Arabia, the Gulf, & the GCC Blog
The “Arabia, the Gulf, and the GCC” blog features insights and analysis from the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations as well as information about the Council’s programs, projects, events, and activities. Founded in 1983, the National Council is a non-profit, non-governmental, educational organization dedicated to improving American awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the Arab region.
Eight Nations, One Dream: Scouting the 2026 Arab World Cup Squads Amid Active Sports Diplomacy with Iran
By Ryan Long, Maguerite Nairac, Suzanne Slovak, and William Lawrence For generations, Arab fans watched the World Cup
Latest Webinar: “Shifting Tides and Shadow Wars: Iran, the Arab Gulf, Lebanon, and the Path Ahead”
June 11, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Washington, D.C., U.S.A. / Eastern Time
“Iran, Lebanon, the GCC, and Pickering’s Path to Peace and Progress, Part II”
June 4, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Washington, D.C., U.S.A. / Eastern Time
Appointment of Dr. Fadi Hilani as Director of the Levant and Middle East Area Studies Program
May 18, 2026 For Immediate Release Washington, D.C. – The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations is pleased to
“The Risks of War vs. the Price of Peace with Iran (and China): Deadlock or De-escalation?”
May 21, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Washington, D.C., U.S.A. / Eastern Time
Appointment of Dr. Abderrahim Foukara as a Distinguished Fellow
May 7, 2026 For Immediate Release Washington, D.C. – The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Board of Directors
Latest Webinar: “Red Lines and Deadlines: The Tit-For-Tat Tactics and Rising Economic Stakes of the U.S.-Iran Standoff”
May 7, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Washington, D.C., U.S.A. / Eastern Time
“Beyond the Truce: The Fragile U.S.-Iran Ceasefire, Blockades, Economic Effects, and Peace Efforts”
April 28, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Washington, D.C., U.S.A. / Eastern Time
“Chokepoints & Challenges: War, Strategy, and Peacemaking in the Arab Gulf”
April 16, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Washington, D.C., U.S.A. / Eastern Time
“The Escalation/Exit Paradox: Managing the US-Israel-Iran War at the Tipping Point”
April 8, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Washington, D.C., U.S.A. / Eastern Time
“Shifting Sands: The GCC’s New Geopolitical, Military, Economic, and Energy Chessboard”
March 25, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Washington, D.C., U.S.A. / Eastern Time
“Crude Conflict: The Iran War And Its Consequences For The Middle East And Global Energy Security”
March 19, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Washington, D.C., U.S.A. / Eastern Time