The Gulf Archives

Featured commentary & analysis

China’s mediation between Saudi and Iran is no cause for panic in Washington

New Atlanticist Oct 6, 2022

Inside the Saudi calculus on oil cuts—and the US response

By Jonathan Panikoff

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s transactional approach carries risks when it comes to US strategic posture in the region.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Middle East

New Atlanticist Sep 8, 2022

Why US allies in the Middle East aren’t taking sides in the Ukraine war

By Mark N. Katz

Staying neutral, or balancing between the two sides, may be the best that Washington can expect.

Conflict Middle East

IranSource Sep 8, 2022

A revived nuclear deal doesn’t stop Iran’s backing of Houthis in Yemen. More must be done.

By Muammar Al-Eryani

The international community seems indifferent to the risks of Iranian hostile behavior and intrusion through its support of Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

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

MENASource

Mar 21, 2023

China’s mediation between Saudi and Iran is no cause for panic in Washington

By Ahmed Aboudouh

The deal is a mere statement of intentions by both countries to improve relations, meaning reconciliation is not complete.

China East Asia

Report

Mar 14, 2023

Improving Gulf security: A framework to enhance air, missile, and maritime defenses

By The Gulf Security Task Force

Looking at decades of US support and operations in the Gulf and recognizing a continued, arguably growing, air and maritime threat from Iran, the Atlantic Council Gulf Security Task Force developed a framework on how to best protect US and allies’ interests in this sensitive, always relevant region.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Mar 10, 2023

Women on a mission: MENA female entrepreneurs are making waves in the region

By Lynn Monzer

Women entrepreneurs have emerged as a force to be reckoned with in many Arab economies, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future generations.

Civil Society Middle East

Fast Thinking

Mar 10, 2023

Why did China broker an Iran-Saudi detente?

By Atlantic Council

What does this move mean for one of the Middle East’s defining rivalries? How should the United States view China’s role in the breakthrough? Our experts dig beyond the diplomat-speak.

Economy & Business Iran

New Atlanticist

Mar 10, 2023

Experts react: Iran and Saudi Arabia just agreed to restore relations, with help from China. Here’s what that means for the Middle East and the world.

By Atlantic Council experts

Long-standing regional adversaries just made a big announcement: They will reestablish diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by China. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on the announcement.

China Iran

Transcript

Mar 9, 2023

Expanding the Abraham Accords: Testimony of Daniel B. Shapiro to the US House

By Daniel B. Shapiro

Normalization between Israel and its Arab neighbors has come a long way since the Abraham Accords were signed in 2020. But what comes next?

Israel Middle East

Event Recap

Mar 8, 2023

WIn Fellowship Roadshow summary: a promising start for the inaugural fellows

By Amira Attia and Lynn Monzer

A recap of the 2023 WIn Fellowship Roadshow

Economy & Business Future of Work

MENASource

Mar 2, 2023

Meyce Alauddin: The WIn fellowship ‘helped and empowered me’

By Meyce Alauddin

'As a Saudi female entrepreneur running a business in the MENA region for over eight years, I have seen the evolution in overall participation and business processes firsthand.'

Middle East Resilience & Society

MENASource

Feb 27, 2023

From Twitter spats to island disputes, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have a bone to pick with each other

By Shahira Amin

Cairo's relationship with its Gulf ally has become increasingly fractious in recent weeks after a Saudi official made clear that any future Gulf assistance ”will come with strings attached."

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Feb 27, 2023

What the opening of the Abrahamic Family House Synagogue in the UAE means for the Jewish community and the rest of the world

By Marcy Grossman

The Abrahamic Family House, a mosque, church, and synagogue all sharing a multi-faith campus in Abu Dhabi is about to make its worldwide debut, opening its doors to the general public on March 1.

Israel Middle East