Joseph Bahout is a visiting scholar in the Carnegie Middle East program. While his main topic of research is the Levant, namely the politics of Lebanon and Syria, Bahout has been closely following events in Saudi Arabia in recent months, in particular the succession question in the kingdom, contributing a number of posts on the matter for Diwan. In mid-December, he was in Beirut for the annual conference of the Carnegie Middle East Center, and Diwan caught up with him to get his end-of-year view of developments in Saudi Arabia, in the Gulf Cooperation Council, and in U.S.-Saudi relations.
The Gulf in Arabia
Carnegie’s Joseph Bahout discusses the transformations in Saudi Arabia and the GCC, and the risks involved.
More work from Diwan
Is Türkiye Lebanon’s New Iran?Ankara may seek to annul a maritime deal with Cyprus and expand its influence in the next parliament.
Toward a New Compromise in Iraq?Recent election results have placed Nouri al-Maliki in a strong position to name the next prime minister.
- Wladimir van Wilgenburg
A Year Later, What is Your Assessment of the Assad Downfall?A regular survey of experts on matters relating to Middle Eastern and North African politics and security.
Has Sisi Found a Competent Military Entrepreneur?Mustaqbal Misr has expanded its portfolio with remarkable speed, but a lack of transparency remains.
Simon Karam’s Poisoned GiftThe negotiator will have a delicate task of preserving Lebanon’s eroding sovereignty and getting on with Nabih Berri.
