Analysis Gulf aluminum pursues global deals as Hormuz crisis accelerates shift Gulf aluminum exporters are targeting global deals amid fallout from the US-Israel-Iran war, which has pushed prices to multiyear highs in early June. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump says Iran will 'pay the price’ for dragging out talks US President Donald Trump threatened Iran on Wednesday, saying that Tehran had waited too long to reach a deal after the largest direct exchange of fire between the two countries since an April ceasefire. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US rescues helicopter crew after crash near Oman US rescue of a helicopter crew, renewed missile exchanges, and rising tensions in Lebanon underscore the widening Iran-Israel-US conflict amid strained diplomacy. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Bahrain bans mourning of Iran's Khamenei as Gulf reels from attacks Tensions are rising in the Gulf over Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait and renewed fighting between Iran and Israel. Bahrain
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says no progress in US talks as Khamenei warns of foreign plots By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
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. Legacy: Gulf
Al-Monitor launches Gulf Pulse With the launch of its Gulf Pulse, Al-Monitor is expanding its coverage of the region. Saudi Arabia
Bahrain’s children in conflict The involvement of children in Bahrain’s opposition unrest has set off a firestorm of debate about the politicization of the next generation. Bahrain
Egypt fears backlash if it cuts ties with Qatar Egypt is hesitating to join the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and cut ties with Qatar, because the government fears the repercussions such a step would have for the many Egyptians working in Qatar. Saudi Arabia
What next for Qatar and the GCC? Following the decision by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to withdraw their ambassadors from Qatar, will Doha reassess its foreign policy to ensure it can continue playing the vital role of mediator in thorny regional issues? Saudi Arabia
Saudi-Qatar tensions divide GCC The announcement by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates that they are withdrawing their ambassadors to Qatar is a further sign of the deterioration in Saudi-Qatar ties and the fragmentation of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Saudi Arabia
Israel's silent partner? There may be common interests shared by Jerusalem and Riyadh, but there is no "alliance" on the horizon. Saudi Arabia
Omani rejection of GCC union adds insult to injury for Saudi Arabia The Omani stance may force the kingdom to pause in its regional policies. Saudi Arabia
US, region pivot to confront terrorist threat in Syria Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari warns of a "Islamic emirate" in Syria, former US diplomat Ryan Crocker suggests a channel to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Israeli President Shimon Peres says he would be willing to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Bahrain
