Qatar LNG expansion plan turns spotlight back on methane emissions The natural gas industry is a major emitter of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that receives less attention than carbon dioxide, despite having a much higher warming potential. Sebastian Castelier | Qatar | Apr 22, 2021 A French container ship powered by liquefied natural gas is seen docked during its launch at a shipyard in Shanghai, China, on Sept. 25, 2019. The CMA CGM Jacques Saade is the first container ship of a series of nine with a capacity of 23,000 containers equivalent to 20 feet ordered in 2017. The LNG it uses is less polluting than the heavy fuel oil used in maritime transport. The ship is 400 meters long and 61 meters wide.
Saudi Arabia, Iran held direct talks in bid to ease tensions Talks between the two countries were organized by Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Al-Monitor Staff | Iraq | Apr 19, 2021
Egypt joins Gulf region’s Combined Maritime Forces led by US Egypt's participation in the task force comes as Russia seeks closer defense ties with Cairo and Sudan. Al-Monitor Staff | Gulf | Apr 15, 2021
US aircraft carrier returns to Middle East as Suez Canal opens The USS Eisenhower arrives in the Gulf region as the Biden administration kicks off indirect talks with Iran over its nuclear program. Jared Szuba | Iran | Apr 6, 2021
Post-COVID Saudi Arabia doubles down on Vision 2030 Although foreign investors mostly took a pass on Vision 2030, Saudi companies and the Public Investment Fund will pour money into a $3.2 trillion reform plan. Sebastian Castelier | Gulf | Apr 6, 2021
Blinken: 'Vitally important' to engage with Israel, Gulf on Iran nuclear deal Antony Blinken also said the administration would immediately review the terror designation of Yemen's Houthi rebels. Elizabeth Hagedorn | Gulf | Jan 19, 2021
Egypt reopening airspace to Qatar after 3½-year row Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have already announced the end of their bans on flights from Qatar. Al-Monitor Staff | Gulf | Jan 12, 2021
Hamas scrambles for relevance in post-normalization Middle East Egypt urges Palestinian reconciliation in midst of diplomatic surge, as Hamas keeps options open with Iran and Syria. Week in Review | Gulf | Jan 8, 2021
Israel, UAE top Middle East vaccination rates Other countries in the region have only just recently imported vaccines, and the status of vaccination in Iran and Syria in particular is unclear. Adam Lucente | Gulf | Jan 8, 2021
Emirati official says Gulf states to work on trade with Qatar before resuming diplomatic ties UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash's comments indicate that healing the Gulf rift may still take more time. Al-Monitor Staff | Gulf | Jan 7, 2021
Oil prices at highest since February 2020 following Saudi output cut Oil producers are concerned that the continued COVID-19 pandemic could hurt demand. Al-Monitor Staff | Gulf | Jan 7, 2021
Gulf unity deal further isolates Iran Healing the Gulf Cooperation Council rift is a parting gift for Trump and a welcome gift for Biden in dealing with the Islamic Republic. Andrew Parasiliti | Gulf | Jan 6, 2021
Gulf oil exporters cautiously optimistic for 2021 A new COVID-19 strain and the possible return of Iranian crude to global markets could inflict “short-term pains” to Gulf oil producers whose local populations hold on to the oil era. Sebastian Castelier | Gulf | Dec 28, 2020
GCC to hold summit in January amid Qatar row, Kuwait says Kuwait, which has acted as a mediator between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors, said the annual summit will be held in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 5. Al-Monitor Staff | Gulf | Dec 17, 2020
Gulf economies face major challenges in post-COVID 19 world Signals indicate the embargo imposed on Qatar could come to an end, but can the Gulf Cooperation Council play a coordinating role vital to diversify Gulf economies post-pandemic? Sebastian Castelier | Gulf | Dec 17, 2020
Gantz informs Biden administration of updated Israeli plans to strike Iran Al-Monitor Staff | Israel | Mar 5, 2021
Online ‘auctions’ of Yazidi captives speak of ongoing Islamic State activity in Turkey Fehim Tastekin | Iraq | Mar 5, 2021
Egypt moves ahead with purchase of Russian arms despite US warnings A correspondent in Egypt | Egypt | Mar 3, 2021
Biden administration's textbook approach to Iran may be paying off Week in Review | U.S. | Mar 5, 2021
Sudan hoping for shift in Ethiopian position on Nile Dam talks, says Nureldin Satti, Sudan’s Ambassador to US
Is Turkey's authoritarian president losing his grip? Wishful thinking, says Ankara-based journalist Raziye Akkoc
A French container ship powered by liquefied natural gas is seen docked during its launch at a shipyard in Shanghai, China, on Sept. 25, 2019. The CMA CGM Jacques Saade is the first container ship of a series of nine with a capacity of 23,000 containers equivalent to 20 feet ordered in 2017. The LNG it uses is less polluting than the heavy fuel oil used in maritime transport. The ship is 400 meters long and 61 meters wide.
