The Gulf Archives

Featured commentary & analysis

Managing US-China Competition: The View from Singapore

New Atlanticist Mar 16, 2022

Iran deal or not, Gulf nations need integrated air and missile defense

By the Atlantic Council’s Gulf Security Task Force

Nuclear talks aside, a US-backed missile defense system is key in deterring Iran’s regional armed network while advancing US and Gulf security aims.

Defense Technologies Iran

MENASource Mar 3, 2022

As Qatar becomes a non-NATO ally, greater responsibility conveys with the status

By R. Clarke Cooper

Although Qatar’s eligibility for MNNA status doesn’t automatically include a mutual defense pact with the United States, being designated a MNNA state is very much a declaration that the United States wants a deeper and stronger security-cooperation relationship with Qatar and expects the country to play a greater role in regional security.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource Jan 27, 2022

China is trying to create a wedge between the US and Gulf allies. Washington should take note.

By Jonathan Fulton

Recent events indicate that leaders in Beijing are no longer satisfied with the logic of strategic hedging and are pursuing a more muscular approach to the Gulf.

China Middle East

Middle East Programs

Working with our allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

EXPLORE THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL’S MIDDLE EAST PROGRAMS

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

China-MENA Podcast

Aug 17, 2022

Managing US-China Competition: The View from Singapore

By Atlantic Council

Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan discusses the influence of the US-China Competition in the Southeast Asia region and much more!

China East Asia

MENASource

Aug 16, 2022

Under Macron’s leadership, France is leading a middle power strategy in the Gulf. Here’s how.

By Jean-Loup Samaan

France is positioning itself as a Western partner that, although may not be a substitute to Washington, is one that provides a “convenient and credible” option to those Gulf leaders eager to diversify their partnerships.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Aug 8, 2022

Mack in Prolific Solutions: Normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel is important for relations between Washington and Abu Dhabi

By Atlantic Council

Israel Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Aug 8, 2022

Charai in the Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Letter from the publisher

As we approach the two-year anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords, their importance has only grown. The accords—the culmination of a process of peace and reconciliation between Israel and four Arab countries—opened the doors to trade and tourism, as well as scientific and diplomatic cooperation. Read Charai’s latest in the Jerusalem Strategic Tribune […]

Israel Middle East

In the News

Aug 5, 2022

Fulton in The International Spectator: Systemic change and regional orders – Asian responses to a Gulf in transition

By Atlantic Council

Indo-Pacific Politics & Diplomacy

Event Recap

Aug 1, 2022

Biden’s trip to the Middle East: Outcomes and opportunities

By Alexandra Kaiss and Mariah Smith

On July 21st, the Middle East Programs’ Israel Project, in collaboration with the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, hosted a virtual event titled “Biden’s trip to the Middle East: Outcomes and opportunities.”

Israel Middle East

In the News

Aug 1, 2022

Shapiro interviewed in Al-Monitor Podcast about Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization

By Atlantic Council

Israel Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jul 25, 2022

Arbit quoted in Haaretz on the Saudi Arabia’s role in Israel’s normalization

By Atlantic Council

Israel Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jul 23, 2022

Cohen in Forbes: Biden’s Saudi adventure – An oil strategy failure and beyond

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

China-MENA Podcast

Jul 20, 2022

China-GCC Relations

By Atlantic Council

Mohammed Al Sudairi joins us to discuss China-GCC Relations in terms of people, culture and businesses, the political view of the GCC towards China, how the US-China competition narrative is received by GCC countries, and how people from the Gulf see China.

China Economy & Business