Leaked cables show Gulf leery of Shiite expansion

The Gulf states are concerned about the growing influence of Shiites in neighboring countries, expressing their fears of the relations established between the Shiites of Iran and Iraq and their own Shiite communities.

Saudi Arabia

Bahrain bristles at threat to move 5th Fleet

The House passed an annual defense bill that requires the Navy to plan for a potential relocation.

Gulf

Bahrain asks Congress for help in restoring arms sales

Manama's embassy in Washington is circulating a letter calling for a united front against IS, Iran; Bahrain is courting Congress in its effort to get the Obama administration to unblock weapons sales that were suspended after its 2011 crackdown on Shiite-led protesters.

Gulf

Does Iran have a card to play in Bahrain?

While protests in Bahrain have remained largely peaceful, does Iran have any influence among the various Bahrain opposition groups?

Saudi Arabia

10 Middle East artists to watch

Many female artists in the Middle East and North Africa are redefining their mediums.

Bahrain

Bahraini Shiite leader arrested

The detention of Sheikh Ali Salman mirrors the marginalization of Sunnis in Iraq over the past decades and is likely to lead to further religious tension.

Bahrain

Outrage as Palestinian soccer team cancels friendly with Iran

The Palestinian soccer team canceled a friendly match with Iran, sparking online outrage that it was at the instigation of Iran's competitors.

Gulf

Slow progress in Saudi-Iranian ties

Although Saudi and Iranian officials have cemented talks in recent months, this is not significant enough to alter ties between the two foes.

Gulf

UAE tries to scuttle Qatar-Saudi reconciliation

There are signs that ties between Qatar and Saudi Arabia are improving, but the United Arab Emirates is maintaining a hard-line position on Doha, threatening Gulf reconciliation.

Saudi Arabia

Bassiouni: Bahrain's progress limited by 'piecemeal' approach to reforms

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, International human rights lawyer Cherif Bassiouni, who headed the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry in 2011, says Bahrain needs to address the core socioeconomic problems that are fueling continued unrest.

Bahrain

The myth of Obama’s failure in the Middle East

US diplomacy is actively engaged on all fronts in the region, while the president’s critics offer no feasible alternatives.

Saudi Arabia

US can help heal GCC rifts

The United States is leading efforts to resolve the dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but uncertainty over the future of the Gulf Cooperation Council remains.

Gulf