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Gulf States

Policy Analysis on Gulf States

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A Houthi propaganda image published by the group's al-Masirah TV network.
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Assessing the Latest Houthi Maritime Threats
Even increased aggressive activity in the Indian Ocean will be unlikely to seriously disrupt maritime traffic and global trade—but vessels calling on Israeli ports will need to take extra precautions.
May 16, 2024
◆
  • Noam Raydan
  • Farzin Nadimi
◆ Maritime Spotlight
Brief Analysis
A Year of Arab Engagement with Assad Has Failed
The “carrots” approach only emboldened the regime to increase its smuggling of Captagon and weapons, but Caesar sanctions remain a potent stick.
May 15, 2024
◆
  • Andrew J. Tabler
Flags of Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Turkey on display in Riyadh
Articles & Testimony
The Arab Approach to Mediation—Reshaping Diplomacy in a Multipolar World
Given their unique cultural concepts and major economic and political clout, the Gulf states are poised to play an even more significant role in future peace and security initiatives.
Spring 2024
◆
  • Nickolay Mladenov
Take-off of claimed Saraya al-Ashtar April 27, 2024 drone attack on Israel
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Is Kataib Hezbollah Behind Saraya al-Ashtar's Claimed Attack on Israel?
The connection between exiled Bahraini terrorists and Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah is demonstrably strong and probably explains the strange incident.
May 4, 2024
◆
  • Michael Knights
  • Amir al-Kaabi
  • Hamdi Malik
◆ Militia Spotlight
Articles & Testimony
Why Israel Should Declare a Unilateral Cease-Fire in Gaza
Doing so could turn the tables on Hamas and Iran while simultaneously advancing normalization with Saudi Arabia and other regional governments.
May 1, 2024
◆
  • Dennis Ross
  • David Makovsky
◆ Risks and Opportunities in the Post-April 13 Middle East
Yemen's Houthis in formation.
Articles & Testimony
Assessing the Houthi War Effort Since October 2023
An in-depth look at the movement’s current capabilities, military situation inside Yemen, and strategic intentions amid the Gaza war and beyond.
April 2024
◆
  • Michael Knights
The car carrier Hyperion Ray (IMO 9690559) was struck near Fujairah, UAE, in April 2021. The ship was owned by Israel-based Ray Shipping Ltd when it was attacked. Photo credit: Rick Voice via MarineTraffic.com.
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Pay Attention to Ship Seizures, Not Threats to Close Strait of Hormuz
Low-key actions like seizures can increase regional and global concerns and increase Iran's leverage.
Apr 29, 2024
◆
  • Noam Raydan
  • Farzin Nadimi
◆ Maritime Spotlight
Brief Analysis
Nuclear Gloss to Pakistan’s Diplomacy with Iran and Saudi Arabia
Multiple high-level visits suggest economic desperation mixed with strategic—and possibly nuclear—opportunism.
Apr 25, 2024
◆
  • Simon Henderson
The container ship Jin Shun He (IMO 9144316) docked at the port of NEOM in Oxagon. Photo credit: Photo credit: @NEOMOxagon, posted on X (formerly Twitter), April 15, 2024, https://x.com/NEOMOxagon/status/1779799779230302424. .
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Amid Red Sea Crisis, Saudi Company Launches North Shipping Service
Riyadh’s aim to become a global logistics hub connecting three continents will face challenges if risks to southern Red Sea shipping persist at their current levels.
Apr 20, 2024
◆
  • Noam Raydan
  • Farzin Nadimi
◆ Maritime Spotlight
A Sudanese protester against military rule
Brief Analysis
Curbing Outside Intervention in the Sudan War
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict are being challenged by U.S. partners and adversaries alike, including key Middle East players.
Apr 4, 2024
◆
  • Jonathan Campbell-James
Photo of Chinese and Emirati leaders walking.
Brief Analysis
G42 and the China-UAE-U.S. Triangle
By sharing very specific concerns directly with the United Arab Emirates, the White House and Congress were rewarded with tangible action on a key company’s ties to Beijing—though more such engagement is needed to keep regional partners aware of U.S. risk tolerance.
Apr 3, 2024
◆
