Analysis
View AllThe Emir Who Refused To Hide
Under Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Qatar would be known – as a mediator, a broadcaster, a host of mega sports events, and an investor – and that notoriety would itself become a form of security: deterrence by relevance.
Saudi Arabia Reflects on Underwhelming World Cup
Following Saudi Arabia’s early exit from the World Cup, the kingdom’s soccer authorities may enter a period of introspection considering challenges that have cast a shadow over the post-2023 landscape of Saudi soccer.
Sea Mines in Hormuz: Deciphering the U.S. Mine-Clearing Delay
With an aging and largely untested fleet, U.S. mine clearing operations can restore maritime access but only under favorable political and operational conditions.
Saudi Arabia Weathers the Iran War Thanks to Investments in “Economic Resiliency”
The impact of the Iran war on the Saudi economy has been mitigated by investments in “economic resiliency,” including the East-West oil pipeline, relatively prudent fiscal policy, and the accumulation of a large stock of foreign financial assets.
Jul 17, 2026
Qalibaf Emerges as Iran’s De Facto Wartime Leader
The July 17 edition of the Iran Media Review examines a written statement by Iran’s parliamentary speaker laying out Iran’s strategy for the future of the conflict.
Jul 15, 2026
Iranian Parliament Presses for Escalation
The July 15 edition of the Iran Media Review examines remarks by an Iranian hard-liner advocating for Iran to escalate against the United States without abandoning the U.S.-Iran cease-fire.
Jul 10, 2026
Iranian Media Prepares the Public for a “War of Attrition”
The July 10 edition of the Iran Media Review highlights an Iranian article arguing that Iran and the United States are in a “protracted regional war of attrition.”
Jun 30, 2026
Iran’s New Doctrine: A Forever War in the Strait of Hormuz
The June 30 edition of the Iran Media Review considers an Iranian argument that only deterrence, not diplomacy, can influence U.S. behavior.
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.
Apr 2, 2026
Saudi Equities Outperform Global Markets
Saudi equity prices have risen since the start of the Iran conflict, outperforming many regional and global markets. Whether this continues will depend on how and when the conflict ends.
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.
Manama Story: Preserving the Soul of the City
The Manama Story project seeks to preserve the history of the Bahraini city, one archive at a time.
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
The Emir Who Refused To Hide
Under Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Qatar would be known – as a mediator, a broadcaster, a host of mega sports events, and an investor – and that notoriety would itself become a form of security: deterrence by relevance.
Saudi Arabia Reflects on Underwhelming World Cup
Following Saudi Arabia’s early exit from the World Cup, the kingdom’s soccer authorities may enter a period of introspection considering challenges that have cast a shadow over the post-2023 landscape of Saudi soccer.
Sea Mines in Hormuz: Deciphering the U.S. Mine-Clearing Delay
With an aging and largely untested fleet, U.S. mine clearing operations can restore maritime access but only under favorable political and operational conditions.
Saudi Arabia Weathers the Iran War Thanks to Investments in “Economic Resiliency”
The impact of the Iran war on the Saudi economy has been mitigated by investments in “economic resiliency,” including the East-West oil pipeline, relatively prudent fiscal policy, and the accumulation of a large stock of foreign financial assets.
After the Hormuz Crisis, No Return to the Status Quo
The vulnerability of the world's most important energy chokepoint has been laid bare, setting in motion changes that are likely to outlast the conflict.
All About Those Ports
Ports will be key focus areas of economic infrastructure buildout efforts as the region works to move beyond the Iran conflict.
