Analysis
View AllRussia Eyes Oman as a Gateway to the Region
Relations between Oman and Russia are growing fast, but limitations exist to expanding ties.
What Trump’s LNG Push Means for the Gulf States
Gulf producers are adapting to global market changes and may even benefit from U.S. export growth by leveraging investments, strengthening diplomatic ties, and accelerating their own energy-transition agendas.
Saudi Campaign for Palestinian State Recognition
A shift in Saudi priorities away from normalizing ties with Israel and toward building international recognition for a Palestinian state has succeeded, as Western states pledge support among mounting outrage over famine in Gaza.
A New Phase for the U.S. and Iran
Washington can work with its Gulf partners to tie Tehran to a deal that moves Iran from a militant focus to an economic revival and integration within its neighborhood.
6 min read
Aug 15, 2025
U.S.-Iran Negotiations: Dead End
The August 15 edition of the Iran Media Review considers Iranian commentary suggesting an impasse in U.S.-Iran talks.
Aug 12, 2025
In Iran, YouTube Emerges as a Security Valve to Vent Anger Over Intelligence Failure
The August 12 edition of the Iran Media Review examines an Iranian security official’s criticism of Iran’s security establishment published on YouTube.
Aug 8, 2025
The IRGC Backs Ali Larijani the Pragmatist
The August 8 edition of the Iran Media Review analyzes an IRGC-affiliated newspaper’s reaction to Ali Larijani’s appointment to the SNSC.
Aug 5, 2025
Cornered at Home and Abroad, the Regime Turns to the Pragmatists
The August 5 edition of the Iran Media Review highlights Iranian media responses to a potential change in Iran’s national security leadership.
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
Russia Eyes Oman as a Gateway to the Region
Relations between Oman and Russia are growing fast, but limitations exist to expanding ties.
What Trump’s LNG Push Means for the Gulf States
Gulf producers are adapting to global market changes and may even benefit from U.S. export growth by leveraging investments, strengthening diplomatic ties, and accelerating their own energy-transition agendas.
Saudi Campaign for Palestinian State Recognition
A shift in Saudi priorities away from normalizing ties with Israel and toward building international recognition for a Palestinian state has succeeded, as Western states pledge support among mounting outrage over famine in Gaza.
A New Phase for the U.S. and Iran
Washington can work with its Gulf partners to tie Tehran to a deal that moves Iran from a militant focus to an economic revival and integration within its neighborhood.
6 min read
Bahrain’s “Heatwave” and the Gulf’s Architectural Reckoning
Bahrain’s pavilion at the 2025 Venice Biennale of Architecture is emblematic of how Gulf states are leveraging architecture to address – or at least narrate – pressing environmental and social questions.
The Gulf Countries Need “Good Jobs” in Services
As the Gulf countries transition to a new energy order, creating “good jobs” in high-value export-oriented services that provide citizens with adequate benefits, economic security, and career ladders will help these economies diversify and achieve increased growth.
7 min read
