All articles tagged with #gulf states
Originally Published 2 months ago — by Financial Times
Top US diplomat states that Gulf states are willing to invest in Lebanon if Hizbollah disarms, highlighting a potential shift in regional support contingent on disarmament efforts.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by Axios
The US's unilateral security guarantee to Qatar has caused regional confusion, jealousy among Gulf states, and questions about burden-sharing, highlighting shifting alliances and strategic dynamics in the Middle East, with implications for NATO and US influence in the region.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by The New York Times
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani is set to meet President Trump in New York following Israeli strikes in Doha, which have heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf. The meeting, part of ongoing Middle East diplomatic efforts, comes amid regional unrest and discussions about defense deals, with Qatar condemning the strikes as 'state terror' and hosting emergency Arab summits.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by The New York Times
Iran launched missile attacks on a U.S. military base in Doha, Qatar, in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, highlighting the Gulf States' vulnerability and their complex security and diplomatic ties with Iran and the U.S.,
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Bloomberg
Gulf states were caught off guard by Israel's rapid attack on Iran, which escalated tensions and threatened regional stability, with concerns over potential wider conflict, economic impacts, and the future of Iran's regime.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The New York Times
Gulf States view former President Donald Trump as a favorable ally for business and diplomatic relations, appreciating his administration's policies that aligned with their interests in the Middle East.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Wall Street Journal
Despite Qatar's success in mediating global conflicts, its increased lobbying efforts in the U.S. have led to legal troubles for some of its American advocates, as the Gulf state seeks to strengthen its position against larger neighbors like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters
Iran has announced that it is lifting visa requirements for 33 countries, including Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, as part of its efforts to engage with different countries. This decision increases the number of countries whose citizens can visit Iran without a visa to 45. The move is seen as another step towards thawing relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which recently agreed to restore full diplomatic relations. The list of countries includes Lebanon, Tunisia, India, several Central Asian and African nations, as well as Croatia. Iranian pilgrims will also begin regular travel to Saudi Arabia for the first time in eight years.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNN
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare foreign visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), praising the strong relations between the two countries and highlighting the UAE as Russia's main trading partner in the Arab world. This visit comes amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes committed by Putin. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, where Putin is scheduled to visit next, have not ratified the ICC's Rome Statute and are not obliged to arrest him. The visit aims to strengthen ties with Gulf states and discuss various issues, including oil, trade, the Ukraine conflict, and the Israel-Hamas war. The Gulf states have also played a role in facilitating recent prisoner swaps, including the release of nearly 300 people and the ongoing efforts to secure the release of two US citizens.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNBC
Hedge fund titan Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, has highlighted the Gulf states in the Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as promising investment opportunities amid a period of global disorder. Dalio emphasized the importance of countries having a good income statement, balance sheet, a culture of development and productivity, and being outside of major conflicts. The Gulf states, leveraging their oil wealth, strategic location, and long-term development plans, have become attractive spots for foreign investment and fundraising. The region's sovereign wealth funds, with over $4 trillion in assets, are drawing interest from venture capitalists and startup founders. Additionally, the UAE and Saudi Arabia's geopolitical positioning as "middle powers" allows them to maintain good relations with both the Western world and heavyweights like Russia and China, maximizing advantages in trade and political influence. As U.S. influence wanes, Dalio sees the Gulf states as key players in a world of shifting power dynamics.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by DW (English)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is embarking on a three-day tour of the Arab Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, in an effort to strengthen economic ties and secure multibillion-dollar deals. Turkey's economy is under strain, and Erdogan hopes to attract direct investments of around $10 billion from the Gulf states, with a total of $25-30 billion over a longer period. While Turkey has a strong alliance with Qatar, its relationship with Saudi Arabia has been tumultuous, with diplomatic ties severed in the past. However, recent developments indicate a thawing of relations, with growing trade and potential defense cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Middle East Eye
Turkish President Erdogan's government is expected to continue its independent foreign policy while seeking fewer confrontations. Turkey aims to diversify its allies, prevent significant diplomatic crises, expedite reconciliation efforts with Syria, Egypt, and the Gulf states, and uphold independence. Turkey will pursue an independent foreign policy, which is evident in its demands for the extradition of Turkish citizens from Sweden, urging the US to halt its support for the PYD, and maintaining a close personal rapport with Russian President Putin. Turkey is expected to prioritize maintaining stable relations with the EU and upholding the deal aimed at preventing refugees from reaching Europe. Turkey is also expected to re-establish close ties with the Gulf states.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters
Iran's navy commander announced that Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Pakistan, and India plan to form a naval alliance to ensure regional stability. The shape of the alliance has not been elaborated yet. This move comes after Saudi Arabia and Iran ended seven years of hostility under a China-mediated deal, stressing the need for regional stability and economic cooperation.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters
Turkish President Erdogan has said that Gulf states recently sent funding to Turkey, briefly helping relieve the central bank and markets. Erdogan did not name the countries nor specify when or how much funding arrived in Turkey. He intends to meet and thank their leaders after Sunday's runoff presidential election. Turkey's forex buffer has been depleted partly due to years of an unorthodox policy of stabilizing the lira currency.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Al Jazeera English
Captagon, an addictive amphetamine-type stimulant, is mass-produced in Syria and smuggled to the Gulf states, bringing in billions of dollars for President Bashar al-Assad and his associates. Most of the global production of Captagon is now in Syria, with the wealthy Gulf states as the primary destination. Countries like Jordan and Saudi Arabia have ramped up efforts to stem the flow of the drug from Syria, while the UK and US have imposed sanctions on Syrians connected to the trade. Captagon production and trade out of Syria appears to have been a crucial bargaining chip for Damascus in talks on reinstating Syria’s Arab League membership.