Analysis Why Turkey is drawing the line at defense in its support for Saudi Arabia Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are forcing Mecca pact signatories to quickly operationalize their agreement, but are unlikely to draw Turkey into direct action against the Iran-backed group. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
What France’s military deployment means for Saudi Arabia’s fight against Houthis New pledges of limited British and French military deployments fall short of what Riyadh would likely need to defend its skies should the Houthis escalate further. Saudi Arabia
Explainer Saudi Arabia’s return to Hormuz puts oil transfer network to the test For months, Saudi Arabia had been eschewing the Strait of Hormuz, but the kingdom has now resorted to ship-to-ship transfers through the vital waterway. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Can Netanyahu turn Israel's UN isolation into strength at home? The absence of a Trump meeting would have been awkward for Netanyahu, who has long portrayed himself to Israeli voters as uniquely close to the US president. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Xi, Trump set to talk Iran By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh Saudi artist Abdulnasser Gharem challenges power in Berlin By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Gulf The Gulf's UN agenda By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Newsletter: Business & Tech Washington’s Iran airline squeeze By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Iran dismisses Saudi talk of 'triangle of evil' as 'childish' Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused Saudi Arabia of making accusations against Iran to hide its own failures in Yemen. Saudi Arabia
US still pouring weapons into Yemen war The United States sold Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates more than $650 million in weapons last year for their war against the Houthis, according to a new report. Saudi Arabia
Hamas entangled in regional polarization While Hamas welcomed the recent statements made by Qatari Ambassador Mohammed al-Emadi regarding support for the Gaza Strip, it denounced Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir’s accusation that Hamas is an extremist movement, which shows a new alignment in the region. Saudi Arabia
Dahlan encouraged to form Palestinian party outside Fatah Despite his reluctance, dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan is getting support from other countries to challenge Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Saudi Arabia
Progressive champion Sanders joins fight against Yemen war Anti-war activists hope that a new bipartisan effort spearheaded by 2016 left-wing candidate Bernie Sanders will reinvigorate efforts to end US support for the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia
Russia, Qatar move forward on military cooperation The Kremlin tightens its military relationship with Qatar, with Doha finalizing the purchase of S-400 air missile defense systems from Russia. Saudi Arabia
Jordan and Turkey get cozy Jordan and Turkey are boosting political, trade and economic ties amid regional challenges and shared interests in the outcome of nearby conflicts. Saudi Arabia
Saudis recruit legal muscle for leverage in US nuclear negotiations Saudi Arabia has hired an international law firm to help negotiate a more favorable civil nuclear agreement with Washington amid pushback in Congress. Saudi Arabia
Will Iraq's Sunnis get own political-religious authority? Some Sunni groups are seeking to establish a unified religious leadership, setting Sunnis up to play a stronger role in the upcoming elections. Saudi Arabia
Congress skeptical of Saudi nuclear energy demands Lawmakers are making it clear that any proposal to share civilian nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia must include robust nonproliferation safeguards. Saudi Arabia
Conference for Iraq draws investors instead of donors The reported success — and failure — of a fundraising effort for Iraq could become a political football in the May general elections. Saudi Arabia
Pakistani guard returns to Saudi Arabia Although the small force is officially there on a train-and-assist mission, the arrangement is reminiscent of a military practice from decades ago designed to protect the Saudi royal family from domestic and foreign threats. Saudi Arabia