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This issue of GSN leads with concerns surrounding succession in Kuwait. As Emir Sheikh Nawaf suffers more medical issues, the leadership is moving to resolve outstanding political tensions with parliamentarians and within the ruling family.  In a special report, GSN examines Oman’s economic recovery and ambitions since Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al-Said took office in 2020. A blend of reforms to tackle a debt bulge, savvy hiring decisions and ambitious green energy plans make for a more positive outlook for the sultanate, even if there remains much more to do.  The first Iraqi provincial elections in a decade take place later this month. GSN examines the politics, including what the vote means for the Shia/Sunni balance of power and how the Kurds are involved — or not – and, it asks, whether the 2019 Tishreen protestors can still be a potent force. Also in Iraq, GSN examines the Federal Supreme Court’s decision to remove Mohammed Al-Halbousi as Council of Representatives speaker. GSN follows up its Gaza coverage by looking at Qatar’s role in diplomatic efforts to reconcile Israel and Hamas – and criticism that Doha may be too close to the Palestinian group.  Ever louder concerns are being expressed in the UK over UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan’s bid for the influential Telegraph Media Group. GSN analyses another big soft power play coming from Abu Dhabi. Artificial Intelligence is another area where recent Gulf expansion has caused discomfort for western powers as the US Committee on Foreign Investment has forced Saudi Aramco backed Prosperity7 Ventures from investing in AI startup Rain Neuromorphics.  Meanwhile COP28 has begun, with disputes over the UAE leadership apparent scepticism towards global climate reduction targets and a host of investment pledges. GSN's Risk Management Reports cover Yemen – with an accompanying map showing oil and gas infrastructure, as well as areas of military control – and also regional institutions (including the GCC’s annual summit) and Opec and energy markets. 

The issue leads with a focus on the role Qatari diplomacy is playing in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. GSN examines the details of events surrounding an agreed four-day truce in Gaza and the key Qatari figures involved in the diplomatic push. GSN also focuses on Yemen, where Omani officials appear confident that, despite international diplomatic attention having largely switched to the Gaza conflict, a peace settlement can be achieved soon between Saudi Arabia and the warring factions in Yemen. Politics coverage include an examination of the latest development in Kuwait, which may be heading for a change in government and yet another election, amid a series of political challenges facing Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Nawaf Al-Sabah. Defence and security coverage includes a closer look at the recent Dubai Airshow where, among the 54 deals signed by the UAE government’s Tawazun Council, was an air defence order with the unknown Black Diamond company, which GSN’s research suggests is an Israeli-linked venture created after Abu Dhabi’s Abraham Accord with Israel was concluded. Finance and business coverage includes a look at a joint venture bid between a US-based investment firm and Abu Dhabi’s International Media Investments (IMI) to acquire the UK's Telegraph Media Group (TMG). The GSN View looks at the growing profile of Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who has been trying to cement his status within the political arena and among local citizens since being named crown prince in March. Two Risk Management Reports focus on the UAE (Federation and individual emirates).

Saudi Arabia takes the lead in trying to find a regional answer to the Gaza conflict, with two summits due to take place in Riyadh in the coming days in a display of the country’s influence and convening power. GSN explores the impact which the conflict has had on the Gulf region and the foreign policy challenges it has presented.  GSN’s defence and security coverage leads with a new airlift the UAE Air Force has launched to Ethiopia. It is unclear what is being sent, but the development is stoking international interest in light of a similar operation from the UAE to Chad in recent months and the UAE’s involvement in other African conflict zones.  This issue of GSN also contains a special report on Ras Al-Khaimah’s economic strategy and how this often-overlooked emirate is pushing the boundaries to try and attract more international investment. GSN offers a short history of the emirate and its ruling Al-Qasimi family, along with an updated family tree. Western sanctions on Russian diamond exports are due to be stepped up soon, offering a fresh opportunity for the Dubai Diamond Exchange, which has grown rapidly in recent years and already claims to be the world’s largest trading hub for rough diamonds. The GSN View delves into this issue, which is yet another example of how some Gulf states have indirectly benefitted from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.  This issue’s maps cover oil and gas infrastructure as well as provincial governance and population sizes for Saudi Arabia and Oman.

