Archive Upfront from Oct 17, 2022 Are Syria’s HTS jihadis Turkey’s new friends? After Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the jihadi faction that runs the northwestern province of Idlib, moved into Afrin, the question of where Turkey stands in this power grab is of critical importance. Turkey
US-Saudi military ties remain on course despite OPEC dispute The White House is signaling it could hold up further arms sales to Saudi Arabia, but so far the rare public dispute has not impacted direct military cooperation between Washington and Riyadh. Legacy: Gulf
UAE and Japan agree to visa-free travel The two countries also recently pledged to boost economic, industrial and energy cooperation. United Arab Emirates
Is Turkey using HTS to strengthen its hand in Syria? Amid Ankara’s overtures to Damascus, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham — the radical group controlling Idlib — has seized Afrin and is seeking a deal to expand its control further into territories held by factions allied with Turkey. Turkey
Saudi Arabia, South Africa sign agreements worth $15 billion Saudi Arabia is increasing its economic footprint on the African continent, in part because of its rivalry with Iran. Saudi Arabia
IRGC warns Saudi Arabia over Iran protest coverage The head of the IRGC has issued a warning to Saudi Arabia over coverage by Persian-language news outlets. Iran
OPEC members back Saudi Arabia in dispute with US The oil cartel and Russia recently agreed to a significant oil production cut, leading to public criticism from the United States. Legacy: Gulf
