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
US may help keep GCC reconciliation on track It is unclear how firm or shaky the ground is for Gulf Cooperation Council nations' reconciliation with Qatar, but they may be on more or less good behavior to start off as well as possible with the Biden administration. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf states prepared to support Iraqi sovereignty, fight terrorism: GCC Secretary General Strengthened Iraq-GCC relations could bolster stability in the country and lessen Baghdad's dependence on Iran. Iraq
Egypt says it is renewing diplomatic relations with Qatar Qatar Airways also announced the resumption of its Cairo route as the Gulf rift comes closer to an official end. Qatar
Qatar renews Gaza aid amid Gulf reconciliation Qatar has agreed to renew its grant to the Gaza Strip despite reconciliation with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, which previously requested Doha cut ties with Hamas. Palestine
Diplomacy in the Gulf follows the money Recent diplomatic moves among Gulf states closely align with efforts to attract new investment. Originals
Egypt reopening airspace to Qatar after 3½-year row Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have already announced the end of their bans on flights from Qatar. Legacy: Gulf
Can World Cup soccer help heal Gulf wounds? Communities torn apart by a yearslong rift between Gulf rulers may need time to heal the wounds of a crisis that damaged social ties that have historically transcended borders. Saudi Arabia
Bahrain opens airspace with Qatar Bahrain's decision followed Saudi Arabia and Qatar opening their borders with Qatar, indicating improving relations in the Gulf. Originals
What can Turkey expect from Qatari-Gulf deal? Turkey feels vindicated as al-Ula Declaration ends the blockade against Qatar. Turkey
Jordan bets on GCC deal to boost economy Jordan has attempted to remain neutral in the Gulf feud that erupted in 2017 when a Saudi-led bloc of nations cut diplomatic ties with Qatar. The kingdom has welcomed the agreement recently signed to end the Gulf dispute. Jordan
UAE reopens land, sea, air ports to Qatar following Gulf deal The announcement comes after Gulf leaders this week agreed to end their years-long embargo of Qatar. Saudi Arabia
Egypt thaws relations with Qatar after long-running feud Egypt signed a reconciliation agreement with Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, aimed at ending the Gulf blockade imposed on Doha since 2017, but it seems pending issues remain, including the Muslim Brotherhood, preventing full restoration of ties between Cairo and Doha. Qatar
