Blog Post
Apr 17, 2026
From Shield to Target: The Gulf’s Security Dilemma
Regardless of the outcome of ongoing U.S.-Iranian negotiations, Gulf states are likely to speed up the diversification of their defense partnerships, including with each other, though many hurdles have yet to be overcome.
Apr 16, 2026
New Regional Corridors Emerge Amid Iran Conflict
One silver lining of the Iran conflict may be the emergence of new, more durable foundations for regional economic integration via more agile trade corridors in the Gulf and beyond.
Apr 13, 2026
Business as Usual in the UAE?
The war has hit the United Arab Emirates during a period of cultural and economic flourishing. While life goes on amid continuous Iranian attacks, the country’s residents rally for its postwar return.
Apr 10, 2026
Can Iraq-Turkey Deal Help Iraqi Water Security?
The success of a new water-sharing deal between Iraq and Turkey hinges on Iraq’s government formation and the timely implementation of reforms.
Apr 10, 2026
Can Gulf Green Finance Survive an Oil Price Shock?
The Iran conflict has arrived at the worst possible moment for Gulf sustainable finance, a sector already navigating fiscal strain, a global ESG backlash, and the unresolved tension between hydrocarbon revenue and transition capital.
Apr 8, 2026
Iran War Hits Business Conditions in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf
March readings of the purchasing managers’ index showed a substantial deterioration in business conditions in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Gulf.
Apr 7, 2026
When War and Peace Are Just Means, the End Signifies Nothing
For the Gulf Arab countries, the future is more important than the present, but it is unclear if Iran, the United States, and Israel have the same vision.
Apr 6, 2026
The United States Plus: Gulf States Contemplate Regional Security After Iran War
The imperative for Gulf states to unify their position has grown since the onset of Iranian attacks on their countries. Yet under conditions of uncertainty about the U.S. position and the war's outcome, Gulf states are demonstrating differing regional alignments and preferences for managing the crisis.