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
Khamenei rep blames Saudi Arabia, Qatar for Iraq insurgents In a rare moment of directness, a representative of Iran’s supreme leader has directly named Saudi Arabia and Qatar as the cause of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham’s surge in Iraq. Saudi Arabia
Russia, Qatar compete in natural gas market Russia and Qatar differ on Syria but are considering means of mitigating their natural gas rivalry in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum. Qatar
Saudi, UAE coordination signals differences with Qatar Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have formed a joint committee to coordinate their regional efforts, with Egypt and Libya topping the agenda. Saudi Arabia
Turkey, Qatar strengthen economic ties Turkey is again stepping up relations with Qatar by adding cultural and commercial links to their political collaboration in the international arena. Qatar
US can help heal GCC rifts The United States is leading efforts to resolve the dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but uncertainty over the future of the Gulf Cooperation Council remains. Legacy: Gulf
The Saudi-Turkey cold war for Sunni hegemony Saudi Arabia views Turkey's mix of democracy and Islam as a threat to its own regional role. Saudi Arabia
Iraq-Saudi ties need strategic context While Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has accused Saudi Arabia of supporting terrorist groups, Baghdad should instead work on establishing effective channels of communication to cooperate in anti-terror efforts. Saudi Arabia
Hamas seeks to retain Saudi ties despite Brotherhood ban Hamas is hoping to escape the anti-Brotherhood wave sweeping the Gulf and is trying to stay on good terms with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Al-Monitor launches Gulf Pulse With the launch of its Gulf Pulse, Al-Monitor is expanding its coverage of the region. Saudi Arabia
Baghdad holds international anti-terrorism conference According to the conference organizers, Saudi Arabia and Qatar were invited, but didn’t attend, despite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's accusing of them of supporting terrorism. Saudi Arabia
Egypt fears backlash if it cuts ties with Qatar Egypt is hesitating to join the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and cut ties with Qatar, because the government fears the repercussions such a step would have for the many Egyptians working in Qatar. Saudi Arabia
What next for Qatar and the GCC? Following the decision by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to withdraw their ambassadors from Qatar, will Doha reassess its foreign policy to ensure it can continue playing the vital role of mediator in thorny regional issues? Saudi Arabia
