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
Gulf carriers delight as Congress rakes US airlines over the coals Lawmakers fault lack of competition for plummeting US customer service; could this affect US airlines' campaign for fairer competition with Gulf carriers? United Arab Emirates
Will Iraqi government-PMU disputes spiral into armed clashes? With the Islamic State nearly defeated in Iraqi cities, disputes between PMU-affiliated Shiite factions and the Iraqi government have surfaced, threatening future military clashes between them. Qatar
Complex deal frees kidnapped Qatari royals, two Saudis Various versions of a recent hostage deal are circulating that include, potentially, political motivations, millions of dollars in ransom, exchanged military prisoners and relocated civilians. Saudi Arabia
Israel warns that Gaza will face power supply crisis An Israeli major general has said that Gaza will face an imminent humanitarian crisis because of a shortage of diesel fuel that is needed to run its only power station. Qatar
Why was deal to evacuate Syrian towns brokered by Qatar and Iran? A deal brokered by Qatar and Iran that ignores Turkey and Russia — the largest respective sponsors of the opposition and the regime in Syria — threatens to derail broader peace talks aimed at ending the tragic civil war. Qatar
Ineptitude meets low altitude at Arab League summit Few major breakthroughs were reached at this year's Arab League Summit held in Jordan. Saudi Arabia
PA, Jordan compete for aid at Arab League Summit Both the Palestinian and Jordanian governments took advantage of the Arab League Summit in Amman to present their cases for why they deserve more financial aid from the rich Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia
Why Qatar and Turkey are becoming an item Turkey and Qatar are working to extend their relations beyond the friendship of the countries' leaders to address their shared uncertainties about the new US administration, security threats and the growing regional influence of Iran and Russia. Qatar
Zarif visits Qatar as Iran, Saudi Arabia continue hajj talks Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif traveled to Qatar to discuss bilateral relations after a flurry of diplomatic activity recently between Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council member states. Saudi Arabia
Gulf countries take back seat on Syria route It seems Saudi Arabia is more interested in Yemen than in Syria these days, which explains dwindling Gulf support for Syrian rebels. Saudi Arabia
Why GCC has been silent on Trump's 'Muslim ban' Gulf states have failed to criticize the Trump administration for its recent "Muslim ban" in an attempt to keep the new US administration on their side in light of the economic and security challenge the Gulf region faces. Legacy: Gulf
How will Trump’s anti-Muslim Brotherhood inner circle view Qatar? While Qatar’s support for groups such as Hamas has caused tense ties with the United States in the past, Donald Trump’s presidency could create even more challenges for Qatar. Saudi Arabia
