Gulf states
Gulf integration will be slow and partial at best
The GCC summit in Riyadh concluded with a communique urging further military unification and economic integration
Gulf statesQatar will grow more assertive, but not hubristic
OPEC withdrawal sets a more bullish course for trade and diplomacy, but Doha will not risk its reputation for stability
QatarGulf states will gradually rebuild Syria ties
There have been signals from the Gulf states that they are willing to reach an accommodation with Damascus
SyriaIsrael will strengthen its ties with the Gulf
Shared interests and US encouragement have led Israel and the Gulf states to make public their deepening ties
IsraelIraq will avoid taking sides in the Gulf dispute
Likely on the hunt for investment, the Iraqi president is in Riyadh, while the speaker of parliament has headed to Doha
IraqProspects for the Gulf states in 2019
Finances will improve throughout the year, and the Khashoggi fallout may spur regional policy shifts
Gulf statesGulf states will promote anti-Iran measures
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have classified Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation
Gulf statesMiddle Eastern countries will diversify energy routes
As risks rise, countries are trying to develop new trade routes and guarantee domestic energy security
Middle East
