Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh The Ship of Tolerance sails into Jeddah Also this week: new pizzeria in Riyadh, AlUla exhibitions and Spanish culture By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Gulf How Gulf states view possible US strike on Iran Saudi Arabia has led a quiet push — alongside Oman and Qatar — to persuade Washington against intervening militarily, warning that escalation would rattle oil markets and risk destabilizing the Gulf. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Syria’s Sharaa heads to Davos, ending years of global isolation The World Economic Forum begins on January 19 and ends on January 23, hosting a cohort of around 400 political leaders. Syria
Israel holds drills, prepares missile defenses for possible Iran attack: What to know Israel is on high alert over the possibility of an American strike on Iran, which could trigger Iranian retaliation against the Jewish state. Israel
Analysis How Trump’s Venezuela oil grab could test OPEC’s power, Mideast energy models By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Amid Saudi-UAE rivalry, Turkey courts Riyadh without crossing Abu Dhabi By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Palestinians divided over GCC-Qatar crisis The Palestinians are divided over the recent announcement by four Arab nations to cut ties with Qatar, as Hamas seems to be worried about its relationship with its main backer in the region. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi-Hamas relations on verge of complete rupture Relations between Saudi Arabia and the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip are witnessing deep tension that risks further escalation in light of the Arab nation's decision to cut ties with Qatar, one of Hamas’ main financial backers. Saudi Arabia
Kurdish independence in Iraq will take more than a referendum The Kurdistan Regional Government has its work cut out for it to achieve an independent Kurdistan, as its plans would require the cooperation of some unlikely players. Saudi Arabia
Egypt's parliament working with Sisi to finalize islands transfer Despite a court ruling against the transfer of the islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia, the Egyptian government is working to secure parliamentary approval of the deal. Saudi Arabia
Mixed messages since US-Saudi-Islamic summit prove costly Is the United States missing an opportunity with Iran in the war against the Islamic State? Turkey, Hamas deal with fallout from Qatar dispute; Al-Monitor had the jump on “secret” US-Russia talks on Syria. Saudi Arabia
How Moscow-Riyadh rapport fits into the Mideast scene With all that’s going on in the Gulf right now, some players are re-examining their alliances and shoring up support. Saudi Arabia
Iraq, Qatar grow closer in wake of Gulf crisis Following the tension between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the relationship between Iraq and Qatar has become strong and many Iraqi politicians support Qatar against Saudi Arabia. Legacy: Gulf
Turkish military will protect Qatari regime if necessary Ankara revealed a hard stance in the Qatar crisis by fast-tracking legislation that sends Turkish troops there to control protests and confront internal security threats. Saudi Arabia
Hamas could lose Qatar's support amid GCC strife Palestinians are concerned that as a result of the Qatar crisis, the Gulf nation might be forced to reduce its financial commitments to Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip. Saudi Arabia
Road ahead unclear in aftermath of Tehran attacks After having thwarted numerous plots to strike Iran, the country has finally been hit by its first Islamic State attack; the question now is what Iran may do next. Saudi Arabia
Iran says IS attackers fought in Syria and Iraq Iranian authorities linked the Islamic State attackers to a larger cell whose leader was killed by security forces last year. Saudi Arabia
Egypt’s role in the push to cut off Qatar With three Gulf states revolting against Qatar's regional policies, Egypt has found the perfect opportunity to sever ties with Qatar after four years of political bickering. Saudi Arabia