Assessments

 Relative to the rest of the countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have fewer problems with sectarianism and a more neutral stance toward Iran.

Though they face many of the same pressures as the rest of the GCC's members, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman have some distinct advantages.

A Different Outlook for Reform Elsewhere in the Gulf

<p><em>This is the final installment of a five-part series that explores the economic and social challenges facing the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, how their governments are responding and what effect their actions will have on the region&#39;s sectarian dynamics.</em></p>

Editor's Note

Bahrain

Iran

Kuwait

Oman

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

United Arab Emirates

Rebalancing Power in the Middle East

The Pulse of Political Islam

Broken Contracts in the Middle East

The governments of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are heeding the call to reform. Low oil prices have shaken their economies -- even the economies that have diversified away from energy production -- and the threat of unrest looms large. In each of the six countries that make up the bloc, enacting reform will be an uphill battle. But some Gulf governments, and their people, will have an easier time than others.

ASSESSMENTS

A Different Outlook for Reform Elsewhere in the Gulf

Editor's Note

Subscribe to view this article