My latest MEI paper, released earlier today, wraps up the Afghanistan volume of our 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 series. With the Afghanistan debacle as a focal point, I examine US-Gulf relations through geopolitical lenses, notably how sidelining the Gulf states could complicate the Washington’s ability to manage crises with regional/global implications, such as Afghanistan, and now, Ukraine —

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In this analysis for The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, I observe how there is renewed buoyancy for the Omani economy as rallied oil prices are expected to ease the execution of plans, big and small. Tying the latest 5-year plan in with Oman Vision 2040 spells optimism, but public trust in government policies

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In this commentary for MEI Perspectives, I delve into the political developments in Qatar, including the Shura Council elections and cabinet changes. Of significance are the motivations behind these decisions, and the lingering questions on the effectiveness of the legislative branch. While media outlets have lauded these internal reforms, these changes should not be mistaken

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My remarks for an article by Sébastien Castelier in the French webzine Orient XXI: ▪️Au Koweït, « il y a maintenant beaucoup de protestations silencieuses contre l’introduction de taxes » analyse Clemens Chay, directeur de recherche pour les pays du Golfe à l’Université Nationale de Singapour (NUS) et spécialiste de cet émirat. ▪️« Tout au long de l’histoire politique du

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In this co-authored article for The Italian Institute for International Political Studies, Hamad Albloshi and I follow up on an earlier piece to unveil a worrying assessment of Kuwaiti politics. The situation has reached a deplorable stage, marred not only by bureaucratic infighting between government branches, but also by outbreaks of fisticuffs in the parliament

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I gave my testimony to The Peninsula Qatar, lauding the initiative by Qatar National Library for partnering with the British Library to digitise an archive — the world’s largest collection of historical reports, letters, manuscripts, maps, photographs and sound recordings on the Gulf, Arabian Peninsula, and neighboring regions. The scanned material is made free to

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In this co-authored article with Prof. Abdullah Baabood for The Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), we trace the burgeoning ambitions and vision of Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tareq. Slightly over a year after taking the reins of power, the double whammy of an oil price collapse and a pandemic provided more — and

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In this co-authored piece with Hamad Albloshi for The Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), we assessed the Kuwaiti political scene four months after the passing of Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad (in September 2020). The transition of Emiri power was swiftly followed by parliamentary elections, but the sequence of political events exhibit more continuity than

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Amid the the panic and inward-looking policies as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, I diagnosed the factors behind the expat exodus in the Gulf. Long seen as a transient segment of the population, a virus gave the authorities ample reason for a demographic shake-up. This, despite previous measures taken to improve the flawed kafala

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I gave my comments in the latest Al Jazeera article by Sebastian Castelier, concerning the ability of Kuwaiti leadership in managing external pressures. I remarked that Kuwait’s foreign policy will be in “a direction of continuity,” and the country has very able hands. To name a few, Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid has vast

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Several hours ago, I came to learn, with a heavy heart, that Kuwait’s ruler Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber, had passed on. I have since conveyed my deepest condolences to my Kuwaiti friends. Emir Sabah was widely regarded as a dedicated statesman, a father of a nation, and an influential, calming voice in the Arab world.

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In the September 2020 issue of the Cambridge Middle East and North Africa Forum’s (CMENAF) publication, I weighed in on the stateless bidoon community of the Gulf. A protracted problem, in particular for Kuwait, the stateless could plug occupational gaps in Gulf states where a demographic readjustment is taking place. Yet, more needs to be

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