Oil and Gas in Islam’s faultline
Conflict over oil and gas reserves, sectarian rivalries between Shiites and Sunnis and foreign involvement interconnect as sources of instability in the Persian Gulf–Arabian Peninsula.
China Courts the Middle East
With the recent visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to three oil-rich Gulf monarchies, China continues to maintain good relations with Tehran by refusing sanctions against it and prioritizing its energy needs over Western demands.
Iran Frustrated Attempting to Take Charge of Arab Rising
Iran was delighted by the Arab Spring, thinking it could have a big influence on the new governments' implementation. But fundamentalist Iranian ambitions remain only partially fulfilled.
Who’s Next After Tunisia?
The Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia has demonstrated that dictatorial regimes in Arab countries can indeed fall. Elliott Abrams, CFR’s Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, determines which of the autocrats from Algeria to Kuwait could be, on their way out.
India Woos GCC’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: Policy, Scope and Precautions
India should practice "economic diplomacy" to engage GCC countries as potential sovereign wealth fund investors given the growing importance of Middle Eastern economies in global finance