France’s Macron first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since Houthi escalation French President Emmanuel Macron met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a surprise stop in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Yemen displacement tops 250K as Houthis tighten siege on Taiz: What to know The Houthis are looking to completely seize Taiz city, with clashes escalating in other parts of the south as well. Yemen
Qatar PM in Beirut as Lebanon seeks economic relief: What to know Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani’s visit to Beirut coincides with the Lebanese authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the country. Lebanon
Iraq’s Zaidi, Saudi crown prince discuss security as Houthi attacks escalate Iraq has moved to improve ties with Saudi Arabia after Iran-backed militias struck the kingdom and amid the conflict with the Houthis in Yemen. Iraq
Analysis Who are Yemen's Southern Giants Brigades leading the fight against the Houthis? By Giorgio Cafiero
OPEC Fund raises $1 billion via sustainability bond Gulf states in the organization are showing increasing interest in funding projects related to the environment, renewable energy and green technology. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Africa seeks GCC-like economic trust at US summit Since the United States' last summit of its kind in 2014, US foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa dropped from $69 billion to $44.81 billion in 2021. By Salim A. Essaid
Gulf currencies pegged to dollar keep migrant workers’ families afloat While the strong dollar has played in favor of Gulf migrant workers, they are not exempt from wage increases falling behind the inflation rate. Legacy: Gulf
China’s Xi heads to Saudi Arabia, adding strain to US ties Xi's visit to Saudi, the first in six years, will include two summits with Arab and GCC leaders and could see an agreement on nuclear technology Legacy: Gulf
Kuwait benefits from oil price boom but long-term economic challenges loom Key reforms and a lack of a diversified economy remain only two of Kuwait's major challenges. Legacy: Gulf
UAE senior official: country's strategic ties "unequivocally with the US" An Emirati official has stressed the need for "quiet diplomacy instead of outspoken criticism" during a debate in Abu Dhabi Nov. 14. Legacy: Gulf
US military eyes counter-drone experimentation in Saudi Arabia US Central Command is moving ahead with plans to help enable shared air and missile defense across the Middle East. Legacy: Gulf
US-Saudi military ties remain on course despite OPEC dispute The White House is signaling it could hold up further arms sales to Saudi Arabia, but so far the rare public dispute has not impacted direct military cooperation between Washington and Riyadh. Legacy: Gulf
FIFA World Cup's economic impact will extend beyond Qatar GCC states look to take advantage of "fresh opportunities" and Qatar hopes the World Cup will boost its "soft power and add political influence." Legacy: Gulf
Analysis The Takeaway: Biden opens ‘new chapter’ with Middle East trip Energy company touts oil for food for Syria; Ukraine’s ambassador in Turkey talks Russia; Iran’s unprecedented inflation; oil stoves make comeback in Lebanon; Sudanese civilians skeptical of moves by military leaders; and more. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti
Egypt's Sisi, Arab leaders coordinate positions ahead of Biden visit Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been meeting with several Arab leaders in the lead-up to US President Joe Biden’s visit to the Middle East slated for mid-July. Egypt
Tehran denounces GCC over missile comments The GCC enumerated worries about Iran and its "destabilizing behavior," triggering typically strong rhetoric from Tehran. Iran
