US, UK target Israeli-Russian oligarch Abramovich enablers with more sanctions The Western allies announced new sanctions against financial fixers for Roman Abramovich and fellow Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, for their financial support of and close ties to President Vladimir Putin. Israel
China's Saudi-Iran deal clouded by uncertainty on protests, nuclear talks The evolution of the Saudi-Iranian agreement hinges the factors that led to it: Iran’s nuclear program and political unrest, future of Russia’s war in Ukraine, US-China relations, and whether these will lead to a new world order. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Macron visit to China adds European dimension to Beijing in Middle East The French president's comments during his state visit acknowledge the reality of Chinese influence in a multipolar world. By Gilles Kepel
Here are the biggest Middle East disclosures in the leaked intel docs Turkey, Israel and the United Arab Emirates are among the Middle East countries named in a major leak of classified US intelligence documents. Turkey
Will Turkey’s top court disband pro-Kurdish party ahead of May elections? The HDP, which might be one step closer to closure with this move, is competing in the crucial polls next month under the list of the Green Left Party. Turkey
Two Etihad Airways ads banned in UK over greenwashing claims The Gulf carrier was accused of exaggerating climate claims by the British Advertising Standards Agency. Legacy: Gulf
CENTCOM eyeing artificial intelligence to counter Iran’s drones, says Kurilla The top commander of US forces in the Middle East expressed concerns over China's inroads the region and told Al-Monitor he wants to turn up the heat at the next Red Sands exercise in Saudi Arabia to simulate more complex drone attacks. Washington Connection
US targets firms in UAE, Turkey over Russia sanctions evasion The latest tranche of sanctions come as the Biden administration seeks to crack down on Russia’s financial facilitators. Turkey
Syrian foreign minister makes surprise visit to Saudi Arabia Syria and Saudi Arabia said they took steps towards resuming consular services and flights between their countries following Faisal Mekdad's first visit since the start of the civil war. Legacy: Gulf
Iranian Embassy reopens its gates in Saudi Arabia after 7 years of closure The move comes as Saudi Arabia and Iran advance their deal to normalize full relations, while Washington scrambles to maintain its relations with the Gulf kingdom. Legacy: Gulf
Middle East debt issuances nearly triple in Q1 2023 as Saudis take lead In Q1 of 2023, Saudi Arabia was the leading debt issuer in the MENA region. Legacy: Gulf
