Analysis
View AllHow Egypt Became the Middle East’s New Energy Chokepoint
Egypt has become the indispensable transit state linking Saudi Arabia's Red Sea infrastructure with global markets. But that strategic importance may also have exposed it to the same risks facing Gulf producers.
Qatar’s Art Scene Reflects Resilience
Following the high of the inaugural Art Basel Qatar, and the low of the ongoing Iran war, Qatar is doubling down on global and regional cultural diplomacy.
Oman in the War
Oman has benefitted from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, but continued conflict and Oman’s highwire neutrality balancing act mean that the sultanate’s economic windfall is still in danger.
Trump’s Impossible Dilemma: Return To War With Iran or Not?
President Trump has led the United States into an impossible dilemma in which resuming and intensifying the war presents one set of alarming consequences while ending it under current circumstances offers at least as many disasters for Washington.
Jul 31, 2026
Javan Daily: “Iran’s War and Negotiation Plan”
The July 31 edition of the Iran Media Review analyzes an Iranian article arguing that Iran is following its own timetable and agenda on negotiations and escalation.
Jul 28, 2026
A Weakened Hezbollah Remains Central to Iran’s Security Strategy
The July 28 edition of the Iran Media Review considers an open letter from Iran’s supreme leader to Hezbollah in Lebanon pledging continued support.
Jul 24, 2026
Iran Vows Retaliatory Attacks Across the Region and Beyond
The July 24 edition of the Iran Media Review highlights messages from Iran’s armed forces threatening to attack regional infrastructure and U.K. military bases.
Jul 21, 2026
Fight, Negotiate – or Both?
The July 21 edition of the Iran Media Review analyzes Iranian media messaging about whether Iran should escalate or negotiate with the United States.
Jul 31, 2026
Data Confirms a Large Economic Contraction in Saudi Arabia in the Second Quarter
The Saudi economy contracted sharply in the second quarter of 2026. Any recovery will be slowed by the recent renewal of hostilities in the region.
May 6, 2026
Spending Surge Puts Saudi Budget in Large First Quarter Deficit
The Saudi budget recorded a large deficit in the first quarter of 2026 as spending surged, but higher oil revenue during the rest of the year should limit the size of the annual fiscal deficit.
May 5, 2026
Gulf PMIs Raise Specter of Stagflation
Business conditions in the Gulf generally improved in April, but they remained weaker than before the Iran war. There are signs that price pressures are increasing as the conflict impedes trade.
The Iran War and the Saudi Economy
Data shows that the Saudi economy is being negatively affected by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, and the impact will likely continue for the next few months at least.
Ballad: Moza Almatrooshi’s Homage to the Landscape
Moza Almatrooshi, an Emirati artist and chef, reflects on the inaugural season of ballad, her community culinary initiative.
Ammar Alsabban: Superman With a Saudi Accent
With passions as diverse as puppetry, podcasting, and superheroes, Ammar Alsabban is redefining the creative limits of Saudi identity.
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
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.
A New Gulf Partnership
In May, President Donald J. Trump embarked on a trip to the Gulf that signals a new era in U.S.-Gulf relations. AGSI's A New Gulf Partnership series explores the ways U.S. strategic relations with these countries are evolving and offers policy recommendations for the U.S. administration to maximize political and economic influence.
Nov 13, 2024
Energy and Climate Initiative
AGSIW’s Energy and Climate Initiative explores Gulf energy and climate policies, technological advances, and pressing political, social, and environmental issues ahead of COP28.
Nov 5, 2024
U.S. Presidential Election
AGSIW’s U.S. Presidential Election series explores Gulf perspectives on the 2024 election and considers how the election results may shape the future of U.S. engagement in the Gulf region.
Sep 6, 2024
Trees of the Gulf
This series looks at the vital role certain trees play in the region's collective memory, survival, and plans for the future.
All Analysis
How Egypt Became the Middle East’s New Energy Chokepoint
Egypt has become the indispensable transit state linking Saudi Arabia's Red Sea infrastructure with global markets. But that strategic importance may also have exposed it to the same risks facing Gulf producers.
Qatar’s Art Scene Reflects Resilience
Following the high of the inaugural Art Basel Qatar, and the low of the ongoing Iran war, Qatar is doubling down on global and regional cultural diplomacy.
Oman in the War
Oman has benefitted from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, but continued conflict and Oman’s highwire neutrality balancing act mean that the sultanate’s economic windfall is still in danger.
Trump’s Impossible Dilemma: Return To War With Iran or Not?
President Trump has led the United States into an impossible dilemma in which resuming and intensifying the war presents one set of alarming consequences while ending it under current circumstances offers at least as many disasters for Washington.
The Pull of French-Gulf Economic Ties
France is positioning to be a more influential actor across the Middle East, but the European powerhouse is most likely to see immediate traction on the economic tracks that run to and from the Gulf.
Why the Houthis Entered the War
The Houthis’ decision to dip their toes into the conflict is a calculated choice based on military capacity, a blueprint, and the need for retaliatory pressure.
