's forthcoming statement will likely underline the fact that Iran's recent efforts are only the first steps toward complying with international standards.

Jun 23, 2016

◆

Katherine Bauer

Brief Analysis

Vision or Mirage? Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Economic Plans

The deputy crown prince hopes his U.S. visit will help garner support for shifting the kingdom away from oil dependency, but his proposals need more rigorous questioning to ensure they are viable.

Jun 17, 2016

◆

Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Egypt's Costly Nuclear Project

Cairo's expensive nuclear deal with Moscow will likely increase the country's economic burden and susceptibility to Russian influence.

Jun 16, 2016

◆

Eric Trager

Getting Back on an Even Keel

The director of the Institute's Gulf Program answers questions on a variety of U.S.-Saudi issues, including how the next president will be in a much better position to improve the frayed bilateral relationship.

Jun 15, 2016

◆

Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Young Saudi Leader's Landmark U.S. Visit

The deputy crown prince's first solo trip to Washington confirms his preeminence in the Saudi hierarchy but could spur pushback from royal rivals.

Jun 13, 2016

◆

Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

The EU, Morocco, and the Western Sahara: A Chance for Justice

Morocco needs to balance its desire to hold onto an economically and politically important region with the realities of EU human rights regulations and other international norms.

Jun 10, 2016

◆

Vish Sakthivel

Brief Analysis

Russian Views on the Middle East: A Trip Report

Two Washington Institute experts share their findings from recent visits to Russia, where they discussed a wide range of regional issues with current and former officials, leading analysts, and other citizens.

Jun 3, 2016

◆

James Jeffrey
Anna Borshchevskaya

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Water Issues Are Crucial to Stability in Syria's Euphrates Valley

Regardless of who drives the Islamic State out of the Euphrates Valley agricultural zone, they will need to address the legacy of failed regime irrigation policies that are once again creating tension among local tribes.

May 26, 2016

◆

Fabrice Balanche

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.

Never miss a breaking event on U.S. policy interests in the Middle East. Customize your subscription to our expert analysis, op-eds, live events, and special reports.

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.

Michael Singh

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

Regions & Countries

Issues

Energy & Economics

Policy Analysis on Energy & Economics

Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy

Sign Up for Email Updates from The Washington Institute

Featured experts