Analysis In Saudi Arabia, Erdogan fosters security alignment, $30B trade push The Turkish president’s visit cemented Ankara and Riyadh’s accelerating convergence as regional crises mount and Gulf rivalries sharpen. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Yemen’s Houthis hint at Red Sea attacks as US-Iran tensions rise: What to know The Houthi warnings come as a US aircraft carrier accompanied by several guided missile destroyers entered Gulf waters amid tensions with Iran. Iran
Thousands rally for South Yemen independence amid Saudi diplomatic push Large protests called for southern independence in Yemen on Friday, reflecting persistent support for the separatists despite the Saudi-backed government’s efforts to quash the separatist movement. Yemen
Egypt's economy can weather more Red Sea attacks, says finance minister Egypt lost some $13 billion worth of Suez Canal fees over two years due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, according to estimates from Egyptian officials. Egypt
Analysis US response muted as Gulf allies clash in Yemen By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Yemen separatists accuse Saudi Arabia of 'betrayal' as pro-Riyadh forces advance Southern Transitional Council head Aidarus al-Zubaidi did not board a scheduled flight to Saudi Arabia for talks as Riyadh intensified its airstrikes against the group. Yemen
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Yemeni separatist leader reportedly flees ahead of Saudi meeting Yemen’s separatist leader reportedly fled ahead of Saudi-hosted talks; Syria and Israel agreed to establish a de-escalation channel; fighting resumed in Aleppo; and Iran’s protest crackdown intensified. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis From Red Sea to Horn of Africa: How Yemen exposed the Saudi-UAE divide Saudi Arabia’s confrontation with the UAE in Yemen has laid bare a deeper struggle for influence over the Red Sea and surrounding regions. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Newsletter: Gulf Yemen separatists travel to Saudi for talks as tensions ease Saudi Arabia pairs recent military gains with dialogue efforts to ease southern Yemen tensions and reassert Gulf leadership. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Yemen’s STC announces self-determination process for south: What to know The announcement by the UAE-backed separatist group follows major escalations with Saudi Arabia and the internationally-recognized government. Yemen
Saudi Arabia launches Hadramout offensive as Gulf rivalry haunts Yemen The fighting in Hadramout between the Saudi-backed government and southern separatists backed by the United Arab Emirates is continuing, pointing to the growing rift between the two Gulf heavyweights. Yemen
Newsletter: China-Middle East China adjusts to Middle East turbulence in 2025, faces challenges in Iran, Yemen While evading new US sanctions on Iran, adjusting to changes in Syria and expanding military footprint with key Arab partners especially Egypt, China closes 2025 with gains in the Middle East but confronts new challenges with UAE-Saudi rupture in Yemen and Sudan. By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll
Newsletter: Gulf Saudi-UAE divide shapes regional security, economy Saudi Arabia’s strike on Mukalla and ultimatum to the UAE highlight growing Gulf tensions, as diverging priorities in Yemen, security and energy reshape regional coordination. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
As UAE-Saudi rivalry heats up, Yemen’s STC accuses Riyadh of airstrikes Saudi Arabia has criticized the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council’s military offensive, which has sent shockwaves through the country and the Gulf. Yemen
Newsletter: Gulf STC advances in Yemen test Gulf coordination The Southern Transitional Council’s military gains and growing institutional backing in southern Yemen have intensified strains with the Saudi-backed government, raising new stakes for Gulf diplomacy as Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Oman maneuver to contain escalation. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Yemeni ministries declare support for STC campaign as Gulf tensions flare Yemen's Saudi-backed government criticized the statements in support of the Southern Transitional Council, which is supported by the UAE, as Gulf states deliberate on how to move forward. Saudi Arabia
Maersk resumes Red Sea passage after two-year halt amid easing Houthi threat A ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in October has prompted some shipping companies to consider resuming services, but security concerns persist. Yemen