  • Andrew G. Clemmensen
  • Rebecca Redlich
  • Grant Rumley
Photo showing fighters from the Somali terrorist group al-Shabab.
Brief Analysis
Emirati Military Support Is Making a Difference in Somalia
Preserving the UAE's role and synchronizing it with Turkey and Qatar's efforts could be a force multiplier for the Somali government’s offensive against al-Shabab.
Mar 18, 2024
◆
  • Ido Levy
Brief Analysis
The IMF and UAE Swoop In to Ease Egypt’s Economic Crisis
Cairo’s main lender and top Gulf donor have come to the rescue once again, offering major loans, investments, and Central Bank transfers that could halt the country’s latest slide despite short-term consumer pain.
Mar 7, 2024
◆
  • Ben Fishman
Vice President Joe Biden arrives in Saudi Arabia
Brief Analysis
President Biden’s Middle East Squeeze Play
The end of the Gaza war’s current phase will mark the beginning of a major U.S. diplomatic push that could reshape the Middle East if successful—but the window of opportunity is narrow.
Mar 5, 2024
◆
  • Michael Singh
The Houthis and the Red Sea video thumbnail image
Video
Articles & Testimony
The Houthis and the Red Sea
In this timely new video, Washington Institute scholars discuss the pre-Gaza predecessors of the latest attack campaign, its widening repercussions on trade, and what will be required to halt it militarily.
Feb 27, 2024
◆
  • Noam Raydan
  • Michael Knights
Photo of Arab officials meeting to discuss the Gaza crisis, February 2024.
Video
Brief Analysis
From War to Peace? Trip Report from a Middle East Study Tour
Former legislators and administration officials discuss their findings from a recent group trip to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and the PA.
Feb 27, 2024
◆
  • Cory Gardner
  • Howard Berman
  • Dana Stroul
  • Ghaith al-Omari
  • Michael Singh
Muscat, Oman
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Oman’s Facilitation Efforts with the Houthis on Hold
While Qatar mediates with Hamas over Gaza, Oman’s facilitation efforts with the Houthis appear to be in abeyance pending recognition that a broader settlement is needed to secure regional stability.
Feb 26, 2024
◆
  • Jonathan Campbell-James
Israelis protest demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
From War to Peace in the Middle East? Observations from a Regional Tour
The Washington Institute’s executive director reflects on the feasibility of the Biden administration’s current diplomatic plans in the region, based in part on what local officials said during his recent group trip to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and the PA.
Feb 23, 2024
◆
  • Robert Satloff
Excerpt from a map of EU maritime missions in the Middle East.
Brief Analysis
The EU’s New Red Sea Naval Mission: Implications and Challenges
The operation is a sign of Europe’s willingness to take action against the current instability, though significant work is needed to coordinate with existing initiatives and convince regional officials of the mission’s usefulness.
Feb 16, 2024
◆
  • Selin Uysal
A Houthi fighter aboard the seized cargo vessel Galaxy Leader - source: Houthi media via Reuters
Video
Brief Analysis
Countering the Houthi Threat to Shipping: Regional Implications and U.S. Policy
Three experts address the thorny strategic questions arising from attacks on global shipping by the Yemen-based group.
Feb 6, 2024
◆
  • Simon Henderson
  • Michael Knights
  • Noam Raydan

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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

Michael Eisenstadt
Michael Eisenstadt
Michael Eisenstadt is the Kahn Senior Fellow and director of The Washington Institute's Military and Security Studies Program.
Simon Henderson
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 Knights
Michael Knights
Michael Knights is the Jill and Jay Bernstein Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute and cofounder of the Militia Spotlight platform, which offers in-depth analysis of developments related to Iran-backed militias.
Elizabeth Dent - source: The Washington Institute
Elizabeth Dent
Elizabeth Dent is a Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, where she focuses on U.S. foreign and defense policy toward the Gulf states, Iraq, and Syria.
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