Gulf lobbying

A convoy of armored vehicles makes its way along a street in the port city Mukalla, southern Yemen, on Jan. 1, 2026.

Analysis

US response muted as Gulf allies clash in Yemen

With Washington’s focus elsewhere, a Saudi-Emirati proxy fight is igniting a new phase in Yemen’s war.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (R) gestures next to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (L) during a meeting at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on November 25, 2015. AFP PHOTO/JUAN BARRETO / AFP / JUAN BARRETO (Photo credit should read JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

With central role for Qatar, can Gulf states mediate between US and Venezuela?

Venezuela's ties improved with Gulf states under Maduro, and some in the region voiced concern about the US operation.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 07: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin (L) talks to U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on April 7, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump is meeting with Netanyahu to discuss ongoing efforts to release Israeli hostages from Gaza and newly imposed U.S. tariffs. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Exclusive

Inside Netanyahu’s pressure campaign to block Turkey, Saudi Arabia from acquiring F-35s

On Dec. 1, Netanyahu met in his Jerusalem office with Frank St. John, chief operating officer of Lockheed Martin, lead contractor for the F-35's production.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

MBS

Analysis

With Saudi normalization off table, MBS visit to Trump 'a defeat for Israel'

Israelis are searching for answers for the shift in US policy, some pointing to Saudi promises to invest trillions in the US, while others point to members of Trump's circle.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Latest News

Analysis

Trump’s Saudi F-35 deal jolts Israel’s security elite, weakens Netanyahu

An Israel Air Force F-35 fighter lands during the "Blue Flag" multinational air defence exercise at the Ovda air force base, north of Eilat, Israel, Oct. 24, 2021.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

Ahead of MBS visit, Saudis link Israel normalization to 3 asks from Trump

US President Donald J. Trump leaves the Saudi Royal Court with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on May 13, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Qatar slams US lawmaker over allegations of funding anti-Israel protests: What to know

Florida's Republican state Sen. Randy Fine speaks with the media after winning the 6th District race to replace GOP former Rep. Michael Waltz, who is now President Donald Trump’s national security adviser on April 01, 2025 in Ormond Beach, Florida.

Pentagon says Qatari F-15 fighter jet pilots to train at US base in Idaho

Two F-15 Strike Eagle's take part in an air display on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, south west of London, on July 22, 2024.

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan walks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, April 15, 2023.

Analysis

A year on, UAE walks BRICS tightrope amid escalating US-Brazil rhetoric

Trump is likely to go head-to-head with BRICS this year. He has declared the group to be "dead" and threatened to impose 100% tariffs on all imports from the member states if they planned to move against the dollar.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Lavrov and Thani

In Qatar, Russia's Lavrov rejects European force in Ukraine, pushes for Syria access

During the visit, Russia and Qatar agreed to step up cooperation via a gas forum and their sovereign wealth funds and discussed the political transitions in Syria and Lebanon.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) meets with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on February 17, 2025. (Photo by Evelyn Hockstein / POOL / AFP) (Photo by EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Why Trump turned to Saudi Arabia for US-Russia talks

The high-level talks are an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to burnish its credentials as the Middle East's power broker.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (L) walks with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi before their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Feb. 18, 2025.

Analysis

Qatar to invest $10 billion in India as trade ties expand beyond energy

The announcement came as Qatar's emir wrapped up a two-day state visit to India.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

In this aerial image from a drone, tug boats tow the semi-submersible drilling platform Noble Danny Adkins through the Port Aransas Channel into the Gulf of Mexico on Dec. 12, 2020 in Port Aransas, Texas.

UAE's ADNOC eyes US acquisitions amid Trump's energy boom

Close political ties between the UAE and the Trump administration are likely to bode well for Abu Dhabi-based firms looking to tap the American shale boom.

United Arab Emirates

Shaibani

At Dubai summit, Syrian FM expresses interest in Baghdad visit

On his second trip to the United Arab Emirates since assuming his role, new Syria Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani stressed the need for good neighborly relations, lifting of sanctions and guaranteed rights for minorities in the country.

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud meets with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in AlUla, Saudi Arabia January 26, 2025. Saudi Press Agency

Analysis

Italy revamps ties with Saudi Arabia, eyeing investments and defense trade

On her first visit to Saudi Arabia, Meloni is seeking to rebrand Italy's political engagement in the Middle East and bring about a new era for Italian industry in the region.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, DC, March 20, 2018.

In first Trump call, Saudi crown prince says trade with US could hit $600B

US President Donald Trump spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his first phone call to a foreign leader after his inauguration on Jan. 20.

Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi visited Abu Dhabi and met with Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed on Jan 8.

Analysis

By hosting Taliban FM, UAE seeks to expand influence in Afghanistan

Abu Dhabi plans to invest up to $400 million in Afghanistan and upgrade the Central Asian country's consulate in Dubai.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

The destroyed grain silos and a sculpture made from salvaged steel following the explosion stand in the port of Beirut as the sun sets on Lebanon, Jan. 11, 2024.

Analysis

Eyeing reconstruction, port investment, UAE resets Lebanon ties

A weakened Hezbollah and a new government in Beirut give room for the Emirates to play a big role, politically and economically, in Lebanon.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Hadath

Syrian delegation visits Saudi Arabia in first post-Assad trip: What we know

Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani is on his first foreign visit to Riyadh less than a month since Bashar al-Assad's fall, received by senior Saudi officials including the foreign and defense ministers.

OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

From BRICS to dwindling oil revenues, 2024 was mixed year for Gulf

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, big international investment deals, low oil revenue and increased curtailing of democratic rights dominated Gulf politics and economy in 2024

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics