The Gulf

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

How to rescue and rebuild the US-Saudi relationship

MENASource May 18, 2026

How Gulf investments are responding to the US-China critical minerals competition

By Chenjie Song and Jonathan Fulton

Gulf sovereign wealth funds are seeking to maximize return on investment while maintaining strategic optionality.
China Critical Minerals
How to rescue and rebuild the US-Saudi relationship

MENASource Apr 20, 2026

The Iran war has forced the US-Gulf alliance out of the shadows

By Eric Alter

The Iran war is testing whether the informal strategic system the United States has assembled with its Gulf partners and Israel is strong enough to hold up amid a regional conflict.
Defense Policy Iran
How to rescue and rebuild the US-Saudi relationship

MENASource Apr 20, 2026

‘They have been exposed’: The Iran war upends Gulf states’ security and business model

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

The Iran war threatens the sense of security, prosperity, and opportunity that the Gulf states have spent years cultivating as they seek to diversify their economies away from oil.
Critical Infrastructure Policy Geopolitics & Energy Security

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.

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Programs

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

Learn more about the Middle East programs

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

Content

New Atlanticist

Jul 12, 2022

How to rescue and rebuild the US-Saudi relationship

By Jonathan Panikoff

The United States cannot ensure its economic and national security as successfully without Saudi Arabia as a key ally.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Politics & Diplomacy

In-Depth Research & Reports

Jul 12, 2022

Washington and the Gulf: A new opportunity to engage differently

By Sanam Vakil

Rather than unequivocally supporting the West’s position on the war in Ukraine, Gulf monarchies have hedged, revealing their deep frustration with Washington and their profound concern over Iran’s aggressive regional posture.

Middle East North Africa

SouthAsiaSource

Jul 1, 2022

Pakistan can resolve Saudi Arabia’s growing security concerns

By Uzair Younus

Recurring economic crises in Pakistan has led leaders to seek Saudi money, primarily because both the Saudis and Pakistanis know that Islamabad’s value proposition has been declining. But this need not be the case—Pakistan is the only country in the world that can solve the House of Saud’s growing security concerns in an increasingly hostile regional environment.

Middle East Pakistan

In the News

Jun 28, 2022

Fontenrose quoted in Middle East Eye on the Biden administration’s move to reestablish relations with Saudi Arabia

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy Saudi Arabia

In the News

Jun 28, 2022

Slavin participated in Arab Center DC event on if the Qatar talks will produce a nuclear deal with Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jun 28, 2022

Egypt is cozying up to Russia. It’s time for the US to step in.

By Shahira Amin

Egypt has, on several occasions, proved its mettle as a  mediator between Israel and the Palestinians. Such support would also ensure Cairo's commitment to continuing the economic and political reforms it has started which are in the interests of both the US and Egypt.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jun 28, 2022

Fontenrose quoted in Middle East Eye on the potentials of Biden’s trip to Saudi Arabia

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jun 27, 2022

Azodi quoted in Media Line on Qatar’s role in mediating US-Iran talks

By Atlantic Council

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jun 24, 2022

Pınar Dost joins CNBC to discuss Turkey-Saudi normalization
Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jun 24, 2022

Lipsky cited in USA Today on the legal and economic difficulties of liquidating frozen assets ahead of upcoming G7 summit

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business European Union
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Sharif Abdelrazeq

Sustainability and Innovation Engineer, Consolidated Contractors Company

Millennium Leadership Program

Economy & Business Middle East

Fellow

Ahmed Aboudouh

Former Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic China

Fellow

Osamah Al Rawhani

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Middle East Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Fellow

Yesar Al-Maleki

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fellow

Perrihan Al-Riffai

Nonresident Senior Fellow

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Samir Altaqi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East
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