MBS hosts Sudan's Burhan in Jeddah as $1.5B Saudi-backed arms deal stalls Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan traveled to Jeddah Monday for a visit that could be aimed at salvaging a $1.5 billion Pakistani arms deal Riyadh has reportedly blocked. Sudan
UAE's deputy PM holds first call with Ghalibaf amid push to extend US-Iran ceasefire The Emirati vice president and Iran’s parliament speaker talked de-escalation on the phone in the first such contact since the Iran war began. United Arab Emirates
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia summon Iraqi diplomats over militia attacks: What to know The United States and Kuwait have likewise criticized Iraq over actions tied to Iran-backed armed groups in the country. Iraq
China signals bigger Gulf role as UAE crown prince visits Beijing China, which maintains close ties with both Iran and Gulf states, is hosting one of the UAE's top officials this week as a fragile ceasefire in the region holds. China
Advancing separatists could restore South Yemen There are now two rebellions against the internationally recognized government of Yemen: one by the Houthis in the north and a second by secessionists in the south who now have control of Aden. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia uses aggression abroad to calm clerics at home Saudi Arabia's leaders have become more sectarian and anti-Iran than ever, much to the pleasure of the Wahhabi clerical establishment, which has remained quiet about sweeping social reforms. Saudi Arabia
Saudis watch Iran protests intently While Saudi Arabia's economy is suffering due to low oil prices and discontent at home grows, the kingdom is following the protests in Iran with great interest, hoping national issues will distract from Iran's regional advances. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan's Ottoman dream causes storm in Red Sea Turkey’s unexpected military-cooperation deal with Sudan and leasing of Suakin Island have rekindled Ottoman fears in the region. Saudi Arabia
What does Gulf crisis have to do with Tunisian women? Banning Tunisian women from flying on Emirates airline may have more to do with UAE geopolitics than possible terror threats. Saudi Arabia
Algeria takes independent approach to Qatar crisis A recent meeting between Qatar's foreign minister and Algeria's prime minister highlights Algiers' unique strategy in the wake of the GCC-Qatar rift. Saudi Arabia
Turkey-UAE rift may have unintended spillover The conflict between Ankara and Abu Dhabi may spill over into Turkey's ties with Saudi Arabia and the United States. Legacy: Gulf
Will Bahrain, Israel establish formal relations in 2018? Bahrain could become the first Gulf Cooperation Council member to establish official diplomatic and trade relations with Israel, though this may largely depend on the GCC states' response to the Jerusalem crisis. United Arab Emirates
The UAE's 'alternative GCC' With no solution to the Qatar-GCC crisis in sight, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have formed their own alliance to support their regional foreign policy. Saudi Arabia
Doha's overtures unlikely to lure Cairo from Gulf bloc Recent statements by Qatari officials reflect a shift in Doha’s stance toward Egypt, but Cairo is unlikely to take any steps toward reconciliation without approval from the Gulf countries blockading Qatar. Qatar
Yemen’s new, dangerous post-Saleh power vacuum The death of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh further complicates the conflict that has left Yemen in the throes of a humanitarian crisis. Saudi Arabia
Saudis fail at their own conspiracy The fiasco surrounding the death of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh shows how Washington needs to help Saudi Arabia end the war on its neighbor. Saudi Arabia
