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

Sep 15, 2019

Bell joins Sky News Arabia to discuss the oil market and geopolitics

By Randolph Bell

Arabic Saudi Arabia

In the News

Sep 15, 2019

Bell quoted in Axios on Saudi Aramco drone attacks

By Randolph Bell

Oil and Gas Saudi Arabia

New Atlanticist

Sep 14, 2019

After Houthi drone attack, everyone should take a deep breath

By Kirsten Fontenrose

The ten-drone attack on Aramco’s Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia on September 14 is a sign that the Houthis suffer from false confidence. Snubbing talks and launching attacks is not a way to garner sympathy from the United States or the international community.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Saudi Arabia

New Atlanticist

Sep 9, 2019

Will a new energy minister shift Saudi oil policy?

By David A. Wemer

“The truth is no one knows if there will be any significant implications from the appointment of Prince Abdulaziz as energy minister," said Ellen Ward, nonresident senior fellow in the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center.

International Markets Oil and Gas

EnergySource

Aug 26, 2019

Onboard the FSO SAFER: A preview

By Rohini Ralby, Dr. David Soud, and Dr. Ian Ralby

For over a year, I.R. Consilium, a family-owned global consultancy on maritime and resource security, has been monitoring the potentially disastrous situation involving the Safer, a tanker converted into a floating storage and offloading facility (FSO) off the coast of Yemen, and we have been working to motivate action on the matter before it reaches […]

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Aug 25, 2019

Ralby quoted in The Khaleej Times on oil tanker off Yemen coast

By Atlantic Council

Oil and Gas The Gulf

In the News

Aug 23, 2019

Bell quoted in US News and World Report on Saudi Arabia’s ties with China

By Atlantic Council

Oil and Gas Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Aug 22, 2019

The Gulf’s economic development is going digital

By Rachel Furlow

Efforts toward economic development among Arab Gulf states are turning digital. Artificial intelligence, financial technology, and technology-based businesses are increasingly considered the most auspicious approach in moving Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states away from oil and gas and toward diversified and sustainable economies.

The Gulf

EnergySource

Aug 21, 2019

Sanctions prompt Iran to remain relevant in the global energy calculus

By Sara Bazoobandi

The Islamic Republic is determined to push back against maximum US pressure. Iran’s actions will not only be disruptive for security of energy transportation through the Gulf but they will also increase the risk of a sudden military escalation.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Aug 16, 2019

Katz in LobeLog: Is Putin really gaining a stranglehold over the Gulf?

By Atlantic Council

Middle East The Gulf

Experts