Is the Gulf construction boom economically sound?
Gulf countries have announced $125 billion of new projects during the first half of 2019. Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli looks into the pros and cons of investments into such construction projects and at whether these will reap economic benefits further down the line.
Bahrain – Saudi Coordinating Council
On 28 July 2019, a new form of bilateral cooperation was unveiled with the establishment of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council. Mohammed Bu Hasan looks into the significance of this agreement…..
Security of the Arabian Gulf: Challenges & Responses (Part 4)
In the fourth and final part of Dr. Ashraf Keshk’s series of articles on the challenges and responses to regional security threats, he considers the strategic options open to Gulf States to counter these threats…….
US-Iran tension ‘a major threat’
Iran’s threats have been described as part of the IRGC’s propaganda warfare aiming to destabilise the region, according to analyst Mahmood Abdul Ghaffar who was quoted in the local press today. He went on to note: “In the past, Iran threatened to use its ballistic missile to strike various Gulf and US targets throughout the region,
Security of the Arabian Gulf: Challenges & Responses (Part 3)
In the third part of Dr. Ashraf Keshk’s four-part discussion on the challenges and responses to regional maritime security threats, he delves into the complexities of countering Iran’s hegemonic ambitions…….
Security of the Arabian Gulf: Challenges & Responses (Part 2)
In the second part of Dr. Ashraf Keshk’s four-part discussion on the challenges and responses to regional maritime security threats, the problems facing security in the Horn of Africa are analysed …….
Why a Boris Johnson government could benefit the Gulf countries
With Boris Johnson expected to be voted in as prime minister, Dr. Omar Al Ubaydli looks at how the victory will increase the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit, and potentially present new economic opportunities for the Gulf states.
Security of the Arabian Gulf: Challenges & Responses (Part 1)
In this first article, of a what is a four-part discussions regarding the challenges to regional maritime security by Dr. Ashraf Keshk, the specific security aspects of the Indian Ocean and bordering states are considered ……….
Why developing countries should be wary of foreign aid
As part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has been offering many countries foreign aid in the guise of loans to build critical infrastructure. Dr. Omar Al Ubaidly discusses the impacts of this policy …..
International protection of oil tankers- whose protection?
In the wake of a number of security threats to oil tankers in the region, Dr. Ashraf Keshk looks at the challenges, at the various strategies in place and at who should, ultimately, be responsible for maintaining secure regional sea routes for international oil supplies.
