FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 set new ground for what it means to have an inclusive and safe tournament. How can these policies be implemented in future World Cups?

Noha Aboueldahab, Tanner Manley

Iraq’s relationship with the Gulf has been tense for two decades, riven by sectarian conflict and a foreign policy closely aligned with Iran. While recent efforts to mend ties have shown promise, can they advance under the new Prime Minister in Baghdad?

Ranj Alaaldin

ME Council's experts survey the region’s socio-political and economic landscape and offer their outlooks for the year ahead.

The arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Saudi Arabia marks an important moment in the historical relationship between the two countries and their respective regions. While the United States has recently been eager to drive a wedge between its partners in the Persian Gulf and its rival to the East, heads of state from… Continue reading China’s Xi travels to Saudi Arabia as Asia-GCC relations reach new heights 

Adel Abdel Ghafar, Hana El Shehaby

On December 2, 2010, Qatar won the bid for hosting the 2022 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, becoming the first country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to host this tournament. Ever since, the country has launched several mega projects, ramping up its infrastructure capacity, amid wide controversy about… Continue reading Council Views – Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022: Impact on Qatar and the Region