The Gulf

As many of the Arab Gulf states make strides to reduce their dependence on oil and implement social and economic reforms, they continue to face political and security challenges from external and internal threats. The Gulf states must respond to evolving external relationships, threats from Iran, terrorism, and civil conflict spillover while also harnessing the powers of technological advances and innovative reforms to modernize their economies. A new generation of leadership must adapt to a booming, educated, and globally-connected youth population, often unemployed and increasingly raising concerns about the rule of law and their role as citizens.

Featured commentary & analysis


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.


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.


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.

Content

In the News

Mar 21, 2016

Vakhshouri on Voice of America (Iran Service) on Iran and Economic Effects from the Iranian Petroleum Contract

By Sara Vakhshouri

Iran Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Mar 15, 2016

Is Saudi Arabia Backed into a Corner?

By Jillian Schwedler

The Houthis and Saudis have been talking in Riyadh for months, not only recently as suggested by reports last week. But formal peace talks failed as the kingdom insisted on the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 2216, which calls for a full surrender of the Houthis. What led to the breakthrough of the […]

Yemen

In the News

Mar 9, 2016

Manning Quoted by Marketplace on Falling Oil Prices and Saudi Arabia’s Economy

By Robert A. Manning

Watch the full interview here.

Energy & Environment Saudi Arabia

In the News

Mar 1, 2016

Vakhshouri Quoted by The Washington Diplomat on the Role of Oil Prices in the Iran-Saudi Arabia Relationship

By Sara Vakhshouri

Read the full article here.

Iran Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Feb 29, 2016

Is the Houthi-Saleh Alliance Cracking?

By Jillian Schwedler

Tens of thousands of Yemenis took to the streets over the past few weeks to commemorate the 2011 uprising against the regime of Ali Abdullah Saleh. Although the largest demonstrations were in Taiz, a Houthi-led march in Sana’a raised the most intriguing political questions.

Yemen

MENASource

Feb 29, 2016

Yemen and the “Man on Horseback”

By Nabeel Khoury

Yemeni President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi, currently residing in Riyadh, has appointed General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar to the post of Deputy Commander of Yemen’s Armed Forces—in essence giving him official command of the portion of Yemen’s military still loyal to President Hadi.

Yemen

In the News

Feb 23, 2016

Saab Quoted by Voice of America on Saudi Arabia’s Decision to Cut Arms Funding to Lebanon

By Bilal Y. Saab

Read the full article here.

Middle East Saudi Arabia

In the News

Feb 19, 2016

Tanchum in Hürriyet Daily News: The End of Saudi Arabia as Oil’s Central Banker

By Micha'el Tanchum

Read the full article here.

Saudi Arabia

Middle East Strategy Task Force

Feb 19, 2016

Former US National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley Leads Atlantic Council Delegation to Abu Dhabi

Middle East Strategy Task Force (MEST) Co-Chair Stephen J. Hadley, along with Atlantic Council President and CEO Frederick Kempe, led an Atlantic Council delegation to Abu Dhabi on February 18 to consult with government officials including His Highness Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed al Nayhan and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan, the […]

The Gulf

New Atlanticist

Feb 18, 2016

Saudi-Iran Rivalry Keeps Oil Prices Down

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Gulf states seen eager to put ‘fiscal squeeze’ on Iran The regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran—the two main producers in a global oil cartel—has become a significant factor behind the sharp decline in oil prices that has also kept rates at historic lows. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf oil-producing countries have watched with […]

Energy & Environment Iran

Experts

Events