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 16, 2019

Fontenrose quoted in The Wall Street Journal on US response to Saudi oil attack

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Saudi Arabia Security & Defense

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Fontenrose joins NPR’s Air Talk to discuss attack on Saudi oil facility

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Infrastructure Protection Oil and Gas

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Cornell quoted in Bloomberg on the Saudi Aramco attack

By Phillip Cornell

Middle East Oil and Gas

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Slavin joins BBC to discuss Iran and Saudi Arabia

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Bryza joins CNN to discuss attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Dagres joins the Monocle to discuss the bombing of Saudi oil facilities

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

Uncategorized

Sep 16, 2019

Slavin joins CTV to discuss Saudi oil attacks

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Slavin joins CTV to discuss U.S. blaming Iran for Saudi oil attacks

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Bell mentioned in The Houston Chronicle on Saudi Aramco global reach

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Sep 16, 2019

Can global energy markets withstand the attack on Saudi oil?

By David A. Wemer

Atlantic Council experts react to the September 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities and what it means for global energy markets and the wider region.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

Experts

Events