UAE’s Sheikh Mansour to visit Saudi Arabia amid strained ties The two Gulf countries have been at odds over Yemen, where Saudi Arabia backs Yemen’s internationally recognized government, while the UAE has supported the separatist Southern Transitional Council. Saudi Arabia
Shipping giants sail cautiously back into Red Sea despite Houthi threats Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk announced earlier this month that three services under their shipping partnership would shift from the Cape of Good Hope route back to the Red Sea. Yemen
Turkey's FM in UAE to discuss Yemen war, Hormuz closure: What to know The top Turkish diplomat was set to stress Ankara's support for a peaceful and “united Yemen” amid renewed Houthi advances. Turkey
Rubio meets Saudi FM as fight against Yemen's Houthis intensifies Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan's visit comes two days after Saudi Arabia said it intercepted multiple Houthi drones and ballistic missiles. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Why Turkey is drawing the line at defense in its support for Saudi Arabia By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Can Netanyahu turn Israel's UN isolation into strength at home? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Saudi Arabia threatened by ISIS advance in Iraq Despite their problems with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Saudi leaders consider the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) a threat to the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Israel sees Jordan as buffer against regional 'madness' Most Israeli security officials wonder how much longer Jordan can cope with the threats on its other borders. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi king's short victory lap in Egypt Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz makes a rare visit to Egypt for Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's inauguration, as the threat from the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) complicates its regional policies. Saudi Arabia
Saudis debate Salafism and democracy The recent growth of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) has led to an extensive debate among Islamist groups in Saudi Arabia over the relationship between Salafism and governance. Saudi Arabia
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
Poll suggests Israelis could be sold on Arab League Initiative A poll conducted ahead of a major Israeli political conference examined the extent of the Israeli public’s exposure to the Arab Peace Initiative, and findings indicate that most Israelis are ignorant of the details of the plan. Saudi Arabia
Liberman outlines vision for 'regional arrangement' with Arab states Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman offers a plan for open contacts with "moderate" Arab states to deal with the threat from Iran and in pursuit of an agreement with the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia shifts to more assertive defense doctrine The kingdom is considering how to more effectively project its role and power in the region to compensate for the decline of Western influence. Saudi Arabia
Saudi king’s sons well-placed for transition King Abdullah’s sons hold key positions of influence in the government as the kingdom transitions to the next generation of Saudi royals. Saudi Arabia
Israel should take Prince Turki's offer on Arab Peace Initiative Prince Turki Al-Faisal Al-Saud spoke in Brussels with retired Gen. Amos Yadlin about the Saudi initiative for ending the conflict, saying, "Israel has nuclear weapons. … The Arabs aren’t crazy. We want to talk peace." Saudi Arabia
Changes in Saudi Defense Ministry a matter of family politics The leadership of the Saudi Ministry of Defense is being reshuffled quickly, indicating an effort to concentrate power and influence in the hands of the sons of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. Saudi Arabia
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