Introduction

BABL takes a closer look at what's happening in the Middle East and why it matters. In the wake of the Saudi Iranian agreement in March to re-establish diplomatic relations, Washington has sought to understand what's happening diplomatically in the Gulf. We speak with leading Middle East risk analyst A.M. Kamal who says great power competition is an opportunity for us to draw our own course to gain more influence. Then we hear from Will Toddman and Annie Sharpe about how the U.S. retrenchment from the Middle East is creating new opportunities for both the United States and the Gulf.