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Gulf states are caught in middle of the US-Israel war on Iran. There is a way out
From Abu Dhabi to Riyadh, regional states must take steps to shape their own destinies, rather than being pawns in the Israeli-US agenda On Saturday morning, the departure board at Dubai’s main airport began to stack up with delays. Over the water, pale arcs rose, flared and vanished - interceptors, officials later said - leaving chalk traces in a sky turning white. Similar scenes occurred in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama and Kuwait City. Then, in the afternoon, both the Dubai air
Andreas Krieg
3 hours ago5 min read


The Gulf’s Harder Balance: Iran’s Strategic Paralysis vs Israel’s Impulse
This is a moment in which the Gulf has to balance between an Iran that has been largely passive and reactive since the 7th of October and an Israel that has been erratic, impulsive and hyper activist in pursuit of short to midterm security interests.
Andreas Krieg
Feb 115 min read


Analysis: Why a ‘quick and clean’ US attack on Iran won’t be easy
Donald Trump has boxed himself in by promising to ‘help’ Iran’s protesters. But he has few good options for military operations that he can control. [published on Al Jazeera originally ] Illiberal systems often look most permanent just before they change. But moments of upheaval can also produce a different illusion: That the system is one dramatic external blow away from collapse. With Iran convulsed by unprecedented protests against the country’s leadership, it is tempting
Andreas Krieg
Jan 164 min read


The Return of the Arab–Israeli Conflict
The fallout from Israel’s strike on Qatar drags the region back into the dangerous early stages of the Arab–Israeli conflict.
Andreas Krieg
Sep 17, 20255 min read


How Israeli strikes are compelling shift in Gulf security thinking
The Iranian and Israeli attacks on Qatar in June and September this year, respectively, signify a profound shift in the Gulf's security...
Andreas Krieg
Sep 11, 20255 min read


Israel attack on Qatar: Another nail in the coffin of US regional leadership
One of the Gulf’s most active mediators has been violated, its sovereignty trampled, while the US administration struggled to find words...
Andreas Krieg
Sep 10, 20255 min read


Israel attacks Iran: Will Gulf states lead or be left behind?
The region is at a pivotal crossroads. If Gulf states do not seize this moment to exert strategic influence, they will be left cleaning...
Andreas Krieg
Jun 18, 20255 min read


Trump’s Biggest Test Yet: Can MAGA Diplomacy Survive Netanyahu’s Iran Gambit?
Israel’s surprise strike on Iran isn’t just military—it’s a political ambush aimed at derailing Trump’s MAGA diplomacy
Andreas Krieg
Jun 13, 20254 min read


Why the Gulf States Might Be the Most MAGA US Partners
This piece was originally published by the Arab Center Washington, DC The iconic red MAGA hat has arrived in the Gulf. It is quite...
Andreas Krieg
May 14, 20254 min read


Gaza ceasefire: How did a small Gulf monarchy become a brand in mediation?
Offering a crucial bridge between great powers and non-state actors, Qatar has become an important force multiplier in the age of global...
Andreas Krieg
Jan 17, 20254 min read


Andreas Krieg
Nov 18, 20240 min read


Israel-Palestine war: How Qatar defied the odds in Gaza mediation
As an expert negotiator, Doha must now use this momentum to expand the truce deal beyond the short term [originally published at Middle...
Andreas Krieg
Nov 23, 20234 min read


Why Gulf Arab states move to become key nodes in emerging world order
The article on how the Gulf states create power was originally published with Amwaj Media Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab...
Andreas Krieg
Oct 6, 20235 min read


Qatar's decade of crisis and triumph
In a region as volatile as the Gulf, Tamim – an emir formed by crises – will have to continue to find the middle ground to maintain...
Andreas Krieg
Jun 25, 20235 min read


Libya crisis: Are Qatar and Egypt crafting a deal?
Recent meeting could mark a vital first step in aligning external patrons towards a political solution When Egyptian President Abdel...
Andreas Krieg
Oct 4, 20225 min read


Afghanistan: How the UAE-Haqqani link trumped Qatar’s Taliban relationship
Abu Dhabi emerged as another broker in Afghanistan to rival Qatar’s influence, as part of a grand strategy to become a key player in...
Andreas Krieg
Aug 29, 20224 min read


How does Qatar use its military power as a means to build influence?
Despite Qatar trying to maintain its position as a neutral player, its use of military lever for alliance building has been firmly...
Andreas Krieg
Mar 20, 20223 min read


Ukraine conflict: Could Qatar's gas bail out Europe?
With Europe now in the midst of an energy crisis, it is high time to diversify the continent's energy strategy [This article originally...
Andreas Krieg
Jan 27, 20224 min read


Saudi-Qatar reconciliation, from a divisive canal to a railroad connection
The post-Al Ula Gulf is still characterized by mistrust and suspicion, but what role will joint infrastructure and investment projects...
Andreas Krieg
Jan 12, 20224 min read


Qatar: Emir speech draws a line under tribal divisions and regional adventurism
In the wake of recent diplomatic successes in Gaza and Afghanistan, Doha is emphasising the need for national unity and regional dialogue...
Andreas Krieg
Oct 29, 20213 min read