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: Saleh al-Obeidi/AFP/Getty Images

A Yemeni pro-government fighter fires a heavy machine gun as Emirati supported forces take over Houthi bases in southwestern Yemen, on July 1, 2018. - Saleh al-Obeidi/AFP/Getty Images

Aid and Conflict: Pitfalls in Yemen

Brief by Jon B. Alterman

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Five Factors Mean the Middle East Is Not Back to Normal

In a new commentary, Jon Alterman discusses five major factors that place Middle Eastern governments in a weaker position today than in 2011. He explains how their position is likely to decline even further and what this means for the future of the region.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — May 23, 2023

Rethinking Saudi Arabia

Dr. Jon Alterman discusses progress and setbacks in Saudi Arabia's sociopolitical reform efforts and what these mean for U.S. engagement (or disengagement) with the kingdom in the future.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — June 23, 2022

The Puzzle of U.S.-Saudi Ties

Jon Alterman tackles the ambivalent relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — October 20, 2021

Camel Corruption Crackdown

As Saudi officials crack down on corruption, they are increasingly zeroing in on a new target: suspiciously full camel lips.

Newsletter by Azim Wazeer — October 20, 2021

High-Tech Hajj

Pilgrims have been visiting Mecca since before the advent of Islam. The centuries-old tradition looked considerably different this year, and for more than one reason.

Newsletter by Alana Mitias — September 23, 2021

Iraq in the Balance

A production of the Brzezinski Institute on Geostrategy and the CSIS Middle East Program, "Iraq in the Balance" looks at how history, geography, power, and people have shaped Iraq's past and its potential future trajectories.

Newsletter — August 12, 2021

Abu Dhabi Goes Green for Greens

As part of the UAE's food security strategy, Abu Dhabi is investing in sustainable agricultural technology.

Newsletter by Buthaina Al Zubair — July 22, 2021

Balancing Priorities

In May, soaring temperatures in Qatar prompted the government to expand protections for outside workers, halting outdoor work in the summer between 10AM and 5PM.

Newsletter by Alana Mitias — June 28, 2021

Junked Food

The Bahraini newspapers’ headlines were dramatic. “Too Fat to Fly!” screamed one, repeating a municipal official’s claims that Bahrain’s seagulls had become obese feasting on food waste.

Newsletter by Humzah Khan — April 27, 2021