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.

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Featured commentary & analysis

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine impacts the Middle East too

MENASource Jun 24, 2025

Dispatch from the Gulf: Finding middle ground amid Israel-Iran war

By Allison Minor

Congressional delegation visit coincided with Israel and Iran squaring off in a direct military confrontation.
Iran Israel
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine impacts the Middle East too

MENASource May 28, 2025

Mickey goes to the Gulf: The UAE’s wish upon a soft power star

By Amit Yarom

In a region often defined by hard power rivalries, Abu Dhabi has chosen to compete through visibility, credibility and imagination.
Media Middle East
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine impacts the Middle East too

MENASource May 23, 2025

The Gulf is emerging as Washington’s new strategic anchor

By Joze Pelayo

The so-called US “Golden Age for the Gulf” is one rooted in strategic utility, equal footing, high-stake deals, and fewer strings.
Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

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.

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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 4, 2022

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine impacts the Middle East too

By Bat Chen Druyan Feldman and Joze Pelayo

Together with Russia's strategic importance to Iran, this anti-American approach, which is very prominent in Iranian leadership and affects its foreign policy, will continue to play an essential role in the Iranian reaction to the war in Ukraine.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Mar 3, 2022

Khoury in the Arab Center Washington DC: Yemen: The Failure of International Diplomacy

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Corruption

In the News

Mar 3, 2022

empowerME’s event on fintech’s influence in MENA was featured in Al-Monitor

By Atlantic Council

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

In the News

Mar 3, 2022

The Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative joins the Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss political and security development in the region

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

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

In the News

Mar 1, 2022

Fulton quoted in Inside Arabia China’s growing relations in the Gulf and it’s implications towards Yemen

By Atlantic Council

China Conflict

In the News

Feb 25, 2022

Zarazinski quoted in POLITICO: Russia’s hidden tool to undermine sanctions
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Russia

In the News

Feb 23, 2022

Aboudouh quoted in Inside Arabia on US-China rivalry in the Gulf region

By Atlantic Council

China Economy & Business

In the News

Feb 23, 2022

Kadhim joins Alhurra Iraq to discuss Iraq’s economy and developing foreign policy in the region

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Defense Policy

In the News

Feb 22, 2022

empowerME event covered by Egypt Today

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth
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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

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

Fellow

Eric Alter

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Arabic French
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