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Hussein Ibish

Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI

Hussein Ibish is a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute. He is a weekly columnist for The National (UAE), former columnist for Bloomberg, regular contributor to The Atlantic and The Daily Beast, and frequent contributor to many other U.S. and Middle Eastern publications. He has made thousands of radio and television appearances and was the Washington, DC correspondent for the Daily Star (Beirut). Many of Ibish’s articles are archived on his Ibishblog website.

His most recent book is What’s Wrong with the One-State Agenda? Why Ending the Occupation and Peace with Israel is Still the Palestinian National Goal (ATFP, 2009). Ibish was included in all three years (20112012, and 2013) of Foreign Policy’s “Twitterati 100,” the magazine’s list of 100 “must-follow” Twitter feeds on foreign policy.

Ibish is the editor and principal author of three major studies of Hate Crimes and Discrimination against Arab Americans 1998-2000 (ADC, 2001), Sept. 11, 2001-Oct. 11, 2002 (ADC, 2003), and 2003-2007 (ADC, 2008). He is also the author of “At the Constitution’s Edge: Arab Americans and Civil Liberties in the United States” in States of Confinement (St. Martin’s Press, 2000), “Anti-Arab Bias in American Policy and Discourse” in Race in 21st Century America (Michigan State University Press, 2001), “Race and the War on Terror,” in Race and Human Rights (Michigan State University Press, 2005) and “Symptoms of Alienation: How Arab and American Media View Each Other“ in Arab Media in the Information Age (ECSSR, 2005). He wrote, along with Ali Abunimah, “The Palestinian Right of Return” (ADC, 2001) and “The Media and the New Intifada” in The New Intifada (Verso, 2001). He is the editor, along with Saliba Sarsar, of Principles and Pragmatism (ATFP, 2006).

Ibish previously served as a senior fellow at the American Task Force on Palestine, and executive director of the Hala Salaam Maksoud Foundation for Arab-American Leadership from 2004-09. From 1998-2004, Ibish served as communications director for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. He has a PhD in comparative literature from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Analysis

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Trump’s Gulf Trip Should Prove a Big Win-Win for All Parties

Gulf Arab states can solidify ties with Washington, while Trump stands to benefit personally and politically.

Hussein Ibish

15 min read

U.S. President Donald J. Trump exits Air Force One upon arriving at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, May 4. (REUTERS/Leah Millis)

What’s Behind the Arab Alternative to Trump’s Gaza Proposal

The GCC +2 meeting, followed by the Arab League, has to take Trump's dangerously implausible ideas about Gaza seriously, but Israel won't countenance the Arab states’ alternative.

Hussein Ibish

9 min read

Palestinians walk in the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, Gaza Strip, February 11. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Qatar’s Adroit Post-October 7 Diplomacy

Qatar appears to have turned a serious potential liability, its long-standing support for Hamas, into diplomatic advantage.

Hussein Ibish

7 min read

Smoke rises in North Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from Israel, January 14. (REUTERS/Amir Cohen)

The Domestic and Regional Impact of the Political Earthquake in Syria

The map of Syria has undergone a shocking revision, and domestic instability and retribution, with broader regional fallout, remain possible, even as diplomats engage and hope for the best.

For Saudi Arabia, There’s a Dealmaking Opportunity With Trump

Trump’s unrealized quest to craft a major international agreement presents significant potential opportunities for Riyadh.

Hussein Ibish

11 min read

Gulf Countries Seek to Avoid Getting Drawn Into the Israel-Iran Confrontation

Gulf Arab states are yet again watching on the sidelines as other powers shape their present and future strategic environment.

Hussein Ibish

10 min read

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 9. (Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS)

Events

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May 15, 2025

12:30pm - 1:30pm

Will Trump’s Visit Mark a New Chapter in U.S.-Saudi Relations?

On May 15, AGSI will host a discussion on Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with U.S. President Donald J. Trump at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. (Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with U.S. President Donald J. Trump at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. (Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS)

Feb 4, 2025

After Assad: What’s Next for Syria and the Region?

On February 4, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the collapse of the Assad regime and the future of Syria.

Syria's de facto leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa attends a meeting with former rebel faction chiefs in Damascus, Syria, in this handout image released December 24, 2024. (SANA/Handout via REUTERS)
Syria's de facto leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa attends a meeting with former rebel faction chiefs in Damascus, Syria, in this handout image released December 24, 2024. (SANA/Handout via REUTERS)

Dec 10, 2024

How Will Gulf Partners Seek to Manage Relations With Trump 2.0?

On December 10, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the future U.S.-Gulf relations under the incoming Trump administration.

Then-President Donald J. Trump holds a sword and sways with traditional dancers during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Then-President Donald J. Trump holds a sword and sways with traditional dancers during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Oct 3, 2024

In Conversation With Raghida Dergham: Israel’s Escalation, Hezbollah’s Meltdown

On October 3, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the repercussions of Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah.

Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, October 1. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, October 1. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Oct 9, 2024

Will the 2024 U.S. Election Prove an Inflection Point for Middle East Policy?

On October 9, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the U.S. presidential election and what it means for U.S.-Middle East policy.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald J. Trump gestures as he speaks as Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris listens during a presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 10. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald J. Trump gestures as he speaks as Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris listens during a presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 10. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

Sep 26, 2024

Is the Middle East on the Brink of Regional War?

On September 26, AGSIW and ROPES co-hosted a discussion on rising tensions in the Middle East.

Engagement

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External Publications

Gazans Are Bravely Defying Hamas — Here’s How to Help Them Build a Future

The people of Gaza are right to blame both Hamas and Israel for the horrors they continue to endure.