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

Feb 18, 2016

Vakhshouri Quoted by Financial Post on Likelihood of Oil Production Freeze

By Sara Vakhshouri

Read the full article here.

Iran Russia

In the News

Feb 17, 2016

Shaffer Quoted by Center On Global Interests on OPEC’s Call to Freeze Oil Production

By Brenda Shaffer

Read the full article here.

Russia Saudi Arabia

Middle East Strategy Task Force

Feb 17, 2016

Madeleine Albright and Stephen Hadley Lead Atlantic Council Delegation to Riyadh

Middle East Strategy Task Force (MEST) Co-Chairs Madeleine K. Albright and Stephen J. Hadley led an Atlantic Council delegation to Riyadh on February 16 and 17 to consult with government officials including His Majesty King Salman, Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, and Education Minister Ahmed al-Issa. Albright and Hadley, who were joined by Atlantic Council CEO […]

Saudi Arabia

In the News

Feb 17, 2016

Shaffer Quoted by Energy Wire on Oil Production Freeze

By Brenda Shaffer

Read the full article here.

Russia Saudi Arabia

In the News

Feb 16, 2016

Shaffer Joins CNBC to Discuss Falling Oil Prices Amidst Russia and Saudi Arabia’s Decision to Freeze Oil Production

Russia Saudi Arabia

In the News

Feb 16, 2016

Slavin in Voice of America: Yemen Teeters on ‘Fringes of Famine,’ Top US Aid Official Says

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Yemen

In the News

Feb 12, 2016

Vakhshouri Quoted by Marketplace on Saudi-Arabia’s Challenges with Global Oil Prices

By Sara Vakhshouri

Read the full article here.

Energy & Environment Saudi Arabia

In the News

Feb 11, 2016

Hellyer in The National: The Happiness Portfolio Is No Laughing Matter

By H. A. Hellyer

Read the full article here.

The Gulf

Event Recap

Feb 9, 2016

Great Rifts: Political and Economic Ramifications of the Iran-Saudi Divide

By South Asia Center

Over a month after the Saudi execution of a prominent Shi’ite leader and the subsequent Iranian despoiling of the Saudi embassy, the rift between the two major Middle Eastern powers continues to roil regional diplomacy. On February 9, 2016, the Atlantic Council’s Future of Iran Initiative hosted a discussion about the impact of the rift […]

Iran Saudi Arabia

New Atlanticist

Feb 9, 2016

Saudi Offer to Deploy Troops to Syria ‘Turns the Tables’ on the United States

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Plan seen taking heat off Gulf Arab states over role in war on ISIS, putting onus on the United States to do more Saudi Arabia’s offer to deploy ground troops to fight the Islamic State in Syria is seen as putting pressure on the Obama administration—which has been urging its Arab Gulf partners to ramp […]

Iran Russia

Experts

Events