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.
Negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz are shifting from restoring wartime navigation to establishing long-term governance. Can the Arab Gulf states find a common position—or do they even need to?
Across the Middle East, the countries most vulnerable to climate change are often the least equipped to secure and deploy climate finance. Closing this capacity gap will require financing institutions and stronger regional support to prioritize vulnerability above all else.
Washington appears trapped between a desire to withdraw from the Middle East and a persistent need to remain there. Whenever it has attempted to shift its weight toward Asia, the region has put its power and influence to the test.