How did FIFA become part of Trump’s Gaza reconstruction effort? FIFA signed a deal on Thursday that marks the global soccer association's most significant postwar intervention in the Middle East yet. Palestine
Newsletter: City Pulse Doha Ramadan comes alive in Doha's Msheireb Also this week: throwback food nostalgia, waterfront Ramadan fairs and hands-on art workshops By Reve Chaaban In Doha reporting on culture
Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know Qatar is moving to shore up ties with Venezuela as the US seeks greater control over the South American country’s oil revenues. Qatar
Saudi-UAE rift complicates Israel's counter-Iran efforts, normalization Israel fears that the rivalry between the UAE and Saudi Arabia will further push Riyadh toward countries that espouse political Islam policies. Israel
Newsletter: City Pulse Doha Doha’s MIA showcases Afghanistan beyond headlines By Reve Chaaban In Doha reporting on culture
Newsletter: City Pulse Doha Inside Doha’s Gulf futurism moment By Reve Chaaban In Doha reporting on culture
What Iran-Qatar reset means for Syria Iran adds another “Sunni” power to its regional network; Turkey ponders next moves in Idlib; Israel presents the “big picture” on Iran in Washington and Sochi, Russia; Akiva Eldar on Israel’s silence over Charlottesville. Saudi Arabia
Saudi gamble on Hamas could pay off, or enrich rival Iran The Saudis are increasing pressure on Hamas, which might win them points with US President Donald Trump and Israel, but drive the Palestinian movement and its allies toward Iran. Saudi Arabia
Iranian return to hajj could help end Saudi deadlock The resumption of Iranian participation in the annual hajj pilgrimage may help pave the way for an end to the diplomatic deadlock between Riyadh and Tehran. Saudi Arabia
Egypt, Sudan stray further apart over Gulf crisis Egypt is doubling down on its efforts to convince African countries to take a stance against Qatar, while Sudan decided to take a neutral position over the Gulf crisis. Saudi Arabia
Al Jazeera gains from Israel’s attempts to close it Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Al Jazeera's Jerusalem office will be closed, but this is unlikely to affect the network's work or coverage of the Palestinian-Israeli situation. Legacy: Gulf
Gaza set to become scene of Egypt-Qatar tug of war The Gaza Strip and Hamas are attracting attention from both sides as the Gulf crisis grows, but they might have to choose between longtime supporter Qatar on one side and the UAE, Egypt and Mohammed Dahlan on the other. United Arab Emirates
Netanyahu's crusade against Al Jazeera in Jerusalem In an effort to repair the damage to his image caused by the Temple Mount crisis, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he will attempt to shut down Al Jazeera's Israel bureau, again. Saudi Arabia
Kuwait-Iran diplomatic row could have wide-ranging impact Kuwait's expulsion of Iranian diplomats over the Abdali terror cell case may affect domestic politics, business deals and Iranian relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey flexing military muscle in Qatar Turkey is signaling a shift to "hard power" foreign policy by incrementally building its military presence in Qatar to a brigade-level force. Saudi Arabia
Trump administration looks to Oman for help navigating Middle East US officials, while wary about Oman's ties with Iran, seek Oman's assistance in resolving Qatar dispute. Legacy: Gulf
Tillerson calls on Saudi bloc to lift blockade on Qatar The US secretary of state, after meeting Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi today in Washington, called for the lifting of the blockade on Qatar as a sign of good faith. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey’s economic dilemma: Win Qatar or lose the Gulf? By backing Qatar, Turkey faces economic losses in the Gulf but improved economic ties with Iran Legacy: Gulf
