Reflections Jan 5, 2021 | 21:49 GMTJan 5, 2021
Lebanon’s political system will likely remain dysfunctional until mass unrest -- and potentially, another civil war -- directly threatens its ruling elite.
By Ryan Bohl
Broken Contracts in the Middle East
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Snapshots Dec 16, 2020 | 22:22 GMTDec 16, 2020
Without an uptick in private sector activity, Riyadh’s spending cuts will raise the risk of social unrest.
Snapshots Dec 8, 2020 | 22:28 GMTDec 8, 2020
The opposition now controls nearly half of Kuwait’s National Assembly, setting the stage for delayed reforms and political gridlock.
Assessments Nov 5, 2020 | 22:28 GMTNov 5, 2020
Reducing restrictions on foreign workers won’t loosen Saudi citizens’ hold on key positions in the kingdom’s economy.
Assessments Nov 3, 2020 | 21:44 GMTNov 3, 2020
The proposed tax for wealthy Omani citizens underscores the growing pressure on GCC states to reduce their heavy reliance on oil and gas revenue.
Assessments Oct 23, 2020 | 20:31 GMTOct 23, 2020
Beirut’s reappointment a former prime minister flies in the face of its citizens’ growing demands for political change.
Assessments Oct 23, 2020 | 18:21 GMTOct 23, 2020
Declining oil revenue could fundamentally reshape Saudis’ lifestyles and political attitudes by forcing the kingdom to make deeper cuts to social programs.
By Ryan Bohl
Assessments Oct 12, 2020 | 20:57 GMTOct 12, 2020
A potential new class of foreign-born Emirati citizens could significantly change the cultural make-up of the UAE’s economic and political elite.
By Ryan Bohl
Snapshots Sep 29, 2020 | 20:38 GMTSep 29, 2020
The Sept. 29 passing of Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, longtime ruler of Kuwait, could shift Kuwait's staid economic and foreign policies.
Snapshots Sep 25, 2020 | 17:42 GMTSep 25, 2020
The kingdom’s pandemic-related financial woes may force its leader to suspend the country’s gridlocked legislature in order to pass a crucial debt law, and potentially other overdue reforms.
