The Gulf Archives

Featured commentary & analysis

The US at its best brings new hope to Europe, Middle East

New Atlanticist Jan 25, 2024

Houthi attacks in the Red Sea hurt global trade and slow the energy transition

By William Tobin, Joseph Webster

Recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea are a reminder that a major disruption to freedom of navigation would hold many negative consequences.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

MENASource Jan 18, 2024

The real reason the Saudi government is investing in sports. Hint: It’s not to impress you.

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali and Jaime Stansbury

Saudi Arabia’s big financial bets in the sports world are part of its broader Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy away from oil.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource Jan 13, 2024

In Yemen and elsewhere, manageable local issues are driving an unmanageable regional crisis

By Borzou Daragahi

The United States and international response should remain otherwise measured so as not to play into the hands of the Houthis.

Iran Middle East

Counterterrorism Study Group

The Counterterrorism Study Group is a forum for former counterterrorism officials to review the latest threats, to understand emerging trends and future predictions, and to explore creative new proposals for improving the effectiveness of current policies and operations.

EXPLORE THE Counterterrorism study group

Podcast series

Listen to the latest episode of the China-MENA podcast, featuring conversations with academics, government leaders, and the policy community on China’s role in the Middle East.

Listen

Gulf Security Task Force

The Gulf Security Task Force is revisiting the question of how to best protect US interests in this sensitive, always relevant region. Our goal is to provide US decision-makers with an updated, fact-based strategy for protecting US interests in the air and maritime domain from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, and ensuring Gulf partners’ ability to assume this responsibility, with the assistance and leadership of the United States.

EXPLORE THE GULF SECURITY TASK FORCE

Content

Inflection Points Today

Apr 23, 2024

The US at its best brings new hope to Europe, Middle East

By Frederick Kempe

The last few days have brought new hope to Europe and the Middle East, not least because of US leadership on both fronts.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Apr 22, 2024

UAE tech minister: AI will be ‘the new lifeblood’ for governments and the private sector

By Nick Fouriezos

Omar Sultan Al Olama said we should expect a lot more AI ministers around the world in the coming years.

Artificial Intelligence Technology & Innovation

MENASource

Apr 10, 2024

A diplomatic solution in Sudan demands greater US engagement with its Arab allies

By Manal Fatima

Halting external support to the generals is crucial to achieving peace in Sudan and setting it on the path to civilian-led rule.

Africa Conflict

In the News

Apr 9, 2024

Pelayo quoted in TRT World on Russian and Chinese relations with Houthis

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Apr 5, 2024

Most GCC states condemned the attack on the Iranian embassy complex in Syria. An escalation is what they fear most.

By Giorgio Cafiero

Fearful that hostilities between Israel and Iran could spiral out of control, the GCC states are keen to avoid the heat as much as possible.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Apr 4, 2024

Panikoff quoted in The Sydney Morning Herald on Saudi Arabia’s intertwined economic future and foreign policy

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Geopolitics & Energy Security

Blue Globe viewing from space at night with connections between cities

Econographics

Mar 20, 2024

Global Sanctions Dashboard: How Hamas raises, uses, and moves money

By Kimberly Donovan, Maia Nikoladze, Ryan Murphy, and Alessandra Magazzino

How Hamas raises, uses, and moves money; How sanctions are used to counter Hamas and combat the financing of terrorism; Where governments align and diverge in their approaches to combat this activity.

Economic Sanctions European Union

UkraineAlert

Feb 29, 2024

Gulf region markets offer huge growth potential for Ukraine’s IT sector

By Anatoly Motkin

The Gulf region offers opportunities for Ukraine's war-ravaged but vibrant tech sector to reduce its dependence on Western markets and return to growth, writes Anatoly Motkin.

Artificial Intelligence Conflict

MENASource

Feb 26, 2024

I’m a Yemeni minister and I believe the Houthi designation is not enough

By Moammar Al-Eryani

The Biden administration’s decision to revoke the Houthi terrorist designation contributed to the complexity of the Yemeni crisis. To avoid replicating the same scenario, a new approach must be taken to counter the Houthis.

Conflict Israel

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Saudi Arabia’s economic shifts under MBS raise stability concerns

By Rabah Arezki

Saudi Arabia's economic transformation under MBS maintains political control, risking instability amid regional conflicts. Reliance on public funds for investments may falter as the world shifts from fossil fuels, and demands for political freedom grow.

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity