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Arab Gulf States Institute

U.S. Takes Concrete Steps to Lift Sanctions on Syria

As the U.S. government begins lifting sanctions on Syria, the key questions will focus on the speed and scope of reconstruction and whether the Syrian government can meet accelerating expectations.

A woman walks past damaged apartment buildings in Daraya, Syria, March 12. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)

Baghdad Summits Expose Cracks in Iraq’s Regional Ambitions

By hosting two regional summits, Prime Minister Sudani's government sought to strategically position Iraq's reentry into central Arab regional politics. However, internal divisions, regional mistrust, and shifting geopolitics exposed the limits of Baghdad’s ambitions.

Yerevan Saeed
Yerevan Saeed

10 min read

Arab leaders attend the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, May 17. (Hadi Mizban/Pool via REUTERS)

Trump Decision on Syria Sanctions: Rough Road Ahead for Syria’s Oil Production

The lifting of U.S. sanctions could pave the way for the eventual return of oil and gas revenue for Syria, but the road to recovery will be long.

Kate Dourian

5 min read

A worker walks past idle pumpjacks at an oil field on the outskirts of Qamishli, Syria, Feb. 3. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Turkish-Saudi Convergence in the New Middle East

The emerging Turkish-Saudi entente, forged around shared interests and a common strategic vision, could shift the balance of power in the Middle East.

Ömer Taşpınar

9 min read

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman walk during a welcome ceremony at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 17, 2023.(Saudi Press Agency via AP)

May 27, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Sports Ambitions: Diversification and Sustainability?

On May 27, AGSI hosted a discussion on Saudi Arabia's investment in sports.

Saudi Arabia fans cheer prior of the World Cup group C soccer match between Poland and Saudi Arabia, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, November 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Saudi Arabia fans cheer before a World Cup soccer match between Poland and Saudi Arabia at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, November 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

May 20, 2025

Assessing the U.S. Military Response to the Houthis: Implications for Yemen and Red Sea Security

On May 20, AGSI hosted a discussion on the United States' policy toward the Houthis.

A police trooper stands on the rubble of a building destroyed by U.S. air strikes in Sanaa, Yemen April 27. (REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah)
A police trooper stands on the rubble of a building destroyed by U.S. airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, April 27. (REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah)

May 19, 2025

A Golden Age for U.S.-Gulf Relations? Assessing President Trump’s Middle East Tour

On May 19, AGSI will host a discussion on Trump's visit to the Gulf.

Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, President Donald J. Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa attend a group photo session with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 14. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)
Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, President Donald J. Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa attend a group photo session with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 14. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

May 15, 2025

Will Trump’s Visit Mark a New Chapter in U.S.-Saudi Relations?

On May 15, AGSI hosted a discussion on Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with U.S. President Donald J. Trump at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. (Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with U.S. President Donald J. Trump at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. (Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS)

May 13, 2025

U.S.-UAE Relations: A Conversation With H.E. Dr. Anwar Gargash

On May 13, AGSI and MEI co-hosted a private discussion with H.E. Anwar Gargash.

Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman in conversation with H.E. Dr. Anwar Gargash. (Credit: MEI)
Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman in conversation with H.E. Dr. Anwar Gargash. (Credit: MEI)

May 8, 2025

From Petrodollar Partners to Geo-Economic Rivals? Washington and the Arab Gulf States

On May 8, AGSIW hosted a discussion on how U.S. geoeconomic policy is reshaping ties with Gulf states.

President Donald J. Trump shakes hands with Saudi Arabia's then deputy crown prince and defense minister, Mohammed bin Salman, during a bilateral meeting, in Riyadh, May 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
President Donald J. Trump shakes hands with Saudi Arabia's then deputy crown prince and defense minister, Mohammed bin Salman, during a bilateral meeting, in Riyadh, May 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Apr 29, 2025

AGSI x Culture Summit: A New World History: Nonhuman Perspectives in Gulf Art

On April 29, AGSI will convene a session on alternative histories in art at Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.

(Image courtesy of Saad Alsharrah)
(Image courtesy of Saad Alsharrah)

Apr 29, 2025

The Real Deal? Are Washington and Tehran Closer to a Compromise?

On April 29, AGSI hosted a discussion on the U.S.-Iranian nuclear negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, left, meets his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi prior to negotiations with Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff in Muscat, Oman, Saturday, April 12. (Iranian Foreign Ministry via AP)
In this photo released by Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, left, meets his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi prior to negotiations with U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff in Muscat, Oman, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (Iranian Foreign Ministry via AP)

Apr 22, 2025

A Conversation With Ambassador Michael Ratney

On April 22, AGSI hosted a conversation with Michael Ratney, the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Ambassador Michael Ratney delivers remarks at the luncheon. (Credit: AGSIW)
Ambassador Michael Ratney delivers remarks at AGSIW luncheon, April 22. (Credit: AGSIW)

Mar 26, 2025

Exploring Oman’s History, Culture, and Cuisine: A Conversation With Chef Dina Macki

In her latest book, Bahari, meaning “ocean” in Swahili, chef Dina Macki embarks on a culinary exploration of the rich flavors and history of Omani cuisine, a food culture shaped by boundless coastlines and complex maritime history, with origins and influences spanning Pakistan, Iran, India, the Swahili coast, and Portugal.  An Omani Zanzibari chef who...

Visitors buy frankincense at Al Haffa souq, in Dhofar governorate, Oman, August 5, 2024. (REUTERS/Rula Rouhana)
Visitors buy frankincense, which is produced by Wadi Dawkah's trees and historically used to power trade routes beyond the Arabian Peninsula, at Al Haffa souq, in Dhofar governorate, Oman, August 5, 2024. Frankincense remains a vital aspect of Omani culture, used in religious rites, incense, and perfumes. REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

Mar 18, 2025

The Opportunities and Risks of Industrial Policy in the Gulf

On March 18, AGSI hosted a discussion on industrialization in the Gulf.

Workers are seen at a solar plant factory in Uyayna, Saudi Arabia April 10, 2018. (REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser)
Workers are seen at the solar plant factory in Uyayna, north of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia April 10, 2018. Picture taken April 10, 2018. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser

Rahina: A Jeweler’s Ode to Dhofari Heritage

Through Rahina, Fatma al-Najjar is exploring her Dhofari heritage and tapping into ancestral memories, one piece of jewelry at a time.

10 min read

AGSI x Culture Summit: A New World History: Nonhuman Perspectives in Gulf Art

On April 29, AGSI will convene a session on alternative histories in art at Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.

(Image courtesy of Saad Alsharrah)

Independent Researchers Are Advancing UAE History on Social Media

Independent researchers and informal collaboratives have been connecting through social media to fill in gaps in popular knowledge of the United Arab Emirates’ pre-state era.

Abdulla Almarzooqi
Abdulla Almarzooqi

18 min read

AGSI Remembers Ambassador Frank G. Wisner