Author Archives: NCUSAR

Founded in 1983, the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (NCUSAR) is a non-profit, non-governmental, educational organization dedicated to improving American awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the Arab world.

Weathering Chinese and Russian Competition in Arabia and the Gulf: Implications for United States Interests, Policies, and Strategy

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On March 8, 2023, the National Council convened an online briefing program on “Weathering Chinese and Russian Competition in Arabia and the Gulf: Implications for United States Interests, Policies, and Strategy.” The program explored implications for the region and the United States of evolving relationships between Russia, China, and countries in Arabia and the Gulf. The specialists examined how shifting strategic dynamics can be viewed through different sets of lenses.

 

 

Joining the program were:

Context Provider:

  • Dr. John Duke Anthony, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Founding President and CEO; Author, inter alia, of Arab States of The Lower Gulf: People, Politics, Petroleum.

Featured Specialists:

  • Mr. David H. Rundell, Author of Vision or Mirage: Saudi Arabia at the Crossroads, Former Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations International Advisory Board Member.
  • Ambassador (Ret.) Michael Gfoeller, Former United States Diplomat, and Consultant on Foreign Affairs and International Security.

Moderator:

  • Colonel (Ret.) Abbas K. Dahouk, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Board of Directors Member; Former U.S. Department of State Senior Military Advisor; Former U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia Defense and Army Attache; HyphenPoint LLC President.

Audio and video recordings of the program are available above and below, and on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and elsewhere.

“Weathering Chinese and Russian Competition in Arabia and the Gulf: Implications for United States Interests, Policies, and Strategy” podcast (.mp3)

National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Fellow Nawaf Al-Thani Visits West Point

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In early February, National Council Distinguished International Defense Affairs Fellow Sheikh Nawaf Al-Thani visited the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York (USMA at West Point), with a delegation of Council leaders. During the visit, Sheikh Nawaf met with academy cadets, faculty, and leaders and also spoke to a class of cadets. Joining Sheikh Nawaf in the Council delegation were Board Member Colonel (Ret.) Abbas Dahouk, a former West Point foreign language instructor and a former Senior U.S. Department of Defense official serving in the GCC region; Senior International Affairs Fellow Colonel (Ret.) David Des Roches, a member of the USMA West Point Class of 1986 and currently a Professor at the U.S. National Defense University; together with Council Executive Vice President Patrick Mancino.

While visiting the United States Military Academy at West Point, National Council Distinguished International Defense Affairs Fellow Sheikh Nawaf Al-Thani met with academy leaders including the Dean of the Academic Board Brigadier General Shane Reeves.

Sheikh Nawaf is the former Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché of Qatar to the United States, Mexico, and Canada in the rank of Brigadier General as well as the former Official Spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Defense. In recognition of his service, he has received numerous distinguished commendations and citations from the Qatar Armed Forces along with several NATO militaries and multinational organizations. Sheikh Nawaf joined the National Council as a Fellow last fall and was a featured speaker at the Council’s 31st Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference.

(Left) National Council Distinguished International Defense Affairs Fellow Sheikh Nawaf Al-Thani and the Council’s delegation met with select West Point cadets, including a cadet from Qatar. (Right) Sheikh Nawaf Al-Thani addresses a class of West Point cadets.

The Strategic Importance of the Middle East and North Africa: The Strengths and Limits of Oil and Gas Wealth, and the Challenge of Climate Change

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On February 23, 2023, the National Council hosted an online briefing program examining Center for Strategic and International Studies Emeritus Chair in Strategy Dr. Anthony H. Cordesman’s recent report, “The Strategic Importance of the Middle East and North Africa: The Strengths and Limits of MENA Oil and Gas Wealth and the Challenge of Climate Change.” Dr. Cordesman highlighted some of the data in the report and discussed how geopolitical dynamics are shaping the region.

