Tag "Saudi Arabia"

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Middle East/North Africa Security

Yemen’s Chance for Peace Weakens as the Fighting against the Houthis Intensifies

As the war in Yemen enters its seventh year the Saudi Arabian-led coalition has begun attempting peace talks with their main adversaries, the Houthi rebel forces that have occupied much of the northwest of the country for the last several years. As President Biden is now committed to withdrawing American support for the coalition, it has left them at a disadvantage which they appear to wish to rectify by negotiating with the Houthis in the hope of reaching an agreement. However, the Houthi forces have largely held a strong position in the war and, as demonstrated by their recent bombings and airstrikes, appear to have little interest in ending the conflict.

Economics Middle East/North Africa

Walking the Tightrope: The UAE Makes Strides Towards Regional Power in the Gulf

The United Arab Emirates has taken increasingly bold foreign policy measures since the start of the pandemic. In a carefully crafted mix of economic and security measures, the UAE is not only on its way to repairing the economic impact of the pandemic but also to becoming a regional hegemon. The formal establishment of relations with Israel has significantly improved the UAE’s position in the short-term. However, the long term advantage of this agreement for the UAE will depend on Iran’s security status, and whether the UAE can compete with Saudi Arabia to become the region’s economic heart. 

Middle East/North Africa Security

The early dilemmas of Biden’s foreign policy towards the Middle East and the Iranian factor

During his first speech on foreign policy earlier in February, President Biden announced his decision to terminate US support for Saudi Arabia’s military operations in Yemen. Suspending offensive aid for the Saudi-led coalition, the recently-elected President decided to reverse one of the last foreign policy moves of Trump’s administration, by lifting the designation of Yemeni Houthi as a terrorist group.

Middle East/North Africa Politics

Biden’s policy shift means Saudi Arabia will have to adapt to regain favour with Washington

On Thursday, February 4, Joe Biden announced the US State Department’s new foreign policy on Saudi Arabia. The announcement confirmed a long-awaited shift in US foreign policy which will see an end to US support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and a new effort to find a peace agreement to end the conflict. Prioritising human rights for future relations with the Saudis, Biden’s policy likely provides significant leverage to draw the Saudis out of Yemen as they seek to ameliorate their relations with the new administration. 

Middle East/North Africa Under The Radar

COVID-19 and the GCC Security Dilemmas

May 25 marked the 39th anniversary of the founding of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Across the Gulf, the occasion was welcomed as an opportunity to reflect on how the

Economics Risk Pulse

Price War: OPEC+

After OPEC ally Russia refused to cut production, Saudi Arabia launched a price war, sending global oil prices to as low as $32 a barrel on March 9th.

Finance Middle East/North Africa

Saudi Aramco: Risks to Potential Investors

Saudi Aramco is now the world’s largest and most profitable company – valued at $2 trillion company. 1.5% of its stakes went public and are considered an attractive investment. However, multiple risk factors remain.

Middle East/North Africa Security

Houthi threat to Saudi Arabia’s oil industry

The increasing missile, drone, and naval capabilities of the Houthis make the Saudi oil industry vulnerable to attack.

Middle East/North Africa Security

Saudi Attacks: Dawn of a New Era in Warfare

The September 14 attack in eastern Saudi Arabia is unprecedented. A drone and missile strike claimed by Houthi rebels of Yemen damaged Saudi Arabia’s oil processing facilities. U.S. and Saudi officials claimed the incursion originated outside of Yemen implicating Iran as the main culprit.

Middle East/North Africa Security

The Growing Risk of Saudi Arms Trade

Saudia Arabia is undergoing a difficult public relations crises after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, affecting its arms trade with allies.