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 Arab middle class serves as a foundation of social stability and public confidence in institutions. Years of conflict, inflation and the emigration of skilled professionals have had impacts beyond the economic realm, affecting social cohesion and political stability.
The Global Security Forum in Doha focused on the future of Gulf security. Qatar’s announcement of a shift toward domestic defense production reflected the importance of both power and knowledge in safeguarding sovereignty, consolidating strategic independence and bolstering diplomatic clout.