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: Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images

The Unique Promise of Environmental Cooperation in the Gulf

Environmental issues hold unique promise for fostering negotiation and cooperation in the Gulf. A new CSIS brief explores the potential of environmental diplomacy to bring broader geopolitical benefits.

Brief by Will Todman Lubna Yousef and Mennah Abdelwahab — July 11, 2023

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Biden’s Efforts to Bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords

Jon Alterman argues that the Biden administration came into office with a pledge of normalcy, but its emphasis on Israel-Saudi ties is markedly different from its predecessors. Even so, the administration is determined not to let the Middle East become a distraction.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — September 22, 2023

Profile: Arab Youth Climate Movement – Qatar

Climate change and environmental issues have only recently become a subject of public discussion in the Gulf. In the run up to COP21 in Paris in 2015, a group of young people formed the Arab Youth Climate Movement – Qatar (AYCM) to address this issue, becoming the first fully independent youth-led association in Qatar focused on youth and climate issues.

Blog Post by Will Todman — September 20, 2023

Roundtable Summary: Civil Society and Environmental Action in the Gulf

As Gulf governments increase their collaboration on environmental issues, CSIS convened a private roundtable with Gulf civil society actors to explore the role that civil society actors can play in bolstering state-level collaboration efforts and driving environmental action. Participants included academics, activists, and analysts from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar. They debated avenues to strengthen regional collaboration, pathways for civil society actors to influence government policy, and ways in which international actors can bolster their efforts. 

Blog Post by Will Todman — September 20, 2023

The Unique Promise of Environmental Cooperation in the Gulf

Environmental issues hold unique promise for fostering negotiation and cooperation in the Gulf. A new CSIS brief explores the potential of environmental diplomacy to bring broader geopolitical benefits.

Brief by Will Todman Lubna Yousef and Mennah Abdelwahab — July 11, 2023

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