 

 

Joining the program were:

Featured Specialist:

  • Dr. Anthony H. Cordesman, Center for Strategic and International Studies Emeritus Chair in Strategy; Formerly Served the U.S. Departments of Defense, Energy, and State, and the White House National Security Council

Moderator:

  • Mr. David Des Roches, U.S. Department of Defense National Defense University Near East/South Asia Center for Strategic Studies Associate Professor; National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Senior International Affairs Fellow.

Welcome:

  • Mr. Patrick Mancino, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Executive Vice President and Director of Development.

Audio and video recordings of the program are available above and below, and on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and elsewhere.

“The Strategic Importance of the Middle East and North Africa: The Strengths and Limits of Oil and Gas Wealth, and the Challenge of Climate Change” podcast (.mp3)

Youth Leadership Development Program / Model Arab League Spring 2023 Conferences

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A listing of Youth Leadership Development Program / Model Arab League Spring 2023 Conferences is available on the program’s website.

Egyptian Business and Parliamentary Leader Mohamed Abou El Enein Joins National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations International Advisory Board

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Washington, D.C.: The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations is pleased to announce that Egyptian business and parliamentary leader His Excellency Mohamed M. Abou El Enein has joined the National Council’s International Advisory Board. The Board provides strategic support to the Council’s Board of Directors together with its Founding President and Chief Executive Officer.

In announcing the appointment, National Council Founding President and CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony remarked, “We are honored that His Excellency Mohamed Abou El Enein has accepted our invitation to join the Council’s Advisory Board. The diversity of his successful endeavors in the commercial, public service, and philanthropic sectors serve as a testament to his future-focused analytical abilities. His Excellency is an accomplished ‘bridge builder’ who has advanced Egypt’s relationships and cooperation efforts in Africa, Europe, the United States, and beyond. He will be an extraordinarily valuable advisor and strategic conceptualizer as we work to continuously improve, strengthen, and expand the Council’s U.S.-Arab relations leadership development and cross-cultural educational efforts.”

man in suit speaks into a microphone at a podium

H.E. Mohamed M. Abou El Enein, Vice President of the Egyptian Parliament, Cleopatra Group Chairman and Founder, and Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean Honorary President, has been a featured keynote speaker at several of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations’ Annual Policymakers Conferences in Washington, D.C.

His Excellency Mohamed Abou El Enein is a businessperson, investor, and public servant. He has served in the Egyptian Parliament since 1995 and is currently the legislature’s Vice President. He previously served as Chairman of the Housing, Public Utilities, and Construction Committee from 2000 to 2005 and Chairman of the Industry and Energy Committee from 2005 to 2011. A dedicated philanthropist, His Excellency’s charitable foundation works to improve literacy, social development, and health services in Egypt.

As the Founder and Chairman of the Cleopatra Group, one of the largest investment companies in Egypt, His Excellency has led projects and commercial ventures throughout the country. His brand Ceramica Cleopatra is one of the world’s largest producers of ceramics, porcelain, and sanitary ware, and its products are exported to over 100 countries. The Cleopatra Group also has ventures in agriculture, mining, real estate, tourism, media, technology, and aviation.

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Summer 2023 Washington, DC Internship Program

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Washington, DC Summer Internship Program

May 22 – July 28, 2023

NCUSAR Washington, DC Summer Internship Program Students

The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations’ 2023 Washington, DC Summer Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students a ten-week professional, academic, and career opportunity internship with an organization in the nation’s capital. The program features a demanding mix of professional involvement, intellectual challenge, career exploration, and cross-cultural encounters designed to provide students with a rich and varied experience.

  • Professional work experience: Students are placed with one of over a dozen Near East and Arab region-related organizations with offices in Washington, D.C., where they are expected to work 35-40 hours per week under the direct supervision of their host organizations. Internships are unpaid.
  • Academic seminars: Students take part in twice-weekly seminar sessions designed to provide them with greater depth of knowledge about the Arab region, to underscore the cultural, economic, and political diversity of Arab states, and to explore the intricacies of Arab-U.S. relations. There will be a particular emphasis, though not exclusively, on Arabia and the Gulf.
  • Site visits: Students receive a behind-the-scenes look at many of the central institutions of the federal government, national security policymaking, international diplomacy, and international business.

