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

Sep 19, 2019

Dagres joins the Monocle to discuss tensions in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Sep 19, 2019

Fontenrose quoted in CNN on Saudi oil attacks and U.S. action

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Middle East

In the News

Sep 19, 2019

Bechev in Foreign Policy: Putin is trolling the United States in the Persian Gulf

By Dimitar Bechev

In the wake of the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Russian president has positioned himself as a peacemaker. But continued conflict is his friend.

Conflict Russia

New Atlanticist

Sep 19, 2019

The logic of Iran’s attack on Saudi Arabia

By Henry Rome and Robert Johnston

While previously mere threats against the safety of shipping were enough to send tremors through oil markets and spook past US presidents, Iranian leaders have seemed powerless to respond to the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Slavin quoted in NPR on Saudi oil attack and Trump Administration

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Middle East

MENASource

Sep 18, 2019

What the Abqaiq attack should teach us about critical infrastructure

By Thomas S. Warrick

The precision of the aerial attack on Abqaiq, whether it originated in Iran or outside it, shows both a willingness to target strategic critical infrastructure and a capability for extreme precision.

Crisis Management Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Slavin quoted in NPR on attacks on Saudi oil field

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Middle East

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Cohen joins Al Jazeera to discuss the Abqaiq-Khurais attacks and oil price volatility

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Cohen in Newsweek: Donald’s Dilemma: Can He Retaliate to Attack on Saudi Oil Fields Without Starting a War with Iran?

By Atlantic Council

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Fontenrose joins BBC to discuss Saudi oil attack

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Iran

Experts

Events