Saudi Arabia declares war on Lebanon: What made Mohammad bin Salman lose his mind?

The Saudi escalation against Lebanon is not due to some misplaced words by a senior official; it is part of a premeditated plan to regain control over Lebanon, using upcoming elections as a springboard

US intelligence chief blocks federal court case involving Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

The unusual intervention alleges that “exceptionally grave” damage could be done to US national security if classified information is revealed

Iran-Saudi detente is a setback for Israel

The China-brokered Iran-Saudi deal marked a significant shift toward establishing Persian Gulf and regional stability, but is a major setback for Israelis who have cultivated Arab-Iranian divisions for years.

De-dollarization kicks into high gear

The US dollar is essential to US global power projection. But in 2022, the dollar share of reserve currencies slid 10 times faster than the average in the past two decades.

Jordanian King visits Saudi Arabia for bilateral talks

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and political developments in Sudan, Palestine, and the upcoming Arab summit in Riyadh

Hamas, PA leaders in KSA as regional powers rekindle ties

By hosting Palestinian leaders, the kingdom is signaling a move away from normalization with Israel

Saudi Arabia to continue talks with Russia to stabilize oil prices

The price of Brent crude increased to $130 a barrel last year, and currently stands at $86.30 a barrel

Predictions for 2023? Annus horribilis with some surprising upsides

The Cradle's writers offer up their predictions for 2023. The common theme is massive global shifts, some good, some bad.

Why BRI is back with a bang in 2023

As Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative enters its 10th year, a strong Sino-Russian geostrategic partnership has revitalized the BRI across the Global South.

Iranian, Saudi officials meet in Brazil

The vice-president of Iran spoke with Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, in Brazil

Israel considers peace with Saudi Arabia possible under new government

Despite their vast differences, both the Israeli opposition and those in power today support attacking Iran while advancing ties with Israel's Arab neighbors

Saudi military industry to contribute $25bn to GDP by 2030

The kingdom spent nearly $1 billion on research and development in the military industry in 2021 and 2022

The Saudi-Iran rivalry stumbles into Pakistan

Riyadh’s interest in Pakistan’s Gwadar port is of particular concern for Tehran and its vital oil trade with China.

Saudi Arabia inks arms deal with Spain to strengthen naval forces

Riyadh has increased its efforts in cooperation with nations across the globe as Saudi leaders look to move away from the kingdom's US dependency

Trump accuses Democrats of sabotaging Saudi-Israeli normalization

Trump boasted about being a soldier for Israel, and said he was the president who advanced Israel's goals the most in the past 50 years

Documents confirm Saudi involvement in Iran riots: Report

The documents revealed a specific targeting of the Iranian opposition and the youth to destabilize Iran from within

Apple agrees to set up regional distribution hub in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh has previously advised companies dealing inside the kingdom to set up distribution hubs in Saudi Arabia by 2024

Saudi crown prince welcomes Iraqi CF leader for talks

The meeting comes two days after Iraq held a national dialogue session aimed at ending the ongoing political deadlock

Iraq PM arrives in Saudi Arabia to advance Iran-Saudi negotiations

The main topic suspected to have been discussed between Kadhimi and MbS are the negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic ties

US ‘coercive diplomacy’ with Saudi Arabia

While a carrot may advance US interests infinitely better than a stick at this sensitive juncture in US-Saudi relations, all indications are that Biden will resort to the stick.

Israel seeks improvement of US relations with Saudi Arabia, ambassador says

The Saudis have recently rebuffed US requests to increase their oil output, opting instead to stick to a production pact reached with Russia

Blood and oil: why Saudi Arabia will be bombed until the siege on Yemen is lifted

Riyadh refused Washington's pressure to increase oil production, then faced blistering attacks on its oil facilities and infrastructure from Yemen. Under increasing pressure to end its siege on Yemen, what will the Saudis do?

US state secretary to skip Saudi Arabia and the UAE on his West Asia tour

Recent months have seen an increase in tensions between Washington and some of its traditional allies in West Asia

Saudi crown prince snubbed Olympics to join king’s phone call with Biden

The call took place during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, before the recent hike in the global oil price

Saudi Arabia announces formation of nuclear energy company

The announcement comes in the shadow of threats made by the Saudi crown prince in 2018 to 'obtain nuclear weapons if Iran ever obtained one'

UAE officials issue conflicting statements over OPEC+ production levels

As oil prices continue to climb, the UAE energy minister has made it clear his country supports the existing oil supply agreement with OPEC+ members

Saudi, UAE leaders snub Biden phone call to reduce oil prices

The US is seeking to alleviate the economic pressures of the oil price surge by encouraging its OPEC partners to increase oil output

Lockheed Martin to invest $1 billion into Saudi Arabia’s domestic weapons production

The deal comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to achieve 50% domestic weapons production by 2030

Saudi Arabia announces plan to bolster domestic arms production

The plan comes as Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman suggests the Gulf kingdom may reduce its investments in the US and its dependency on western arms manufacturers

Israel a ‘potential ally’ of Saudi Arabia: MbS

The crown prince has also said the kingdom may be looking to cut its investments in the US and that he 'does not care' what US President Biden thinks of him