Analysis

The new GCC: Convergence and strategic competition
The GCC’s geopolitical confrontations with Iran have masked a longer term, oft-overlooked trend of the bloc quietly cooperating with Tehran on a range of activities.

The World Cup’s importance to Qatar’s foreign policy
The Qatar World Cup will showcase the country and the broader Gulf region to a truly international audience in ways that no other event could do.

Pegasus as a case study of evolving ties between the UAE and Israel
Analyzing the trajectory of Pegasus in the UAE offers a case study in how relations with Israel evolved over the past decade.

Anatomy of emerging chaos: Yemen’s Shebwa
As fighting in Marib province continues to grab international headlines, the conflict between elements allied with the Southern Transitional Council and al-Islah party escalates in Shebwa.

Houthi crimes against women
As Yemen enters the seventh year of the war, the Houthis continue their heavy-handed repression of dissent among the population under their control.

Iran’s economic recovery will require an independent central bank
An effective central bank will be integral to righting the economic ship of the country. Unfortunately, the CBI as it currently stands is unable to do its job.

Socotra, denying rivals of refuge
As the battle for the city of Marib rages on, the fight over control of Socotra island once again threatens to divide the Arab Coalition and de-rail the Riyadh Agreement.

How Qatar’s logistics foresight helps pandemic relief efforts
As efforts are made to ensure a steady supply of vaccines and essential materials, it is the logistics hub in Qatar that may bring decisive advantages to the international table.

Is Mohammed bin Salman an Arabian Atatürk?
Turkey’s Mustafa Kemal Atatürk defied the superpowers of the period and successfully led a war of independence. More recently, some have suggested that the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman might be in Atatürk’s footsteps.

Does Iran want to be removed from the FATF blacklist?
Since Hassan Rouhani was elected President in 2013, his government has been trying to take Iran out of the FATF’s blacklist of “Non-Compliant Countries or Territories”.