Qatar PM in Beirut as Lebanon seeks economic relief: What to know Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani’s visit to Beirut coincides with the Lebanese authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the country. Lebanon
Iraq’s Zaidi, Saudi crown prince discuss security as Houthi attacks escalate Iraq has moved to improve ties with Saudi Arabia after Iran-backed militias struck the kingdom and amid the conflict with the Houthis in Yemen. Iraq
Who is Abdulrahman Alfozan, Saudi national charged in bugging OpenAI meetings? The Saudi national who was arrested for allegedly planting a covert listening device at OpenAI’s offices has extensive experience working at leading technology companies in the US and serves as a venture partner at a Saudi venture capital firm. Saudi Arabia
Iran offers Saudi-Yemen dialogue as fighting, Houthi attacks escalate The Saudi-backed government in Yemen passed a draft law designating the Iran-backed Houthis as a terror group, as the US considers further action against the group over its attacks against Saudi Arabia. Yemen
Analysis Who are Yemen's Southern Giants Brigades leading the fight against the Houthis? By Giorgio Cafiero
Gulf currencies pegged to dollar keep migrant workers’ families afloat While the strong dollar has played in favor of Gulf migrant workers, they are not exempt from wage increases falling behind the inflation rate. Legacy: Gulf
China’s Xi heads to Saudi Arabia, adding strain to US ties Xi's visit to Saudi, the first in six years, will include two summits with Arab and GCC leaders and could see an agreement on nuclear technology Legacy: Gulf
Kuwait benefits from oil price boom but long-term economic challenges loom Key reforms and a lack of a diversified economy remain only two of Kuwait's major challenges. Legacy: Gulf
UAE senior official: country's strategic ties "unequivocally with the US" An Emirati official has stressed the need for "quiet diplomacy instead of outspoken criticism" during a debate in Abu Dhabi Nov. 14. Legacy: Gulf
US military eyes counter-drone experimentation in Saudi Arabia US Central Command is moving ahead with plans to help enable shared air and missile defense across the Middle East. Legacy: Gulf
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
FIFA World Cup's economic impact will extend beyond Qatar GCC states look to take advantage of "fresh opportunities" and Qatar hopes the World Cup will boost its "soft power and add political influence." Legacy: Gulf
Analysis The Takeaway: Biden opens ‘new chapter’ with Middle East trip Energy company touts oil for food for Syria; Ukraine’s ambassador in Turkey talks Russia; Iran’s unprecedented inflation; oil stoves make comeback in Lebanon; Sudanese civilians skeptical of moves by military leaders; and more. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti
Egypt's Sisi, Arab leaders coordinate positions ahead of Biden visit Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been meeting with several Arab leaders in the lead-up to US President Joe Biden’s visit to the Middle East slated for mid-July. Egypt
Tehran denounces GCC over missile comments The GCC enumerated worries about Iran and its "destabilizing behavior," triggering typically strong rhetoric from Tehran. Iran
Iran engages neighbors as nuclear talks falter As Iran and Saudi Arabia work to resolve disputes, Iran's president spoke with the Kuwait emir and expressed his desire for a return to "previous friendly relations.” Iran
Analysis US committed to UN truce and ‘better future’ for Yemen, says US envoy In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Tim Lenderking, US special envoy for Yemen, says the United States can be counted on to continue its strong diplomatic effort in Yemen, but the core responsibilities for peace lie with the parties themselves. By Week in Review
