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“KSA Is the Puzzle Key”: Can Graham Patch Things Up Between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi?
In a notable move reflecting growing U.S. interest in maintaining cohesion among Gulf partnerships, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has put forward an initiative aimed at encouraging dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to resolve their differences over several regional issues, most notably Yemen and Sudan. Graham made the public reference to his…
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Graham Meets with Bin Zayed to End Tensions Between Saudi Arabia and the UAE
From Abu Dhabi, which he arrived in on Wednesday, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham – known to be close to President Donald Trump – announced that he was “on his way to Saudi Arabia,” in a move that clearly aims to bring an end to the months-long tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.…
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Why Did Saudi Arabia Recalibrate the Crown Prince’s “Vision”?
In a striking move, Saudi Arabia’s king issued a royal order on Thursday relieving Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih of his post and appointing Fahad Al-Saif as his successor, as part of sweeping ministerial and administrative changes. The kingdom is facing financial pressure and challenges linked to several of the mega-projects embedded in Vision 2030—the flagship…
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Saudi Investments in Syria: Financial and Political Stakes
Syria and Saudi Arabia on Feb. 7, 2026, formally opened a new chapter in their economic relations by signing a series of agreements described as laying the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership between the two countries. The agreements include establishing a joint airline, developing telecommunications infrastructure, building a new airport in northern Syria, and…
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The UAE Woos Kuwait… In Confrontation with Saudi Arabia?
Amid a strained Gulf climate, Kuwait found itself this week at the center of a lavish celebration offered by the United Arab Emirates. The question that hovered on the margins of this scene, however, was whether this celebration was taking place within the framework of normal relations—or whether it reflected an attempt to rearrange balances…
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Will a New Alliance Be Born in the Middle East Tomorrow?
As part of efforts to expand and deepen regional cooperation, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia tomorrow, before heading to Egypt on Wednesday. While the region’s pressing crises have heightened the significance of Erdoğan’s first foreign trip of the year, attention has turned to whether the visit could open…
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Intense Saudi Moves in Washington to De-escalate Tensions with Iran
At a highly critical sensitive regional juncture, Saudi Arabia has stepped up its diplomatic activity in Washington, seeking to push toward a negotiated track with Iran, amid a growing U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to carry out potential strikes against the Islamic Republic. Saudi Defense Minister…
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Political Tensions Test the Resilience of Saudi-UAE Economic Ties
As political tensions rise between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, questions are emerging over whether their disputes could hit trade and economic cooperation—or whether economic interdependence will restrain further deterioration. Relations between the two countries have recently been strained over Yemen, Sudan, and other issues. Given their weight within the Gulf Cooperation Council…
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Saudi-Emirati Rift Faces a New Test
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan has reopened debate over the future of disagreements between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi and the prospects for containing or managing tensions, saying that the Kingdom’s relations with the United Arab Emirates are “of critical importance to regional stability.” Bin Farhan’s remarks, made Monday during a joint news conference with…
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Saudi Arabia, the Brotherhood, and a Quiet Split
U.S. policy toward the Muslim Brotherhood hardened last month. Saudi Arabia noticed. Days before the State Department formally designated Brotherhood branches in several Arab countries, Saudi Arabia’s posture toward Brotherhood-linked actors became a point of focused discussion in Washington, according to a congressional aide familiar with the talks. The issue surfaced during Foreign Minister Prince…