Egypt fears backlash if it cuts ties with Qatar

Egypt is hesitating to join the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and cut ties with Qatar, because the government fears the repercussions such a step would have for the many Egyptians working in Qatar.

Saudi Arabia

What next for Qatar and the GCC?

Following the decision by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to withdraw their ambassadors from Qatar, will Doha reassess its foreign policy to ensure it can continue playing the vital role of mediator in thorny regional issues?

Saudi Arabia

Saudi-Qatar tensions divide GCC

The announcement by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates that they are withdrawing their ambassadors to Qatar is a further sign of the deterioration in Saudi-Qatar ties and the fragmentation of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Saudi Arabia

Israel's silent partner?

There may be common interests shared by Jerusalem and Riyadh, but there is no "alliance" on the horizon.

Saudi Arabia

Omani rejection of GCC union adds insult to injury for Saudi Arabia

The Omani stance may force the kingdom to pause in its regional policies.

Saudi Arabia

US, region pivot to confront terrorist threat in Syria

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari warns of a "Islamic emirate" in Syria, former US diplomat Ryan Crocker suggests a channel to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Israeli President Shimon Peres says he would be willing to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

Bahrain

Bahrain's foreign minister asks Iran to end regional interference

Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain's foreign minister, says Iran must take "concrete steps" to show that it is turning a page in its relations with Bahrain and the Gulf.

Bahrain

Iran’s diplomatic surge extends to Gulf

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is considering an invitation from Bahrain to attend the IISS Manama Dialogue Regional Security Summit, as UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan visits Tehran.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Shifts to More Activist Foreign Policy Doctrine

The kingdom should give priority to a regional initiative in Syria and a collective security framework for maintaining order in the Arab world.

Saudi Arabia

Gulf Cities Have Long Way to Go Before Leading Arab World

The author takes issue with Sultan Al Qassemi's article calling the Gulf cities the new centers of the Arab world.

United Arab Emirates

Gulf Cities Emerge As New Centers of Arab World

While historic Arab capitals such as Cairo, Baghdad and Damascus are embroiled in civil strife, Gulf cities are powering ahead as new centers for Arab culture, education and business.

United Arab Emirates

Bahrain Foreign Minister Awaits Change in Iran's Policy

Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed al-Khalifa, Bahrain’s foreign minister, welcomes change in Iran but wants to see “real actions” in Iran’s approach to his country.

Bahrain