Analysis In Saudi Arabia, Erdogan fosters security alignment, $30B trade push The Turkish president’s visit cemented Ankara and Riyadh’s accelerating convergence as regional crises mount and Gulf rivalries sharpen. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Yemen’s Houthis hint at Red Sea attacks as US-Iran tensions rise: What to know The Houthi warnings come as a US aircraft carrier accompanied by several guided missile destroyers entered Gulf waters amid tensions with Iran. Iran
Thousands rally for South Yemen independence amid Saudi diplomatic push Large protests called for southern independence in Yemen on Friday, reflecting persistent support for the separatists despite the Saudi-backed government’s efforts to quash the separatist movement. Yemen
Egypt's economy can weather more Red Sea attacks, says finance minister Egypt lost some $13 billion worth of Suez Canal fees over two years due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, according to estimates from Egyptian officials. Egypt
Analysis US response muted as Gulf allies clash in Yemen By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
US, UN welcome Yemen cease-fire US officials welcomed a Yemen truce that went into effect April 11 after quiet Saudi-Houthi negotiations had already reduced violence in the year-old conflict, and urged the parties to find a political resolution at April 18 peace talks in Kuwait. Saudi Arabia
Private collectors fuel demand for looted Mideast antiquities Archaeological experts say social dislocation and terrorism are increasing the ability of organized gangs to traffic artifacts to clients in Europe, Asia and the United States. Yemen
Welcome to one of the most exotic islands in the world Socotra, a Yemeni island in the Indian Ocean known for its vast biodiversity, seeks to regain its strategic role to support the country’s economy. United Arab Emirates
How united is the GCC? While Gulf states may all be united under the Gulf Cooperation Council name, their individual policies on foreign intervention vary greatly. Saudi Arabia
Why some Jews have said Yemeni Jews aren't welcome in Israel Satmar ultra-Orthodox activists are trying to convince Yemeni Jews to immigrate to the United States instead of Israel. Yemen
After 10 years of war, are Yemenis hopeless? The war in Yemen has added a new group of internally displaced persons to that previously created during a decade of conflict between Houthis and the state. Legacy: Gulf
How far will the Saudis go against Hezbollah? With Saudi Arabia labeling Hezbollah a terrorist organization, a decision that was endorsed by the GCC, the kingdom hopes to legally pursue the Lebanese movement in international forums. Legacy: Gulf
Will Congress pick Qatar over Israel? To the chagrin of Israel, lawmakers of both parties want the Obama administration to go through with jet sales to Gulf countries. Legacy: Gulf
Will there be peace in Yemen? Signs point to Saudi Arabia wanting out of its war in Yemen as Oman-mediated talks open with the Shiite Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia
Six reasons Iran won’t join war in Yemen Even if Iran considers Yemen as an opportunity to expand its influence, it views averting the crisis there at hand is more important than directly entering it. Saudi Arabia
How much more can Yemen’s heritage sites take? The ancient city of Sanaa in conflict-torn Yemen is at risk of complete destruction as its historical landmarks keep taking one blow after the other. Saudi Arabia
Is the Saudi, Lebanese relationship gone for good? In retaliation for Hezbollah’s support of the Houthis in Yemen, Saudi Arabia has launched a campaign designed to pressure Lebanon. Saudi Arabia
