Newsletter: FutureVerse LEAP’s comeback The fifth edition of the gathering offers a temperature check for the Gulf’s AI ambitions amid fallout from the US-Israel-Iran war. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan set Mecca Alliance into motion The three countries are moving to formalize military coordination under the newly named Mecca Alliance amid renewed hostilities between Iran and the US. Saudi Arabia
Iraq reinforces Saudi border security amid militia tensions: What to know Iraq is sending the reinforcements in response to Iran-backed militia attacks and as it looks to build security ties with Riyadh. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz Syria, Saudi Arabia to establish joint bank; Lebanon, UAE ink deals, deepen economic ties; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh AlUla brings Saudi creativity to Paris By Rebecca Anne Proctor In Dubai, reporting on culture
Newsletter: Business & Tech Iran keeps Hormuz reopening on hold By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Turkey tightens the screws on Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi murder Interpol has issued “red notices,” on Ankara’s request, for a total of 20 Saudi citizens suspected of involvement in the killing of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia
Some Palestinians worry Saudis reconciling with Israel A Saudi prince recently visited Ramallah, raising concerns about Saudi normalization with Israel, as such visits require Israel's approval. Saudi Arabia
Senate seeks to tie Trump’s hands on war powers with vote to end military role in Yemen The vote to end US support for the Saudi coalition in Yemen deals another blow to Riyadh, but it’s also an effort by liberals to curtail the president’s war-making authority. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi officials stress need to boost Arab ties while balancing relations with Iran Iraqi officials and their Arab counterparts at the 2019 Sulaimaniyah Forum called for turning toward other Arab states while balancing relations with Tehran. Saudi Arabia
How did Lavrov do on his Gulf tour? During his tour of the Gulf, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov treaded carefully around politics, opting to speak publicly about a safer topic, economics. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi investment fund hires US PR firm to create distance from crown prince New York-based Karv Communications will be paid $120,000 a month to “create a clear distinction” between the $200 billion fund and its embattled chairman. Saudi Arabia
Kuwait’s steady hand in Gulf affairs Amid disputes among the GCC states and beyond, Kuwait's efforts to bridge regional and international approaches to diplomacy remain vital. Legacy: Gulf
Hajour tribes, Houthis locked in key battle in northern Yemen The tribe that the Houthis once bet on in their battles is the one fighting them now in Hajour district. Saudi Arabia
Can Saudi Arabia afford a stimulus? Oil-revenue-dependent Saudi Arabia still has $490 billion in reserve assets, but its massive foreign and domestic commitments and a long-term declining demand curve for oil could spell trouble down the road. Saudi Arabia
Russian FM puts politics above economics on GCC tour Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has kicked off his tour of the Gulf, reflecting Moscow's ambition to capitalize on its regional recognition as a great power. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt finds its nationals new job markets abroad The difficult economic conditions and nationalization of jobs in Gulf states have caused a problem for Egyptians willing to work overseas, and prompted thousands to return home. Legacy: Gulf
Yemenis divided over Mideast peace deal, Iran The controversy that ensued after a photo emerged of Yemen's foreign minister sitting next to the Israeli premier in Warsaw indicates that Arab states may be further divided by stances on Iran and a Palestinian-Israeli peace deal. Saudi Arabia