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.
As the UAE gears up to host COP28, questions persist as to the sincerity of the oil exporting countries of the Gulf in addressing climate change. They should be judged according to their actions.
As Doha extends its diplomatic mediation beyond its own region, mediating Venezuela and Guyana’s longstanding border dispute could provide a potential next diplomatic step for the Gulf state.
The countries of the GCC have responded unevenly to the violence that erupted between Hamas and Israel on October 7, in part because of the decision by some to forge relations with Israel three years ago.
After brokering an historic prisoner exchange between long-time enemies, Qatar has a chance to continue expanding its geopolitical reach through its role as a mediator of conflict.
The veteran president of Türkiye visited the GCC and returned home with a raft of economic agreements. But what are the broader implications of his trip and what do they signal for the next five years?