US pushes to reintegrate militants after Islamic State fight

A senior State Department official told Al-Monitor the administration is working to help Middle Eastern and African countries reintegrate thousands of fighters who joined the Islamic State and its affiliates.

Saudi Arabia

Saudis' release of Houthis met with both hope, skepticism

Houthi senior officials welcomed Saudi Arabia's release of detainees, but much remains to be resolved in the bloody four-year battle.

Saudi Arabia

Yemen’s Taiz residents still drowning in woes despite deal

Yemeni citizens in Taiz doubt the power-sharing deal brokered by Saudi Arabia will help them overcome the major destruction and humanitarian disasters caused by the ongoing war and Houthi siege on their city.

Saudi Arabia

Trump condemns Iran protest crackdown, stays mum on Oman, French mediation efforts

President Donald Trump, responding to a reporter’s question in London, said the United States does not support the protesters in Iran before he later clarified his answer and castigated the Iranian government.

Saudi Arabia

Israeli singers form bridge to Arab countries

Israeli Middle Eastern music is popular in various parts of the Arab world, where it forms a bridge through a common musical heritage.

Kuwait

Concerns over finances, not Iran, will end Qatar crisis

Citizens of Gulf States leading the embargo against Qatar are having to make economic sacrifices while their leaders continue their "ill-advised" and "unsupervised" spending.

Saudi Arabia

Pentagon rethinks how to protect diplomats, aid workers in Mideast war zones

The Pentagon's push for more authority to provide security to diplomats and aid workers in conflict zones could allow US aid to penetrate deeper into war zones.

Yemen

Riyadh agreement neglects Yemen’s 'manmade' humanitarian crisis

Since the Saudi-led coalition intervened against Houthis in Yemen in 2015, both warring sides have deliberately targeted medical facilities, while few if any projects are being carried out to revive the health care system in a country where millions are suffering.

Saudi Arabia

Is Saudi Arabia finally seeking peace with Houthis?

After years of fighting, it seems that Saudi Arabia, which is leading a military coalition in Yemen, is holding indirect talks with Houthi rebels to possibly reach a solution.

Saudi Arabia

East Yemen former ruling dynasty calls to revive Mahra Sultanate

Amid Saudi Arabia’s growing military influence over the easternmost corner of Yemen, Al Mahrah’s former ruling dynasty wants independence.

Saudi Arabia

Djerejian: In addressing uprisings in Middle East, first 'do no harm'

Former US diplomat Edward Djerejian also sees opportunity for US diplomacy in Gulf crisis.

Saudi Arabia

Riyadh Agreement divides Yemenis in Sanaa

Civilians in Sanaa feel frustrated at the Riyadh Agreement recently signed between the main partners of the Saudi-led coalition that will unite them against the Houthis.

Saudi Arabia