Analysis
View AllA Security Lens for Gulf Water Policy
As hostile actors recognize the vulnerability of critical water infrastructure, recognizing water as a national security priority is the first step toward resilience.
The New Trilateral Axis and the Iraqi Dilemma
As the September deadline for the U.S. troop drawdown approaches, Iraq’s period of comfortable neutrality is ending, but the country’s policymakers should not rush into unsustainable alignments.
For SME Growth, Gulf Countries Need Supportive Ecosystems
Small and medium enterprises are central to Gulf diversification efforts, but strong, well-integrated support systems, including national small business administrations and public credit guarantee schemes, are needed to help them thrive.
14 min read
The Islamic Republic Returns to Offense
After U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, Iran’s collective leadership has concluded that the best defense is a good offense.
Aug 14, 2026
Iran Has No Intention of Relinquishing the Strait of Hormuz
The August 14 edition of the Iran Media Review considers remarks made by the new Supreme National Security Council secretary on his first day in office.
Aug 11, 2026
Major General Mohsen Rezaei Appointed Supreme National Security Council Secretary
The August 11 edition of the Iran Media Review analyzes Iranian media responses to the appointment of a new Supreme National Security Council secretary.
Aug 7, 2026
The Hidden Ayatollah Denies Seeking the President’s Dismissal
The August 7 edition of the Iran Media Review examines an Iranian newspaper debunking an official’s claim to have the ear of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
Aug 4, 2026
The IRGC Warns of the “End of Calm at Aramco”
The August 4 edition of the Iran Media Review highlights Iranian media responses to Saudi strikes in Iraq and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
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.
Hind Al Mulla Is Taking Home Bakery Global
After building highly successful restaurants in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Emirati pastry chef Hind Al Mulla plans to take the Home Bakery group global while providing a platform for other Emirati entrepreneurs.
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
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
A Security Lens for Gulf Water Policy
As hostile actors recognize the vulnerability of critical water infrastructure, recognizing water as a national security priority is the first step toward resilience.
The New Trilateral Axis and the Iraqi Dilemma
As the September deadline for the U.S. troop drawdown approaches, Iraq’s period of comfortable neutrality is ending, but the country’s policymakers should not rush into unsustainable alignments.
Hind Al Mulla Is Taking Home Bakery Global
After building highly successful restaurants in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Emirati pastry chef Hind Al Mulla plans to take the Home Bakery group global while providing a platform for other Emirati entrepreneurs.
For SME Growth, Gulf Countries Need Supportive Ecosystems
Small and medium enterprises are central to Gulf diversification efforts, but strong, well-integrated support systems, including national small business administrations and public credit guarantee schemes, are needed to help them thrive.
14 min read
The Islamic Republic Returns to Offense
After U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, Iran’s collective leadership has concluded that the best defense is a good offense.
Pension Reform Joins the Gulf’s Talent Retention Toolkit
The Gulf states want to reduce their dependence on expatriates without losing the professionals they still need for economic diversification. Pension reform is becoming part of that bargain.
