Dahlan encouraged to form Palestinian party outside Fatah

Despite his reluctance, dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan is getting support from other countries to challenge Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Saudi Arabia

Russia, Qatar move forward on military cooperation

The Kremlin tightens its military relationship with Qatar, with Doha finalizing the purchase of S-400 air missile defense systems from Russia.

Saudi Arabia

Will the crisis in Gaza finally force Israel to lift its siege?

Qatar and the UAE have donated money to ease the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but such assistance will likely only postpone an implosion in the absence of arriving at a solution to the enclave's isolation and lifting of the Israeli blockade.

United Arab Emirates

Will Iraq's Sunnis get own political-religious authority?

Some Sunni groups are seeking to establish a unified religious leadership, setting Sunnis up to play a stronger role in the upcoming elections.

Saudi Arabia

Congress skeptical of Saudi nuclear energy demands

Lawmakers are making it clear that any proposal to share civilian nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia must include robust nonproliferation safeguards.

Saudi Arabia

Anxious Turkish investors eyeing opportunities abroad

Mounting political tensions, uncertainties and declining rule of law in Turkey are pushing Turkish entrepreneurs to consider investing abroad.

United Arab Emirates

What’s behind Sisi’s recent trip to Oman?

While Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is calling on Tehran and Riyadh to cool their tensions, Egypt is strengthening its ties to Oman, which has become a stable and trustworthy ally.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi, UAE involvement in eastern Yemen unsettles Oman

Reports that Saudi Arabia is planning to militarize its presence in Yemen’s easternmost governorate have raised security concerns in neighboring Oman.

Saudi Arabia

What role will Moscow assume in Yemen's civil war?

Russia is expanding its reputation as a mediator in various conflicts and could wield its influence in Yemen to bring both sides to the negotiating table.

United Arab Emirates

Yemen’s southern separatists take case to Congress

Yemen’s UAE-backed secessionists have hired a US lobby firm to build support for their cause as they threaten to overthrow the UN-backed government in Aden.

United Arab Emirates

GCC's silence on Turkey’s Afrin adventure is telling

The Sunni Gulf states have failed to make a unified statement on Turkey's Operation Olive Branch in Syria, a sign of their competing interests.

Legacy: Gulf

Turkey plays catch-up with militarization in Red Sea

A scramble for military influence along the Red Sea could lead to a trade disaster as Turkey also looks to establish a military foothold in the area.

United Arab Emirates