Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف
@bmalsaif • 19,037 subscribers
Assistant Professor of History @K_University. Fellow @CH_MENAP & @GulfStatesInst. PhD @Georgetown. EdM & MTS @Harvard. MA @SOAS.
Videos
The US bases in the Gulf do not turn the Gulf into satellite states or strip their sovereignty. They’re part of mutually agreed upon defense partnerships similar to those between the US and other states in Europe and Asia. That said, this model requires a reset and the same is true regarding the Gulf’s relationship with Iran.
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف442,429 Aufrufe • vor 4 Monaten
The Gulf states urgently need a new game plan to safeguard themselves, and they should not count on the US to do their bidding. Some of the Gulf states have been talking to Iran and it has spared them the worst of the conflict; others should follow suit. Both sides of the Gulf need to lay out their cards, use the bargaining chips at their disposal, and ultimately better understand the moment and one another. With Isa Soares.
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف29,219 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat
Two nights of attacks yet Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf stand strong. Being resilient doesn’t mean sustaining these attacks to no end or only counting on the outcome of the Iran-US talks. A lasting solution entails direct Gulf-Iran talks. With Ivan Watson
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف30,890 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat
Prosperity knows no boundaries - the Gulf states want a prosperous region, and that includes Iran. Despite Iran's assault on the Gulf, the Gulf states have been talking to Iranian leadership in recent days. A joint path forward is possible but it requires the two sides working in earnest. The Islamabad talks are key but not enough, and the Gulf states need to play a more visible role. With TRT World, April 21.
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف49,721 Aufrufe • vor 4 Monaten
A nuclear-free Middle East should be an ultimate objective. Eyes are rightly on Iran, but they should also be on Israel, the only nuclear power in the region. Weapons of mass destruction are destabilizing, to say the least. An arms race and wars on repeat mode are no answer.
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف51,877 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
We need to plan for the ‘day after’ from now & work on Gulf-Iran ties irrespective of what happens between Iran, the US, & Israel. Many spoilers benefit from regional fragmentation and chaos. That’s why Iran going all out on the Gulf serves no one’s interests, including Iran.
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف51,028 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
Told Max Foster the root issue to the conflict is Israeli occupation. Ongoing dehumanization, dispossession of Palestinians will not bring peace to anyone. People around the world are rallying for Palestine. They should be heard, & the US should modify its policies accordingly
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف147,997 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren
Iran attacking its very Gulf neighbors who tried hard to avert war reinforces the US & Israeli narrative we’ve been countering. US bases or otherwise - this is sovereign Gulf territory. Continuing on this path could yield a different response from the Gulf states. With Becky Anderson
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف36,215 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
Israel wants the region to dance to its tunes. Iran is falling for the Israeli playbook by attacking the Gulf trying to push the Gulf into the US-Israeli camp. It’s not our war. Attacking the Gulf, at times more than Israel, won’t fulfill Iran’s pressure goal and could backfire. On @aljazeeraenglish
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف34,965 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
Being stuck in the past has held Iran from moving forward and speaks to our current predicament. We need to move towards the future. A peaceful and prosperous region is in everyone’s interest. The Gulf’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness. Several options on the table:
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف34,429 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
The UAE decision to exit OPEC has been long in the making. The UAE has been quite open about its focus on holistic energy solutions. It also speaks to the UAE worldview and attitudes toward multilateralism which has been under strain in the past few years. The Gulf states agree on a prosperous region but diverge on the means to achieving it, and this is playing out in oil policy. The UAE exit does not preclude its cooperation with OPEC.
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف14,860 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten
Kuwait is no stranger to conflict. We’ve endured hardship in the past and will continue to remain steadfast in the face of attacks. Comments to Aljazeera on today’s desalination plant attacks, Iranian denial, and the range of possible culprits alongside Iran.
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف15,218 Aufrufe • vor 4 Monaten
Not that international norms are upheld, but to strike Iran a second time within a year during promising negotiations is a serious blow to diplomacy. The US is undermining the little left of the order it chaperoned post-World War II. Part of my take on BBC.
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف17,292 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
Security and prosperity in the region is indivisible. Kuwait and the Gulf states do not wish ill for Iran: they are not fulfilling an Israeli agenda nor pursuing offensive action against Iran. Iran attacking the Gulf states is not helping its cause. Aired yesterday on TRT.
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف14,235 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
A glut of operations has not served the US well, moving from Epic Fury to Economic Fury to Project Freedom with the latter paused earlier today just after its launch two days ago. Nor does the IRGC blockading Hormuz and attacking its neighbors resolve the matter. A negotiated settlement is the only way out, and that's where everyone's energy should be expended. With Becky Anderson
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف10,950 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten
Gulf restraint is laudable. Joining the war will not serve its interests. It would play into the Israeli playbook. As to Iran, the way it’s conducting itself attacking the Gulf states has not helped its case and it should be called out for it. There’s no viable endgame to war.
Bader Al-Saif بدر السيف14,061 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
