Arabian Peninsula and Iraq

Political, economic, and security trends in the GCC states, Iraq, and Yemen

Warfare and volatile oil prices have pummeled the Gulf. The Middle East Program works with others at CSIS to appreciate the new challenges and opportunities in the Gulf and their impact on regional affairs and global politics. We perform original research and analysis and convene events that highlight issues of importance in the Gulf to policy audiences. The program defines the Gulf as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, and Yemen.

See the Middle East Program's publications and past events on the Gulf HERE.

Featured Analysis

Photo: NABIL HASAN/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: NABIL HASAN/AFP/Getty Images

Understanding the Saudi Reaction to the Escalation in Yemen

The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council’s capture of two southern Yemeni provinces, as well as Saudi forces’ recent strike on UAE-shipped weapons and vehicles in Al Mukalla, has led to unprecedented tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Commentary by Michael Ratney — December 31, 2025

Photo: Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Photo: Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Vision

Saudi Arabia is redefining its place in a multipolar world, shifting from historical insecurity and dependence on great powers to an ambitious strategy of diversification, self-reliance, and leadership across the Middle East and Global South.

Brief by Leah Hickert — December 2, 2025

See all analysis on the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq

Featured Project

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The Trump Administration's Middle East Policy

Shaping an Emerging Regional Order

The Trump administration stands before a historic opportunity to help usher the Middle East into a new era of stability and prosperity. Its engagement in the Middle East is shaping the contours of the emerging regional order—whether by default or design.

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Featured Event

MBS in Washington: What’s Next for U.S.–Saudi Relations?

Presented by Middle East Program
November 6, 2025 • 9:00 – 9:30 am EST

Featured Podcast

Photo: iLab/CSIS

Photo: iLab/CSIS

Did the Saudi & Syrian Trump visits meet expectations?

Mona Yacoubian and former ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney join Will to discuss how successful the visits really were, what failed to materialize, and what surprises emerged. 

Podcast Episode by Will Todman and Mona Yacoubian — November 21, 2025

All Arabian Peninsula and Iraq Content

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Understanding the Saudi Reaction to the Escalation in Yemen

The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council’s capture of two southern Yemeni provinces, as well as Saudi forces’ recent strike on UAE-shipped weapons and vehicles in Al Mukalla, has led to unprecedented tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Commentary by Michael Ratney — December 31, 2025

Why Trump’s Executive Order on Qatar Marks a Historic Shift

On September 29, President Trump signed an executive order that provides Qatar with an explicit security guarantee in the event of “external attack.” Mona Yacoubian analyzes its timing, significance, and situates it in a broader context.

Critical Questions by Mona Yacoubian — October 2, 2025

(Un)scripted Diplomacy?

A popular Saudi Ramadan show has an unexpected focus on China.

Blog Post by Ninar Fawal — June 4, 2025

Trump Takes on the Houthis

The Trump administration is escalating attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen in response to Houthi assaults on commercial shipping. The U.S. government is also increasingly blaming Iran for Houthi actions, which could intensify the conflict between the two countries.

Critical Questions by Jon B. Alterman — March 27, 2025

Iranian Networks in the Middle East

Renad Mansour, senior research fellow and project director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House and Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House join Dr. Jon Alterman to discuss emerging trends in Iran's transnational networks.

Event — March 6, 2025

Iranian Networks in the Middle East

Renad Mansour, senior research fellow & project director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House and Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East & North Africa Programme at Chatham House join Dr. Jon Alterman to discuss emerging trends in Iran's transnational networks.

Transcript — March 6, 2025

The Middle East’s View of the “China Model”

China does not seek to replace or outcompete the United States in the Middle East. Instead, China is working to untie the Middle East from the United States and make the region and the world more receptive to China through its model of political and economic development.

Report by Jon B. Alterman — September 19, 2024