US Arms Sales All About Iran

The novelty of the latest US arms sales to Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates was not their scale or content, but the sign of a US realignment of allies to deter Iran, explains Jean-Loup Samaan.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Clamps Down On Dissent

Haytham Mouzahem asks whether recent Saudi actions are tied to efforts to quell sectarian dissent and contain any spillover from either the Shiite-based uprising in Bahrain or the Syrian crisis.

Saudi Arabia

Iran Counters Saudi Diplomacy In Lebanon

The competition between the Saudi and Iranian axes in Lebanon is high as the alleged Saudi “openness” toward Hezbollah proved to be less than it appeared, writes Jean Aziz.

Saudi Arabia

What Are Saudi Arabia’sIntentions in Lebanon?

Saudi Arabia has increased its diplomatic efforts in Lebanon, and Jean Aziz asks what exactly Riyadh’s intentions are.

Saudi Arabia

Syria Civil War Causes Return Of Saudi Influence to Lebanon

Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war, there has been a resurgence in Saudi Arabian influence in Lebanon, as the desert kingdom attempts to fill the vacuum left by Syria, Nasser Chararah writes.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Executions Spur Internal Debate

The execution of seven men by firing squad last week has ignited debate within the conservative kingdom on its approach to capital punishment, Ahmed al-Omran writes.

Saudi Arabia

Women Challenge Saudi State Within a State

Women's protests against Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior have brought to light the extraordinary power this ministry enjoys in the kingdom, Madawi al-Rasheed writes.

Saudi Arabia

Lebanese Electoral Law Redresses Christian Rights

The proposed electoral law should allow Christian parties to have a greater say in Lebanese politics, writes Scarlett Haddad.

Saudi Arabia

'Saudi Code' Prevents Arab Spring in Kingdom

Fahad Nazer writes that the "Saudi code" will prevent a repeat in the Kingdom of what took place in Egypt.

Saudi Arabia

US Budget Woes Compound Differences with GCC

Despite security and commercial ties with the United States, there is a growing trust deficit between Washington and Arab states on the Persian Gulf that fear the spread of Arab democratic movements and worry that the U.S. will sacrifice their interests for a deal with Iran.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Youth Question Traditional Approach to Islam

Saudi youth are seeking Islamic guidance that speaks to the issues they face in their lives, writes Caryle Murphy.

Saudi Arabia

Prince Muqrin and the Question Of Saudi Succession

The appointment by Saudi King Abdullah of his half-brother Prince Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz to the key position of second deputy prime minister raises new questions about who will succeed the Saudi monarch and the next generation of Saudi rulers, writes Thomas Lippman.

Saudi Arabia