Energy & Economics

Policy Analysis on Energy & Economics

Turkey's Muted Reaction to the Crimean Crisis

Issues such as energy dependence, deep-rooted fears of the Russian military, and Black Sea navigation policy all offer clues to Prime Minister Erdogan's vacillating response to Russian activities in Crimea.

Mar 4, 2014

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Soner Cagaptay
James Jeffrey

Brief Analysis

The Ukraine Crisis and the Middle East

The Ukraine situation will affect Washington's Middle Eastern priorities, but not to such a degree that it will stymie a strong U.S. response to Russian actions, since America has the power to act in the region without Moscow if necessary. Ukraine could well make it necessary.

Mar 3, 2014

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James Jeffrey

Articles & Testimony

How Ukraine Will Shape the Future of the Middle East

By showing leadership in its response to the Russian intervention, Washington can open a new conversation with its regional allies regarding Syria, Iran, and Egypt.

Mar 2, 2014

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Dennis Ross

Video

Brief Analysis

Book Event: The Rise of Turkey at the Ralph J. Bunche Library

On January 27, 2014, Dr. Soner Cagaptay presented insights from his book, The Rise of Turkey, and discussed Turkey's future during a special event at the Ralph J. Bunche Library of the U.S. Department of State.

Feb 24, 2014

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Soner Cagaptay

Brief Analysis

Baghdad-KRG Negotiations: Closer Than Ever to a Fair Deal

Baghdad's promising offer on oil exports and revenues could provide vital breathing room to build a permanent revenue-sharing law, and Washington should encourage the Iraqi Kurds to sign on.

Feb 14, 2014

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Michael Knights

Brief Analysis

Israel, America, and a Churning Middle East (Part II)

On February 4, 2014, Ambassador Dennis Ross addressed a Policy Forum at The Washington Institute after participating in the Institute for National Security Studies annual conference in Tel Aviv. He was joined by Washington Institute executive director Robert Satloff and former national security advisor Stephen Hadley. The following is a

Feb 12, 2014

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Dennis Ross

Brief Analysis

Russia-Syria Offshore Gas Deal Injects New Factor into Peace Talks

The announcement of the agreement, just weeks before scheduled peace negotiations in Switzerland, will be seen as an expression of extra diplomatic support for Damascus by Moscow and of gratitude by the Assad regime to an ally.

Dec 27, 2013

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

First Islamist Party to Voluntarily Give Up Power: A New Tunisian Model?

Ennahda's agreement to step aside under peaceful popular pressure, at long last, sets an encouraging but all-too-rare example -- yet one that may not last.

Dec 17, 2013

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David Pollock

Brief Analysis

Egypt's New Constitution: Bleak Prospects

As Egypt prepares to vote on a constitution that could prove economically ruinous or, at best, ineffectual, Washington and its regional allies should discuss ways of encouraging Cairo to pursue much-needed reforms.

Dec 16, 2013

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Eric Trager

Articles & Testimony

Turkey’s Energy Policy and the Future of Natural Gas

Buoyed by a decade of economic growth, Turkey is more prosperous than ever before. At the forefront of this transformation, Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) has reaped the rewards of economic success and political prestige. But as the party strives to institutionalize its gains, it faces growing challenges at

Dec 16, 2013

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Soner Cagaptay
Tyler Evans

President Barzani Is Playing a Constructive Role in Maintaining the PKK Ceasefire

Gulan Media spoke with Washington Institute fellow Michael Knights about Turkey's outreach to Iraqi Kurdistan and other Kurdish issues in the region.

Nov 27, 2013

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Michael Knights

Video

Brief Analysis

The Kurdish Crescent: New Trends in Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran

On November 14, 2013, Michael Knights and David Pollock addressed a Policy Forum at The Washington Institute to discuss their recent trips to the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Kirkuk, and Azerbaijan. Knights is a Lafer Fellow with the Institute and has worked extensively in Iraq as an advisor to local

Nov 21, 2013

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Michael Knights
David Pollock

Articles & Testimony

Doctor's Orders

How a neurosurgeon from Maryland cleaned up one of the most notoriously violent cities in Iraq.

Nov 19, 2013

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Michael Knights

Articles & Testimony

What KFC's Recent Exit from Syria Says About Its Horrifying Food Crisis

The fast-food chain's departure is only the latest sign of battered markets that have left approximately 4 million Syrians facing food insecurity.

Oct 31, 2013

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Adam Heffez

Brief Analysis

Meeting Maliki: A Chance to Reset U.S. Policy on Iraq

There is no muting Iraq, so the best way to get the troubled country on the path to stability is through high-level engagement on electoral transparency, sectarian reconciliation, arms transfers to Syria, oil revenue sharing, and other key issues.

Oct 30, 2013

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Michael Knights

Brief Analysis

Spat or Split? Saudi Arabia's Diplomatic Anger with Washington

The kingdom's rejection of a Security Council seat has fueled predictions of a major and perhaps rapid shift in bilateral relations.

Oct 23, 2013

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Sanctions Relief for Iran Without Congressional Approval

If he is willing to pay the political price, President Obama can give Iran as much economic relief as he wishes by simply not enforcing existing sanctions.

Oct 17, 2013

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Patrick Clawson

Video

Brief Analysis

Israel's National Challenges, at Home and Abroad

After a meteoric political rise and six months in one of the toughest jobs in Israeli public life, Yair Lapid made his inaugural visit to Washington at a moment when the U.S.-Israeli relationship faces a range of critical tests, from nuclear diplomacy with Iran to peace diplomacy with the Palestinians

Oct 10, 2013

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Yair Lapid

Brief Analysis

The Diplomatic Bonus of Gaza's Offshore Natural Gas

Agreement to develop a gas field off Gaza's Mediterranean coast could boost the peace process with Israel.

Oct 10, 2013

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

What If Insurgents Close the Suez Canal?

Islamist violence has chased off tourists, and now it threatens a key waterway -- and Egypt's entire economy.

Sep 22, 2013

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David Schenker

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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