Brookings: Topics - Persian Gulf

Foreign Policy

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:23:32 GMT

The U.S. and the international community face great challenges in the 21st century—globalization offers more freedom and prosperity, but also new threats to our security. The Foreign Policy Studies scholars and research help policymakers and the public address these crucial issues.

Global Economic Crisis: A Catalyst for Change in Saudi Arabia?

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While King Abdullah's recent Cabinet shake-up makes headlines, the country is also confronting a volatile global economy in advance of London's G-20 summit. With oil prices slumping, Navtej Dhillon and Hassan Hakimian analyze whether Saudi Arabia can maintain its strong economic position and continue to create jobs for its youth population.

The Gulf's Renewed Oil Wealth: Getting it Right This Time?

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The escalation in the price of oil over the past seven years has allowed the Middle East and Gulf states to reap an incredible windfall. The oil boom has neither saved nor doomed the Middle East, but rather opened new possibilities and heightened existing problems. Suzanne Maloney argues that international interest in ensuring the free flow of energy resources should prompt serious efforts by Washington and other capitals to enhance regional integration, encourage meaningful reform and promote long-term cooperation in cultivating a more stable, prosperous and sustainable future for the Middle East.

Slipping Oil Prices: Is the Oil Rich Middle East Prepared?

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the first commentary in the series, Food, Fuel, and Finance: How Will the Middle East Weather the Global Economic Crisis? Djavad Salehi-Isfahani examines how declining oil prices will affect government spending and youth-targeted development in the region. Compared to the 1980’s oil price collapse, today’s policy-makers face a more complex set of challenges, including a volatile global economy and large numbers of unemployed youth.

Will Oil Profits Reshape the Middle East?

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Pollack explores the idea that profits from record high oil prices may lead to a new era of diversified economies and employment in the Middle East. Pollack believes the idea is incorrect, because even though there is more money coming in, it is not being spent where it is most needed.

Middle East’s Economic Paradox

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

According to a recent study by the Middle East Youth Initiative, the region loses $25 billion a year due to youth unemployment. Navtej Dhillon, MEYI Director/Fellow, Jad Chaaban, Assistant Professor at American University of Beirut, and Tarik Yousef, Brookings Senior Fellow and Dean of the Dubai School of Government, discuss country statistics and regional policy implications.

The Future of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Rights in the Gulf

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 11, 2008, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

In the context of the recently released Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2007 and the Trafficking in Persons Report 2008 by the United States Department of State, the Brookings Doha Center, a Project of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, organized a policy discussion with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Erica Barks-Ruggles, to speak on the subject of human rights in the Gulf.

Rising Oil Prices and the Growth of Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds

Mon, 26 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 26, 2008, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

On May 26, 2008, The Brookings Doha Center, a project of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, hosted Dr. Brad Setser, Council on Foreign Relations Fellow at the Maurice R. Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies, for a policy luncheon. The discussion focused on the rapid growth of Sovereign Wealth Funds throughout the world and their financial impact on world markets and U.S. policy.

Iran's Economy: Short Term Performance and Long Term Potential

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In recent remarks at a Congressional staff briefing hosted by Security for a New Century, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani addressed current trends in Iran’s economy. He noted that high levels of investment, an increasingly active private sector, low poverty levels, and a lively public debate on the economy provide hope for long-term stability and development. Yet high levels of youth unemployment, especially among women, and weak institutions remain areas for concern.

Rising Oil Prices, Declining National Security

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As gasoline prices continue to set new records, David Sandalow recently testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the national security threats posed by rising oil prices. Drawing from his book Freedom from Oil, Sandalow emphasized the potential for plug-in electric vehicles to help solve the problem.”

Oil in the Gulf: Expanding Assets, Expanding Influence

Mon, 12 May 2008 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 12, 2008, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

On May 12, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy held a forum to discuss rising oil prices and the affects on the Gulf States. Featured speakers Fareed Mohamedi and Jean-Francois Seznec joined moderator and Brookings Senior Fellow Suzanne Maloney to debate the issues.

Economic and Political Development Report: Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tamara Cofman Wittes and Isobel Coleman met with business leaders, academics, journalists, and civic activists in Saudi Arabia. Among their key findings are that many Saudis welcomed the emergence of a more open atmosphere, pointing to King Abdullah’s ascension to the throne, dynamism in neighboring Gulf states, and a new “post-post-9/11” environment as key catalysts for the change. Yet, there was frustration at the unpredictability and arbitrariness of the newly expanded social and political space.

How the Iraq War Has Empowered Iran

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Five years into war in Iraq, Suzanne Maloney assesses the changed and growing relationship between Iraq and Iran. She concludes that Iran's investments in Iraq reflect the fact that Tehran has an interest in ensuring a friendly government in Baghdad, and that the U.S. will have to utilize new approaches to contain Iran.

Is Energy Independence the Answer to the Problems of the Middle East?

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 13, 2008, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

In its seventh session, the Crisis in the Middle East Task Force addressed the topic “Is Energy Independence the Answer to the Problems of the Middle East?” This session, hosted by the Saban Center for Middle East Policy on March 13, 2008, considered both the possibilities and the ramifications of decreasing U.S. dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

The Iran National Intelligence Estimate and Intelligence Assessment Capabilities

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 20, 2007, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Dr. Gary Samore of the Council on Foreign Relations presented ideas on the technical significance of the recently released National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran and its implications for diplomatic efforts to prevent or delay Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Suzanne Maloney, Political and Economic Expert on Iran, Joins Brookings

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:07:33 GMT

Dr. Suzanne Maloney, an expert on Iran, the Persian Gulf States, energy, and economic reform, joined the Brookings Institution as a senior fellow, Brookings President Strobe Talbott announced. Maloney will be affiliated with the Saban Center for Middle East Policy. Dr. Maloney is a former member of the U.S. State Department's Policy Planning Staff where she worked on Iran, the Persian Gulf, and broader regional issues.

Iran: The Gulf Between Us

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Flynt L. Leverett, New York Times (1/24/06)

Securing the Persian Gulf: Washington Must Manage Both External Aggression and Internal Instability

Mon, 01 Sep 2003 00:00:00 GMT

America's primary interest in the Persian Gulf is ensuring the free and stable flow of the region's oil to the world at large. Washington's aim is not simply to keep oil flowing out of the Persian Gulf, but also to prevent any potentially hostile sta

Does Saudi Arabia Still Matter? Differing Perspectives on the Kingdom and Its Oil

Fri, 01 Nov 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Fiona Hill and Shibley Telhami in Foreign Affairs (November/December 2002)

Three Months to Baghdad

Fri, 30 Aug 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Michael O'Hanlon, Senior Fellow, the Brookings Institution, in The Washington Times, August 30, 2002

The Persian Gulf: Understanding the American Oil Strategy

Fri, 01 Mar 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Shibley Telhami (Spring 2002)

A Need for Prudence in the Persian Gulf

Tue, 29 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Shibley Telhami, Nonresident Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution, in The New York Times, January 29, 2002

America and Iran: From Containment to Coexistence

Wed, 01 Aug 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Policy Brief #87, by Suzanne Maloney (August 2001)

U.S. Policy Toward Iraq

Mon, 26 Aug 1996 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Richard N. Haass, House Committee on National Security (9/26/96)