American Middle East Arms Sales Send “Signal” to Iran
Defense secretary Chuck Hagel calls Iran “a real threat”.
Saudi Arabia
Iraq Challenges Saudi Arabia, Resists Oil Production Cut
The kingdom tries to put the squeeze on an Iraq that is emboldened by rising oil output.
Britain’s Cameron Defends Arab Gulf Weapons Sales
Selling fighter jets to undemocratic nations is “completely legitimate,” says the premier.
American Allies Arming Syrian Jihadist Fighters
Qatari and Saudi Arabian weapons end up in the hands of Muslim extremists.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia Not on Same Page in Syria
The Saudis are arming radical Salafists while Qatar is supporting the Muslim Brotherhood.
Saudis Arrest Al Qaeda Cells with Links to Gaza, Sinai
Saudi security busts two Al Qaeda cells with links to recent Egyptian-Israeli border attacks.
Saudi Spy Chief Rumored Killed in Bomb Attack
A bomb attack on the headquarters of Saudi intelligence in Riyadh may have claimed the live of Bandar bin Sultan.
Saudis Alarm Pakistan with India Outreach
Saudi Arabia tries to steer India away from its “nonaligned” position to isolate Iran, to the alarm of its ally Pakistan.
Saudi Prince Nayef, Next in Line to Throne, Dies
Saudi Arabia has lost its second crown prince in eight months, raising concerns about its royal succession plans.
Why Saudi Arabia Wants to Increase Oil Production
The kingdom is trying to put pressure on Syrian allies Iran and Russia to influence the civil war there.
Saudi King “Deeply Concerned” About Lebanon Violence
The Saudis fear that instability in Lebanon will empower Iranian proxy Hezbollah.
Gulf States Delay Plans for Closer Arabian Union
Wary of Saudi domination, the smaller nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council delay plans for closer political integration.
Arab Gulf States Struggle to Agree on Missile Shield
The monarchies are uneasy about sharing data and cannot decide on the location of a central command.
Gulf States Caught in Middle of Iranian-Saudi Cold War
Threatened by Iran, smaller Arab Gulf states are driven into Saudi Arabia’s arms.
Clinton Cautions Saudis Against Arming Syrian Rebels
The secretary of state urges Saudi Arabia to support international diplomatic efforts against the Syrian regime.