Iran-backed Houthis claim attacks on four more ships in multi-front assault
The Houthis have attempted to expand their operations in recent months, carrying out longer range strikes and also trying to reach the Mediterranean Sea.
United Arab Emirates
Arab League denies softening stance on Hezbollah terror label
The Arab League clarifies it hasn't softened its stance on Hezbollah, stating previous comments were taken out of context amid rising regional tensions with Israel.
Op-eds
Why is the Arab League reaching out to Hezbollah?
There is a lot of speculation that this means that the Arab League no longer views Hezbollah as a terrorist group.
Op-eds
U.S. Sanctions Transporters of Iranian Petroleum
The United States sanctioned on June 27 three United Arab Emirates companies and 11 associated vessels that play a role in transporting Iranian petroleum or petrochemical products....
Flash Briefs
Will Turkey Work With Hezbollah?
Turkey’s goal in the ongoing Lebanon crisis remains the humiliation of Israel.
Op-eds
U.S. Sanctions Banking Network Transferring Billions for Iran’s Military
The United States sanctioned nearly 50 individuals and entities that comprise branches of a “shadow banking” network processing billions of dollars for Iran’s military on June...
Flash Briefs
Rumors Swirl Over Hamas Move From Qatar to Iraq
Hamas may relocate its political headquarters from Qatar to Iraq, unnamed sources told The National on June 24. The Iran-backed group already opened a political office in Baghdad...
Flash Briefs
Joe Biden’s Gaza Pier Plan Runs Aground
Getting aid into Gaza is one thing; properly distributing it to those in need is another.
Op-eds
Turkish charity leaders meet with Taliban officials
On June 13, representatives from two Turkish charities met with Salam Hanafi, the Taliban’s deputy prime minister, in Afghanistan. Mehmet Ubeyd Kosger, representing the Hayrat Foundation, accompanied...
Op-eds
Israel’s Top General Meets With Arab Counterparts in Bahrain
The chief of the general staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Herzi Halevi, met with senior Arab generals in Bahrain this week, Axios reported on June 12. Generals from Bahrain,...
Flash Briefs
Escalating Houthi attacks draw attention from Iran and Gulf States
This shows that there is escalation by the Houthis and that this simmering conflict is being watched closely in Iran and in the Gulf in places like the UAE.
Op-eds
Analysis: Taliban leader Sirajuddin Haqqani becomes a statesman
Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani in Hajj. pic.twitter.com/TGlhRiPbR9— Muhammad Jalal (@MJalalAf) June 7, 2024 ...
Op-eds
How Iranian weapons are smuggled to the Houthis
According to the report, ships enter Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen without inspection.
Op-eds
Gulf Cooperation Council meets in Doha, discuss Houthi attacks
The meeting was chaired by Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Op-eds
Egypt’s Sisi Orders Cabinet Reshuffle Amid Spiraling Economic Crisis
Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi reappointed Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on June 3 and ordered him to form a new government. Sisi’s announcement came shortly after Madbouly...
Flash Briefs
China may seek greater role in Gaza conflict after Arab summit
Egyptian leader Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, Tunisia’s President Kais Saied, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Bahrain King Hamad attended China-Arab States Cooperation Forum
Op-eds
The US-built pier for humanitarian aid delivery was always a long-shot
It’s not easy to take small ships across an ocean and then get to the coast of a country and construct a floating pier.
Op-eds
U.S. Should Revoke Chabahar’s Sanctions Waiver
India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran signed a 10-year deal on May 13 that allows New Delhi to develop and operate the Iranian port of Chabahar. Washington issued...
Policy Briefs
Egypt’s relationship with Hamas: What does history tell us?
October 7 deeply impacted Egypt, however, Cairo has not appeared to excoriate Hamas for the attack, leaving questions about how this all transpired.
Op-eds
Did Raisi’s outreach to Arab states pave the way for Oct. 7?
Iran sought to derail any Saudi-Israeli normalization deal, which October 7 did; as such, it exploited October 7 to change the regional order.