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Blog Post

Evaluating the PIF’s Financial Performance and New Strategic Direction

In its new strategy, the Saudi Public Investment Fund seems to focus more on investment returns and less on asset growth. How this will work in practice is less clear, including what it means for the future of existing projects, such as Neom.

An exposition of "The Line" by Neom in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 15, 2022. (Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM)

Gulf States Double Down on a Weak U.N.

Resolving conflicts in the Middle East and meeting global challenges requires international commitment and action now in short supply. So why engage?

President Donald J. Trump arrives for a multilateral meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council during the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 22. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

From Basra 2023 to Jeddah 2026: Football, Soft Power, and Gulf Ambitions

As host of Gulf Cup 27, Saudi Arabia won its first trophy in over 20 years while demonstrating how sports can project soft power and foster connections.

Players and staff from Saudi Arabia's team celebrate with the trophy after winning the Gulf Cup at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, October 6. (REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa)

Heightened Threats Test the Pakistani-Saudi Defense Pact

The defense pact with Saudi Arabia is pulling Pakistan deeper into the region’s conflict, jeopardizing its relations with Iran.

Pakistani JF-17 Thunder jets fly past during the sea phase of Pakistan navy's Multinational Exercise AMAN-23, in the North Arabian Sea near Karachi, Pakistan, February 13, 2023. (REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro)

The Houthis Confront the Mecca Alliance

For the first time in years, the Houthis may find themselves facing a coalition rather than a single country.

Where Does Lebanon Fit in the Emerging Regional Trade Network?

As Gulf countries seek alternative routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon is positioning Tripoli as a complementary Mediterranean gateway alongside Syria, but long-standing political and financial risks could limit serious capital inflows.

A cargo ship navigates the Mediterranean Sea along the coastline of northern city of Tripoli, Lebanon, December 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

Mohsen Rezaei at the Helm of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council

Under Rezaei, the SNSC could prove constructive or paralyze strategic decision making.

Then-advisor to Iran's supreme leader, Mohsen Rezaei attends a farewell ceremony for late-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran, Iran, July 3. (REUTERS/Mohammed Salem)

A Saudi-UAE Thaw?

The thaw between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is likely designed to project a united front, particularly against the Houthis in Yemen.

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman meets UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 29. (Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS)