At a time when eyes are on the volatile Iran-US relationship, we believe there is a great need for resources that build understanding of Iran’s relationships with its neighbors across the Gulf. This web of interactions dates back centuries and is critical to understanding Iran’s role in the world, yet, to date, has been poorly articulated and understudied.
Our focus is Iran’s place in a post-Saddam Middle East, and in particular, various facets of the relationship between Iran and the Gulf Arab States of Oman, Qatar, UAE and Bahrain. Postings attempt where possible to contrast and compare the Iranian and Arab Gulf points of view, and to offer policy insight where possible. Our main sources are a wide reading of Arabic and Persian-language newspapers, blogs and magazines, and interviews with regional experts.
Within this topic, we are particularly concerned with: 1.) The role of oil, gas and water resources in mending and/or provoking conflict between Iran and the Gulf States, 2.) The mechanics of cross-Gulf trade and (related) 3.) The Development of Iranian Ports and Free Trade Zones.
Ishtirak is a hybrid business and policy consultancy, focused on issues in the Islamic finance, trade, and sustainability in the Arab world. Founded in 2001 by Ethan Chorin and David Gutelius, past clients include Frito-Lay, IBM, Meadan, The Grameen-Jameel Fund, The Institute for the Future and the Rockdale Foundation. To read more about Ishtirak, click here (PDF).
“Iran in the Gulf” is a continuation/merger of Iran-centered blogs written by Will Ward and Ethan Chorin. If you are interested in contributing to the blog, please mail us at info@ishtirak.org. Contributors’ bios are posted to Ishtirak’s Staff link.
Photo header courtesy of Flickr user Hamed Saber under a Creative Commons license.
