Said Bakr
Research Associate, AGSI
Said Bakr is a research associate in political economy at the Arab Gulf States Institute. His interests include energy security and geopolitical dynamics, strategic interests of global powers in the region, sovereign wealth funds, and economic diversification efforts in the Gulf states. Bakr is an MA candidate at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a BA in political science in 2019.
Prior to joining AGSI, Bakr worked in the wealth management industry for two years, developing a solid understanding of capital markets and securities. He also interned at the Gulf International Forum, where he analyzed qualitative and quantitative data on economic and political issues in the region. Bakr is a native Arabic speaker and possesses a working knowledge of Persian.
Analysis
Sanctions on Syria Prevent Economic Recovery and Rebuilding the Country
For Syria to have a chance at stability, the United States and the EU need to urgently consider lifting the layers of economic sanctions imposed on Syria under Assad and allow Gulf countries to help rebuild the war-torn country.
Sanctions on Syria: Iran’s Economic Gains and the Gulf-U.S. Divide
On Syria, the United States risks becoming increasingly out of step with its key allies, who have moved toward diplomatic engagement.
No Low-Hanging Fruit to Help Qatar With Its Food Security Challenges
Qatar is working to boost local food production while coping with daunting obstacles, including falling aquifer levels, a paucity of arable land, and broader climate-change issues.
Jun 20, 2024
Saudi Arabia’s and the UAE’s Quest for African Critical Minerals
Saudi and Emirati efforts to expand the countries’ presence in Africa’s critical mineral industry bring the potential for both economic collaboration and geopolitical tension with China.