  Governments across the region are trying to ensure the war between Hamas and Israel doesn't escalate beyond their control, with its expansion onto other fronts a particular fear. Meanwhile they are trying to assuage the anger many citizens feel towards Israel’s actions in Gaza. GSN analyses the latest phase of the conflict, its impact on the Gulf monarchies and popular responses across the region. The potential for Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ network to destabilise the wider region has been manifest in attacks on bases hosting US troops in Iraq and Syria by IRGC-backed militias. GSN looks into the attacks and analyses the Axis of Resistance’s membership.  Even before the new Middle East war shattered comfortable assumptions about regional security, the global economic climate remained hostile, as shown in analysis of the International Monetary Fund’s new reports on the global outlook and regional economic performance. GSN takes the temperature of oil, growth and other key economic indicators.  China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy has used a routine rotation of its ships based in Djibouti to double its regional presence, just as the US Navy is preparing to deploy its first aircraft carrier strike group to the region for two years. Among articles in Energy and industry, GSN examines QatarEnergy's new long-term agreements with European partners that could complete its order book for gas from North Field expansion projects. There is also a deep dive into Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Juma Al-Maktoum and his Blue Carbon company's deals across Africa. Oman’s economic liberalisation drive has produced a record breaking IPO, covered in one of this issue’s Risk management reports. The other RMR covers Kuwait.

Hamas' 7 October attack on Israel and the potentially unprecedented response places the region at the centre of a new Middle East conflict, upending uncomfortable assumptions about normalisation and the remaking of regional economies. GSN 1,178 analyses the attack and its fallout, and addresses speculation surrounding the involvement of the Iranian regime and how Hamas were able to bypass Israeli defences. Another article analyses the reactions around the GSN region. There is a map showing areas under Israeli control and the Palestinian Authority area, attack sites and the movement of various forces. GSN view focuses on Yemen and the prospects for a sustainable deal between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels. GSN looks into pressure on Saudi Arabia to secure peace on its southern border and how Houthi demands might have changed as a response.  Diplomatic brief includes a report on Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled Bin Mohammed’s visit to Serbia and Albania. This issue’s Defence and security section outlines Iranian intentions to establish a military base in Antarctica among other recent military initiatives. Accusations have been levied towards the UAE for supplying weapons to Hemet’s forces in Sudan under the guise of a Chad field hospital. GSN explores the validity of these claims, taking account of evidenced construction in the area, diplomatic relationships and sounding out a range of sources.  There are Risk management reports looking at recent developments in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan.

Issue 1,177 leads with the complex relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel, amid speculation fuelled by key decision-makers that an unprecedented normalisation deal might be in the works. Alongside this major diplomatic initiative are plans to develop a regional corridor that could tie the former belligerents closer together. GSN examines the India-Europe trade corridor plan, launched at the early September G20 summit, which could be developed as a counter to rival schemes that have Iranian, Iraqi, Russian and Turkish backing.  Several regional disputes are discussed in GSN’s Politics section, including analysis of the Iraqi Constitutional Court’s intervention over a waterway shared with Kuwait. Iran, meanwhile, is concerned about Azerbaijan’s conflict with Armenia and fears for its own borders. Tensions around Kurdish communities are also analysed. Kuwaiti politics and society are increasingly dominated by conservative religious and tribal factions after Islamists and Salafists made progress in recent National Assembly elections. GSN outlines the move towards gender segregation and other policies that depart from Kuwait’s traditional constitutional values and asks how the Al-Sabah leadership has reacted. GSN’s Energy and Industry section reports the success of the Saudi/Russian Opec+ alliance, which has pushed crude prices above $90 per barrel – a level that could be sustained through 2024.

Issue 1,176 leads on Kuwait’s fragile political system and economy, as medical shortages point to a longer-term deterioration of public services, amid a liquidity crisis the government is finding hard to tackle, despite high oil prices. The Politics section includes a focus on conflict in Iraqi Kurdistan, where four people have died in Kirkuk. GSN considers the prospects for further unrest as local elections approach. GSN view focuses on the UAE’s new federal gambling regulator, whose creation points to recent taboo-busting practices that some Gulf states have made an important elements of their economic diversification strategies. Saudi attempts to shake dependence on oil revenues have borne some fruit, according to the IMF’s new Article IV report, but hydrocarbons still dominate the kingdom’s economic fortunes. GSN breaks this down with analysis of macro trends and oil output, with graphics on a number of economic indicators. GSN’s Energy and industry section follows controversies surrounding Brooge Energy’s operations in Fujairah, as two chief executives have stepped down, while filings are delayed and auditors have made accusations of "illegal practices".

