Normalisation and the Turmoil in Yemen
In this new era of Israeli-Arab normalisation, Israel has an even more direct interest than it always had in the outcome of the decades-long civil conflict in Yemen. Two of…
Gulf State Religious Moderation Falls by Wayside in Pakistan
Silent about rising sectarian violence in Pakistan, Gulf states vying for religious soft power risk exposing the limitations of their concepts of an undefined ‘moderate’ Islam that is tolerant and…
Economic Crisis Does Little to Dampen Saudi Pricey Ambitions
The hiring by Saudi Arabia of an international public relations firm to counter doubts about Mohammed bin Salman’s $500 billion USD dream of a futuristic city on the Red Sea…
Gulf States and Worryig Chinese Policy towards Sri Lanka
China was quick to aid coronavirus-stricken Sri Lanka. Chinese magnanimity and speed in responding to the Indian Ocean Island’s request contrasted starkly with Beijing’s more measured response to Africa’s needs,…
Saudi Arabia Contemplates Cancelling Hajj for First Time
For the first time since it was founded in 1932, Saudi Arabia is contemplating the cancellation of the most important annual Muslim ritual – Hajj pilgrimage – this year after…
Will Gulf States Learn from Their Success in Handling the Pandemic?
The economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic for Gulf states has done far more than play havoc with their revenue base and fiscal household. It has propelled massive structural change…
Israel Shines in the Gulf Where Big Powers Falter
The Firefly, an Israeli-built loitering kamikaze drone, part of the Spike family of missiles that the Jewish state has sold to various European nations, may be one reason why Gulf states,…
US Military Drawdown in Saudi Arabia Threatens to Fuel Arms Race
One thing is certain, the recent US military pullback from Saudi Arabia will fuel a brewing arms race in the Middle East at a time when the region, struggling with…
Saudi Arabia Jails Owner of Halal Bar
A Saudi Criminal Court has convicted the Saudi owner of a “halal bar” to three months in prison and a fine of US $2600 (10,000 Saudi riyals) for advertising what…
Yemen’s Dead End
The latest episode came on April 26, 2020, when the STC (the Southern Transitional Council) declared that south Yemen would break away from the national government and henceforth rule itself.