ARB - Gulf

Boycott in Bahrain

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 14:58:06 +0000

Upcoming elections in Bahrain are likely to prompt more opposition protests, rather than providing a means of channeling and containing opposition activity.

Brotherly Love in the GCC

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 14:31:37 +0000

Renewed high-level diplomatic activity between Qatar and Saudi Arabia may end their historic row as the GCC seeks policy alignment, particularly on security issues.

Houthis on the Rise in Yemen

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 14:17:56 +0000

Although the Houthis are well-poised to acquire new territories and increase their influence within Yemen, neither development will bring about peace or prosperity for the country.

Saleh Bites Back

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 16:26:28 +0000

Former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh is seeking to take advantage of the Houthi conflict to reestablish his influence and pave the way for his son to take power.

Bahrain Between its Backers and the Brotherhood

Tue, 20 May 2014 15:34:38 +0000

The recent efforts to label the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization puts Bahrain’s leadership at odds with its domestic ally against the Shia opposition.

Yemen’s Fraught Constitution Drafting Committee

Fri, 02 May 2014 15:07:30 +0000

Though working on the premise of federalism, Yemen’s Constitution Drafting Committee is only reinforcing central presidential control.

Qatar’s Changing Foreign Policy

Tue, 08 Apr 2014 14:12:12 +0000

Doha's foreign policy setbacks over the past year may press Qatar toward reconciliation with Saudi Arabia, despite their recent spat.

The Repercussions of the GCC Tension in Yemen

Tue, 08 Apr 2014 13:43:11 +0000

The falling out between Riyadh and Doha leaves Yemen divided over which patron to follow.

Would UN Sanctions Help Yemen’s Transition?

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 17:07:34 +0000

UN Security Council resolution 2140 could help Yemen achieve a smoother transition if implemented objectively and effectively, but it risks deepening political divides.

What Does Syria Mean for the Region’s Shia

Tue, 07 Jan 2014 15:33:53 +0000

Regional Shia support for the Assad regime is more geopolitical than religious in nature.

Maliki's Troubles

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 16:19:37 +0000

Due to divisions within Iraq’s Shia establishment, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is losing the allies he would need to achieve re-election in 2014.

National Dimensions of the Saada Conflict

Tue, 26 Nov 2013 16:16:04 +0000

The ongoing conflict in Saada exposes the divides in Yemeni politics, which are likely to obstruct the National Dialogue Conference and country’s political transition.

Tensions at the Saudi-Yemeni Border

Tue, 08 Oct 2013 13:51:29 +0000

Tensions between Salafis and disenfranchised Houthis along the Saudi-Yemeni border escalate amid fears of insurgency.

One Man, One Vote

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 15:51:39 +0000

Kuwait’s one man, one vote law, though the cause of previous unrest, has fractured the opposition and empowered independents.

No Alternative But Success

Tue, 10 Sep 2013 14:31:05 +0000

Yemen’s National Dialogue continues to be undermined by separatist movements, yet it has no alternative but to succeed. If not, war is sure to follow.

Deadlocked Yemen

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 12:39:35 +0000

Half way into its mandate, questions remain about the National Dialogue Conference’s ability to solve Yemen’s extensive problems.

Qatar’s Global Bargaining Chips

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:52:06 +0000

Qatar’s strategic internationalist foreign policy is likely to continue, even under new leadership.

When the Desert Runs Dry

Tue, 28 May 2013 13:42:32 +0000

Why Saudi Arabia’s oil addiction could spell major trouble

Of Identities and Institutions

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:23:22 +0000

Saudi Arabia is in the throes of an identity crisis that could ultimately lead to a redefining of its founding pact.

About a Decree

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Kuwait’s internal discord is likely to intensify if the court does not overturn the emir’s recent electoral decree.

Dialogue, Interrupted

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Yemen’s complex insecurity will make National Dialogue talks difficult.

Laboring Against Themselves

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The responses of Gulf Cooperation Council countries to the 2011 uprisings only reinforce a culture of state dependency.

Talks of Hope?

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Restoring trust amid Bahrain's highly polarized society will need a much more substantial approach to the country’s problems.

Eastern Promises

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Will change come for Saudi Arabia’s Shia minority?

Unhappy Arabia

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Rumblings of change are growing louder in Saudi society; but is the monarchy prepared to give in?