Gulf & Energy Policy

Policy Analysis on Gulf & Energy Policy

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

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

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

Brief Analysis

A Goldilocks Approach to Sanctioning Yemen’s Houthis

Although the group undoubtedly merits FTO designation, issuing targeted sanctions with broader UN buy-in may achieve better results without the humanitarian complications.

Feb 18, 2022

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Katherine Bauer

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

Brief Analysis

Unpacking the UAE F-35 Negotiations

In what has become a major test of America’s shift to great power competition, Washington must weigh its desire to maintain a close security partnership with the UAE against Abu Dhabi’s growing ties with China.

Feb 15, 2022

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Grant Rumley

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

Muslim man praying at al-Aqsa Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Brief Analysis

Saudi Arabia Adjusts Its History, Diminishing the Role of Wahhabism

The first celebration of Founding Day, on February 22, could be accompanied by other changes.

Feb 11, 2022

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Simon Henderson

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan watches the opening ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in Beijing - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

The Middle East at the Olympics: Six Countries Compete While Great Power Politics on Display

Because regional leaders are treating the games as another stage for balancing historic partnerships with current economic and security interests, Washington should keep drawing clear lines regarding their ties with Beijing.

Feb 9, 2022

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Carol Silber

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

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz is greeted by a Bahraini defense official upon his arrival in Manama - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Israeli Defense Minister’s Visit to Bahrain Marks Major Advance

Iran is the dominant issue as top officials meet to finalize security pacts.

Feb 2, 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

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

Articles & Testimony

A Needed Warning for Yemen’s Rebels—and for Our Allies and Enemies Alike

Rarely has it been more important for Washington to show it will stand by a friend in response to an attack that could have resulted in many civilian casualties, including Americans.

Jan 24, 2022

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Dennis Ross

Pro-government tribal fighters advance in Marib Province, Yeman - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Breaking Point: Consolidating Houthi Military Setbacks in Yemen

Washington can help preserve the recent coalition gains by categorizing the campaign as defensive, deterring further Houthi attacks abroad, and leveraging the next military deadlock to reinvigorate peace talks.

Jan 19, 2022

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Alex Almeida
Michael Knights

Brief Analysis

Houthi Strikes on UAE Open Another Front in Yemen War

As Emirati-aligned forces gain ground on the battlefield in Yemen, the Houthis are trying to raise the costs of Abu Dhabi’s involvement.

Jan 18, 2022

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Elana DeLozier

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

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

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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