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

New Atlanticist

Sep 17, 2019

Talks in Riyadh on Iran: What happens next?

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Trump is more than likely hoping that Saudi officials agree to economic pressure on Iran, but oppose an all-out war.

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Sep 17, 2019

Fontenrose joins BBC to discuss recent attacks on Saudi

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Sep 17, 2019

Slavin quoted in NPR on Saudi strike

By Atlantic Council

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Sep 17, 2019

Pfaff in Defense One: The Saudi-Oil Attacks Aren’t Game Changing. They Show How the Game Has Changed

Iran Oil and Gas

In the News

Sep 17, 2019

Slavin quoted in NPR on U.S. Satellites Detected Iran Readying Weapons Ahead Of Saudi Strike

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Sep 17, 2019

Bell quoted in WGME on Saudi oil attacks

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Middle East
Putin Saudi Arabia

New Atlanticist

Sep 17, 2019

He’s serious: Putin offers to sell air defense missiles to Saudi Arabia

By Mark N. Katz

While Iran's president and foreign minister laughed at the Russian president's statement, Putin offer should been seen as a serious one.

Iran Missile Defense

In the News

Sep 17, 2019

Wald in Bloomberg: Aramco’s IPO Could Use a Breather Anyway

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Middle East

EnergySource

Sep 17, 2019

Fujairah and the encirclement of Saudi oil production by Iran

By Jean-Francois Seznec

The latest attacks on the Arab Gulf oil industry seem to be part of a strategy by Iran to warn the Gulf states that it can block all oil shipments, if it sees fit. One of the warnings was the attack on three tankers at anchor off Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Fontenrose quoted in The Guardian on the Saudi oil attack and the possibility of escalation

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Saudi Arabia Security & Defense

Experts

Events