Said Bakr is a research associate in political economy at the Arab Gulf States Institute. His research focuses on the geoeconomic and geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, Levantine politics, and Gulf investments and economic diversification efforts. Bakr holds an MA from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and a BA in political science from Gustavus Adolphus College.
Prior to joining AGSI, Bakr worked in the wealth management industry, where he gained foundational knowledge of stock markets and securities. He also worked as a Program and Grant Assistant and an Arabic Teaching Assistant at Georgetown University. Additionally, he interned at the Gulf International Forum and the City of St. Peter, Minnesota.
Bakr is a native Arabic speaker and possesses a working knowledge of Persian. He has lived in Syria and the United Arab Emirates.
Analysis
Sanctions on Syria Prevent Economic Recovery and Rebuilding the Country
For Syria to have a chance at stability, the United States and the EU need to urgently consider lifting the layers of economic sanctions imposed on Syria under Assad and allow Gulf countries to help rebuild the war-torn country.
Sanctions on Syria: Iran’s Economic Gains and the Gulf-U.S. Divide
On Syria, the United States risks becoming increasingly out of step with its key allies, who have moved toward diplomatic engagement.
No Low-Hanging Fruit to Help Qatar With Its Food Security Challenges
Qatar is working to boost local food production while coping with daunting obstacles, including falling aquifer levels, a paucity of arable land, and broader climate-change issues.
Jun 20, 2024
Saudi Arabia’s and the UAE’s Quest for African Critical Minerals
Saudi and Emirati efforts to expand the countries’ presence in Africa’s critical mineral industry bring the potential for both economic collaboration and geopolitical tension with China.
