Afkār is a publication of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, providing short-form analyses, insights, and perspectives on regional issues and developments from the Council's experts and outside contributors. Afkār is published in English and Arabic, and is edited by Omar H. Rahman.
The UAE’s departure is as much about oil markets as a strategic realignment—exposing deepening rivalry with Saudi Arabia and the limits of GCC cohesion under pressure.
Gulf states have always kept diplomacy and mediation in their foreign policy toolkit when dealing with Iran. Although relations are at an all-time low after Iran’s wartime attacks on its Gulf neighbors, diplomacy remains essential to finding a modus operandi moving forward.