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

Saudi Aramco attacks

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
Saudi Aramco attacks

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
Saudi Aramco attacks

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.

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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.

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Content

Press and members call

Sep 15, 2019

Saudi Aramco attacks

By Atlantic Council

Following the September 14 attack on two Saudi Aramco facilities, Atlantic Council experts Kirsten Fontenrose, Phillip Cornell, Ellen Wald, Jean-Francois Seznec, and Randolph Bell unpack the latest developments and offer insight into the ramifications for global energy markets, regional security, and the anticipated Aramco IPO. The Council regularly holds press and members calls on breaking […]

Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Sep 15, 2019

Cohen in Forbes: Why The Brazen Attack On Saudi Oil Could Force The U.S. To Act

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Iran

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.

Oil and Gas Saudi Arabia

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
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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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Events

Online Event Fri, March 27, 2026 • 9:30 am ET

IMEC during a time of war
Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia India Middle East