Analysis
View AllIn Washington, Mohammed bin Salman Aims to Elevate Defense Ties
Saudi leaders are seeking bilateral deals that advance the Saudi-U.S. relationship without the need for the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
LNG Heavyweights Qatar and U.S. Take Aim at EU Directive
Without mutual recognition mechanisms, Gulf exporters may face higher compliance costs and potential exclusion from European markets despite genuine emission-reduction efforts.
Four Priorities for Mohammed bin Salman in Washington
When the Saudi crown prince meets President Trump in Washington, the main topics of discussion are likely to be commercial deals, a defense pact, a Saudi civilian nuclear program, and normalization with Israel.
10 min read
Mr. Sharaa Goes to Washington
While the Syrian president is the one coming to Washington, he and President Trump each have flipped the script, surprising skeptics with bold action and fresh approaches, opening a desperately needed conversation on Syria.
Nov 12, 2025
Iraqi Elections and a Water Crisis
The November 12 edition of the Iran Media Review examines Iranian commentary on the upcoming elections in Iraq and Tehran’s water shortage.
Nov 7, 2025
Foreign Minister Araghchi: Negotiations With the U.S. Not a “Positive Experience”
The November 7 edition of the Iran Media Review analyzes an address by the Iranian foreign minister about past negotiations with the United States.
Nov 4, 2025
Foreign Minister Araghchi on Future Negotiations With the United States
The November 4 edition of the Iran Media Review examines comments by Iran’s foreign minister about the United States’ “unreasonable demands” on Iran.
Oct 31, 2025
Iran: Bleak Economic “Future” Prospects
The October 31 edition of the Iran Media Review considers a report addressing the fragility of Iran’s state-linked financial sector.
Jul 1, 2025
The IMF Comments on the Saudi Economy and Policy Framework
The International Monetary Fund continues to endorse the direction of economic reform in Saudi Arabia but notes that risks from oil price uncertainty and strong credit growth will need to be carefully managed to keep the economy on a strong growth trajectory.
Apr 23, 2025
Saudi Current Account in Deficit in 2024 Despite High Oil Prices
The Saudi current account moved into a small deficit in 2024 despite oil prices of $80 per barrel. A return to a surplus is unlikely unless oil revenue moves sharply higher.
Apr 9, 2025
What Do Lower Oil Prices Mean for the Saudi Budget?
The sharp drop in oil prices over the past week will result in a larger budget deficit and more government borrowing.
Mar 28, 2025
Positive Momentum Continues in the Saudi Labor Market
Robust growth in the non-oil economy and ongoing reforms are driving increased employment and labor force participation rates and lower unemployment among Saudi nationals.
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
In Washington, Mohammed bin Salman Aims to Elevate Defense Ties
Saudi leaders are seeking bilateral deals that advance the Saudi-U.S. relationship without the need for the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
LNG Heavyweights Qatar and U.S. Take Aim at EU Directive
Without mutual recognition mechanisms, Gulf exporters may face higher compliance costs and potential exclusion from European markets despite genuine emission-reduction efforts.
Four Priorities for Mohammed bin Salman in Washington
When the Saudi crown prince meets President Trump in Washington, the main topics of discussion are likely to be commercial deals, a defense pact, a Saudi civilian nuclear program, and normalization with Israel.
10 min read
Mr. Sharaa Goes to Washington
While the Syrian president is the one coming to Washington, he and President Trump each have flipped the script, surprising skeptics with bold action and fresh approaches, opening a desperately needed conversation on Syria.
A Pact for a Pact? Mohammed bin Salman Brings His Terms to Trump’s Washington
The crown prince’s visit aims to advance the massive economic partnership pledged during President Trump's May trip.
Gulf Exporters Monitor Impact of Russian Oil Sanctions
A decision by President Trump to bring the hammer down on Rosneft and Lukoil could be just what the doctor ordered for Gulf oil exporters.