NCUSAR Washington, DC Summer Internship Program

About the Program

The National Council’s Summer Internship Program offers professional work experiences combined with twice-weekly evening seminars that bring academic specialists and experienced foreign policy practitioners to meet with students in candid off-the-record discussions and dynamic question-and-answer sessions. Its objectives are:

  1. to provide a realistic work experience in a Washington, D.C.-based office that will provide pathways for career development;
  2. to offer interns exposure to the foreign policy analysis and advocacy processes in the nation’s capital;
  3. to incorporate a strong academic component focusing on U.S. political, economic, and cultural relations with Arabia and the Gulf region;
  4. to help participants begin the process of career networking by introducing them to working professionals in government, business, journalism, and NGOs; and,
  5. to highlight the wide range of career opportunities awaiting those who aspire to work in the field of U.S.-Arab relations, as well as to provide counseling on graduate school and fellowship application processes.

As complements to the program, interns will also be exposed to Washington, D.C., in a less formal manner via films, cultural events, embassy and museum visits, off-the-record conversations with former diplomats, group dinners, and suggestions for exploring the sights and sounds of the nation’s capital. This allows students to not only experience working in the city but also encourages them to appreciate the experience of living in a diverse urban environment, and to take advantage of the exciting cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities available in D.C.
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National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Presents Global Leadership in Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Award to Dina Powell McCormick & Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women

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On the occasion of its 31st Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference, the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (“National Council”) announced its first-ever GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN EMPOWERING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AWARD was presented to Dina Powell McCormick and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women. The award was bestowed in recognition of their exemplary efforts in fostering shared economic growth through providing training and resources to underserved populations.

 

National Council Founding President & CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony noted that under Dina Powell McCormick’s leadership the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program had made extraordinary investments with the goal of empowering women in communities around the world. He commented on the ways in which the Council’s educational goals were aligned with the objectives of the 10,000 Women Program—with a particular focus of each being on educating the emerging generation of future leaders. Dr. Anthony also highlighted how tens of thousands of women in the Arab region had benefited from the 10,000 Women Program’s tools.

National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Founding President & CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony with 10,000 Women Program graduate Reem Fawzy, President and CEO of Rimo Tours and Pink Taxi, at the 31st Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference in Washington, D.C.

Traveling from Cairo, Egypt, to accept the award in-person at the conference was 10,000 Women Program graduate Reem Fawzy. The President and CEO of Rimo Tours and Pink Taxi, Reem noted how the 10,000 Women Program helped revive her tourism business and provided her a platform for further entrepreneurial endeavors.

 


 

National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Presents Distinguished Global Developmental Assistance Award to the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development

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On the occasion of its 31st Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference, the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (“National Council”) announced its first-ever DISTINGUISHED GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTAL ASSISTANCE AWARD was presented to the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (“Kuwait Fund”). The award was bestowed in recognition of its humanitarian efforts to raise the standard of living of peoples and communities around the world.

 

National Council Founding President & CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony noted that the Kuwait Fund has been and remains a regional pioneer in international development efforts. Since its establishment in 1961, the Kuwait Fund has remarkably supported the financing of more than 1,000 projects in 105 developing countries by providing approximately $22 billion. Dr. Anthony highlighted how the Kuwait Fund’s work included making possible development projects for agriculture and irrigation, transport and communications, energy, industry, water, and sewage. Its reach was extended outside of the Middle East in 1974 to include Africa; the Pacific and South, East, and Central Asia; Europe; Latin America; and the Caribbean.

H.E. Marwan A. Al-Ghanem, Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, makes remarks upon accepting on behalf of the Kuwait Fund the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations’ Distinguished Global Developmental Assistance Award presented at the 31st Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference in Washington, D.C.

The award was accepted by the Director General of the Kuwait Fund H.E. Marwan A. Al-Ghanem. His Excellency the Director General was joined by the Ambassador of Kuwait to the United States H.E. Jasem Albudaiwi.