The formal invitation for Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and a few others to join the Brics group is analysed in depth, not least as a further sign of China’s growing international influence and of wider shifting global alignments. A turbocharged Brics has been seen as a boost to the trend of ‘dedollarising’ international trade and fits into a wider pattern of so-called middle powers trying to find a balance in their relations between the world’s established and emerging superpowers. In a special report GSN also analyses Qatar's power dynamics and international relations, as Emir Sheikh Tamim’s rule enters its second decade. Among other issues in Politics are the demands of more than 800 inmates in Bahrain's Jau Central Prison who are undertaking hunger strikes. As the Iranian authorities prepare for the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death, GSN view analyses efforts to prevent a revival of the “Women, Life, Freedom” protests. Fresh measures are being prepared to enforce the hijab, which are likely to prove divisive and could be a key issue in the parliamentary election scheduled for March 2024. In Finance and business, younger Saudi royals are moving beyond the family’s traditional leisure pursuits to take up senior positions in bodies overseeing everything from motorsport to triathlons and diving. This feeds into Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s economic and social diversification drive, but has largely gone unnoticed against a backdrop of the state’s headline-grabbing investments in international golf and recruitment of football megastars.

Turkish relations with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are a focus for GSN 1,174, as the Kurdistan Regional Government attempts to secure workable energy, economic and security relations – and especially to reopen the Iraq-Turkey Crude Oil Pipeline – while President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected in Baghdad. The UK's tightening of sanctions on the Iranian regime is put under a critical spotlight, as GSN presents London's new measures and complaints they don't go far enough. Meanwhile, Iran's deal with Russia to obtain combat aircraft seems to have come unstuck – just at a moment when the United States is building up its forces in the Gulf back to pre-Trump levels.  GSN explores the Saudi Public Investment Fund's deal with the US PGA Tour, giving details of the controversial deal and the people instrumental in making it, while GSN view argues the PIF-led economy is not performing to the hoped-for Vision 2030 levels.Energy and Industry leads with GSN’s continued coverage on connections between the UAE and African resources industries – including mining in Democratic Republic of Congo, where state minister for foreign affairs Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Nahyan Al-Nahyan has been promoting Emirati ambitions on the continent.  This issue’s Risk Management Reports are Qatar – with an accompanying map – and Saudi Arabia, where the lacklustre economic performance also discussed in GSN view  is a longer-term concern, but is insufficient to give Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman any immediate political worries. Indeed, his ruthless approach to opposition means that, for now, MBS gets an RMR political risk upgrade.

Issue 1,173 opens with analysis on tensions between Iran and its Gulf neighbours following the offshore Arash/Al-Dorra gas field’s planned development in disputed waters, Iraq’s overdue payments for gas exports and the seizure of oil tankers in international waters.  GSN’s Politics section also looks into the UAE’s relations with Africa and Russia, after several dozen flights between a military air base in Abu Dhabi and eastern Chad have revived speculation about ties between the Emirates, the Putin regime and the Wagner Group.  Meanwhile Saudi Arabia is creating new facts-on-the-ground in Yemen, while it seeks to get a peace agreement with Houthis. These moves may clash with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council.  The influence of Gulf companies on African energy industries is explored in GSN's Energy and industry section, which also reports on how independent power projects closer to home are attracting leading international developers.  this issue’s Risk Management Reports centre on Kuwait – with an accompanying map – and Oman. GSN View analyses QatarEnergy's announcement of a ten-year deal to supply condensate to Dubai's Emirates National Oil Company.

Issue 1,172 opens with the Hadhramaut National Council’s launch, which seems to confirm concerns that Yemen could fragment once more into rival regions, Sanaa going to Houthi forces and the rest of the tortured country divided between the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council and groups supported by Saudi Arabia. GSN's politics section includes analysis of the rivalries between Erbil and Baghdad over the oil-rich Kirkuk region. There are also Risk Management reports – with a map – on Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan. Also in Politics is an in-depth look at the controversial Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah’s return to government in Kuwait. Energy and industry reports on well-connected UAE company Primera Group's apparent new monopoly over Democratic Republic of Congo's artisanal gold, and other mineral import and exports.  GSN talks to Gulfsands Petroleum's former chief Mahdi Sajjad, who has turned his attention towards Omani oil and gas assets. GSN View analyses the position of Sultan Al-Jaber and the UAE’s positioning over critical (dare one say hot?) issues as the Emirates prepare to host the upcoming COP28 UN Climate Conference.

