Blog
Commentary, research insights, and analysis on Saudi development, food security, governance, and international relations.
Crown prince’s visit signals dawn of Saudi-US AI diplomacy
As a seventh-generation steward of Saudi Arabia’s legacy, I pen these reflections with profound gratitude for the enduring bond between my homeland and the US, a connection that first drew me to Ameri...
Doha assault a catalyst for regional reckoning
The Israeli airstrike on Doha, Qatar’s gleaming capital, last week marks a watershed moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics. This audacious operation, involving a squadron of 15 fighter jets targeting P...
Economic pragmatism triumphs in US elections
In the aftermath of last week’s elections in the US, the victory of Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral contest stands as a pivotal moment in American politics. As a Muslim Democratic socialis...
Harmonizing heritage, innovation in Diriyah’s oases
In the shadow of ancient mud-brick palaces that whisper tales of the First Saudi State’s birthplace, the Diriyah Global Seminar 2025 unfolded like a desert bloom, drawing scholars, policymakers, and v...
How covert US actions left a legacy of instability in region
Why does enduring peace remain elusive in the Middle East? Why does the climate crisis worsen despite international pledges? Why does inequality widen across the Arab world and globally, even as econo...
How politicized data undermines fair development
In a world chasing sustainable development, numbers — meant to illuminate paths forward — often become tools of distortion. Politicized data occurs when governments manipulate poverty or hunger statis...
Middle East must prioritize diplomacy over conflict
The Middle East stands at a crossroads as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, marked by the recent Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran’s retaliatory ballistic missile barrage...
Savage capitalism: Thriving economy or fractured society?
In an era of polarized debates, two influential recent Washington Post articles shed light on America’s economic and social challenges. Fareed Zakaria’s piece, “Don’t believe the MAGA doomers on trad...
Strengthening social protection in a fractured world
In an era defined by relentless global upheavals, from pandemics and economic shocks to geopolitical tensions and climate catastrophes, the fabric of human welfare is fraying at an alarming rate. The ...
The battle for consciousness in the Arab world
In the contemporary era, consciousness represents a pivotal force shaping the trajectories of societies and nations. Defined as the capacity to comprehend reality in its entirety through meticulous an...