Qatar Press Centre forum explores Gulf post-war scenarios and regional shifts

“The Qatar Press Centre organised a panel discussion titled “After the War: The Gulf and Regional Transformations” to examine the political, security and media changes unfolding across the Gulf. The session focused on escalating regional tensions linked to the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as the impact of Iranian attacks on Gulf security and stability. The event, held as part of the center’s “Press Majlis” series at Abdullah bin Hussein al-Naama Hall, featured strategic affairs researcher Dr Liqaa Maki and political researcher Dr Saleh al-Mutairi. The session was moderated by Qatar TV presenter Saif al-Emadi and attended by journalists and observers of regional affairs. Dr Maki said that understanding the region’s current transformations requires examining the strategic environment prior to the recent conflict, noting that tensions had been escalating for months. He described the events of October 7, 2023 as a turning point that reshaped political and security balances in the Middle East. He said the widening conflict in Gaza and the subsequent escalation involving Iran pushed the region into a new phase of uncertainty, warning that growing reliance on military force over diplomatic solutions makes stable political settlements increasingly difficult. Maki stressed that Gulf countries, long viewed as an oasis of stability in a conflict-ridden region, now face mounting security challenges. While Gulf states possess vast wealth and resources, he said, stability cannot be sustained without strong defence systems and effective alliances capable of deterring threats. He described the Gulf development model as a successful example of economic growth, social stability and technological progress that has projected a different image of the Middle East beyond war and unrest. He argued that some regional and international actors seek to undermine this model by targeting Gulf security and spreading instability. Maki also highlighted the importance of strengthening Gulf defence capabilities, saying the recent conflict demonstrated the growing efficiency of Gulf missile and drone defence systems. He added that Gulf security depends not only on military preparedness, but also on strategic partnerships and closer regional co-ordination. On media and political narratives, Maki said digital platforms and social media now play a central role in shaping public opinion. Despite the Gulf’s strong media and cultural capabilities, he said the region has yet to fully present its developmental achievements and crisis-management successes to international audiences. He cited Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 as an example of how the Gulf successfully projected an image of openness and global engagement. For his part, Dr Al-Mutairi said the Gulf has entered a new phase in politics and security following the war. He noted that missile and drone attacks exposed the scale of regional challenges but reflected the complexity of the Gulf’s geopolitical environment rather than weakness. He said Gulf states continue to balance diplomacy with enhanced deterrence capabilities, recognising that any large-scale confrontation would have severe consequences for regional and global stability and economies. The speakers outlined four post-war scenarios: reshaping the Middle East's political and security balances; addressing growing challenges related to energy and regional security; developing long-term Gulf strategies; and transforming current challenges into opportunities for greater cohesion and stability in the region. They also stressed the need to strengthen Gulf integration, enhance defence capabilities, preserve diplomatic channels, build a stronger Gulf media narrative, and develop long-term strategies that balance security with economic development and stability.

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