Saudis Not into Syria Just Because They Hate Assad
Saudi rulers are seeking in war a social glue they cannot find elsewhere to hold their subjects together.
Saudi Arabia
What Oil Prices Mean for Geopolitics
Chaos may be in store if oil-dependent countries lash out to distract from failed economic policies.
Saudi Arabia Versus Iran: The Deeper Story
Saudi Arabia is stepping up its rivalry with Iran at a when the Americans are disengaging.
Arab States Cut Diplomatic Ties with Iran
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia expel Iran’s diplomats, escalating the standoff across the Persian Gulf.
Bad News Made Worse: Saudi Arabia Is in Free Fall
Saudi Arabia’s steady liberalization will ultimately doom the social contract between the king and his people.
Saudi Family Dispute Bursts into the Open
King Salman’s favorite son, Mohammad, is held responsible for a reckless foreign policy.
Saudis Expand Oil War Against Russia into Europe
Saudi Arabia is fighting for market share and punishing Russia for supporting Bashar Assad.
Saudi Arabia’s No Good, Very Bad War in Yemen
The failing intervention in Yemen could soon start undermining the social contract in Arab states.
Arab Gulf States Will Have to Let in Syrian Refugees
The monarchies in the Gulf are reluctant to admit refugees from Syria but will likely have to.
After Iran Deal, America Must Reassure Arab Allies
If America is to “pivot” on the Middle East’s Shia-Sunni divide, it must appease Iran’s rivals.
Emirates Deepen Involvement in Yemen, Saudis Back Islamists
The Emirates step up efforts to push back the Houthis while Saudi Arabia relies on local proxies.
Hadi Irrelevant as Saudis Bogged Down in Yemen
Saudi Arabia’s support for Sunni Islamists belies its nominal goal of restoring Yemen’s president.
Saudi King Skips Obama Summit, Embarrassing Ally
The Saudis aren’t convinced by the American’s assurances about his nuclear diplomacy with Iran.
Arabs, Turkey Coordinate Syrian War Efforts
American policy may have compelled the Arabs and Turks to set aside their differences in Syria.
Saudi King Seen Preparing Favorite Son for Power
Prince Mohammad now commands the desert kingdom’s two pillars of power: oil and weapons.