Gulf States

Policy Analysis on Gulf States

Israeli and UAE flags flying together in Abu Dhabi - source: Reuters

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

Arab Spring Tunisia Yemen Bahrain Egypt Libya Syria

Audio

In-Depth Reports

No Going Back

Activists Reflect a Decade After the Arab Spring

Interviews with thirteen activists reveal a deep sense of disappointment but also a shared conviction that a new reform movement will eventually rise and deliver lasting change to the region.

Mar 7, 2022

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Roy Gutman

◆ Reform, Protest, Change

A Ukrainian flag flies at a naval base in Crimea in 2014 - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Middle East Responses to the Ukraine Crisis

So far, official statements from the region have ranged from rejecting Russia’s moves to treating them as a natural extension of existing policy.

Updated Mar 4, 2022

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Margaret Dene
Hannah Labow
Carol Silber

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in 2018 - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Putin’s War Has Middle Eastern Countries Hedging Their Bets

Facing greater regional demands and limited resources, Washington will have to be more judicious in its obligations and more consistent in following through, lest its assurances fail to assure.

Mar 4, 2022

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David Schenker

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

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Kataib Hezbollah Behind "Grassroots" Iraqi Fundraising for Yemen

The Iran-backed militia tried to make its solo effort to boost the Houthi drone arsenal look like a widely coordinated and highly popular campaign, whereas it was anything but.

Feb 1, 2022

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Hamdi Malik
Michael Knights

◆ Militia Spotlight

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

Turkish President Erdogan meets Ukrainian President Zelenskiy in Kyiv - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

The Ukraine Crisis: East Meets Mideast?

In theory, Iran, Turkey, the Gulf, and other regional players offer potential leverage of various kinds over Moscow, but closer examination suggests that most of these links are of limited utility at best.

Jan 28, 2022

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David Pollock

Brief Analysis

“The Holocaust Was an Arab Story Too”: Holocaust Remembrance in the Arab World

المحرقة كانت قصة عربية أيضاً: إحياء ذكرى "الهولوكوست" في العالم العربي

The Washington Institute’s executive director reflects on this year’s wave of remembrance events in the region, including his remarks at two landmark programs in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

Jan 28, 2022

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Robert Satloff

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

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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Gulf States

Policy Analysis on Gulf States

Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy

Regions & Countries

Issues

Gulf States

Policy Analysis on Gulf States

Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy

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