Issue 1171’s leading article looks into the multi-billion revamp of Saudi Arabia’s football league. GSN considers this in the context of Mohammed Bin Salman’s attempts to establish himself as a popular leader in the new emerging world order.  This article is accompanied by a graphic displaying various football clubs across the globe with information on their holdings and spectator attendance.  The following politics articles concern political disputes in Kuwait following the election, Tehran’s clamp down on Iranian Kurdish exiles and the Gulf reaction to Erdoğan’s election win.  GSN defence and security coverage explores an Iranian naval commander’s claims that a new coalition of GCC states is forming to patrol the region’s waters.  As the OPEC+ early-June meeting broke up and with Saudi Arabia’s unilateral oil output of 1m b/d, GSN expects the nation will undertake more haggling will take place amongst the cartel. Risk Management reports for this issue concern Bahrain and Iran whilst the GSN View regards the unsteady fiscal path Iraq is taking.

The leading article for issue 1170 explores the effects of regional election and federal budget disputes minimising the chances for reconciliation between the PUK and KDP in Iraqi Kurdistan. GSN looks into this in the context of the Iraqi supreme court’s intervention. This issue also looks into the ousting of Iran's National Security head Ali Shamkhani. The diplomatic brief section addresses Khalaf Abdel Rahman Hamid Al-Rumaithi’s extradition frorm Jordan to the UAE after being convicted of terrorism-related charges. Defence and security is headed by news of the Iranian IRGC’s new Khorramshahr ballistic missile, optimised to reach Israel. This section follows with the Qatari navy receiving its fourth Italian corvette from Fincantieri. Analysis of the soft power wielded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in the face of large new art and archeology projects serves as the head piece for Finance and business, the reportedly booming art scene in Al-Ula serving as a clear example of these recent efforts. The View is on Oman and Sultan Haitham’s efforts to re-establish the country as a mediating figure amongst its neighbours. A detailed map of Yemen features which includes energy infrastructure and information on disputed zones and borders. Risk management reports for this issue concern Yemen, OPEC as well as regional and international organisations.

The issue leads with an analysis of the efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia and the UAE to bring the Syrian regime back into the Arab League. It highlights how even states which object to the rehabilitation of Damascus will not be opposing Syria's readmission, thanks to diplomatic pressure from Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.   The Politics section looks into the divisions within Yemen's anti-Houthi alliance, amid fears of secession by southern groups.   This issue also has a map of Yemen, which shows the balance of forces, as well as the key ports, and oil and gas locations in the war-torn country.   The Defence and Security section sheds light on Russian bids to acquire Iranian speed boats, adding to the list of military hardware that Tehran is providing Moscow with, which is used in the war in Ukraine. The section also reports on the UAE's decision to cancel an order for 12 Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters for financial and technical reasons.   Royals Watch reports on how the Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Company (QGIRC) is seeking compensation from former chairman Sheikh Nasser Bin Ali Bin Saud Al-Than "for his responsibility for the mistakes he made" while in charge of the business.     This issue's View article showcases the problem of voter fatigue in Kuwait, where Kuwaitis will go to the polls again in June, for the third National Assembly election in as many years.   The two Risk Management Reports are on the UAE.  

The issue leads with an article examining the tensions within the Iranian elite stemming from public and internal criticism of the regime. GSN looks into cabinet changes, repression and economic challenges. Saudi drug policy is also explored in response to a new campaign addressing the smuggling of narcotics including fenethylline hydrochloride better known by the brand name Captagon. Defence and security coverage analyses Iraqi Kurdistan's Peshmerga reform, the launch of two new divisions and the ongoing control of these forces by the KDP and PUK. Royals watch investigates the promotion of Bahrain's Nasser Bin Hamad. This issue's View article goes into Saudi Arabia's use of the Sudan crisis for diplomatic aims, examining the new 'Saudi first' approach the Crown Prince is implementing. Risk Management Reports are on Qatar and Saudi Arabia.