U.S. President Donald Trump has once again postponed planned military strikes on Iran, claiming that the outlines of a peace deal are taking shape. However, Tehran has categorically denied asking Washington to halt the strikes, calling the allegations false. As tensions continue to simmer, Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia are reportedly urging de-escalation, fearing the devastating consequences of a wider regional conflict.

In this exclusive interview, Chris Doyle, Director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding (CAABU), analyzes the evolving crisis, Trump's repeated reversals, Iran's military strategy, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and the growing role of Gulf countries in preventing a full-scale regional war.

Can diplomacy still succeed, or is another military confrontation inevitable?

Watch the full analysis for the latest developments from the Middle East.

Iran-U.S. War: Trump Losing Credibility as Conflict Drags On, Expert Warns

Iranian missiles and drones continue to target Gulf countries, with Bahrain’s state oil company declaring force majeure on Monday for its shipments after its refinery caught fire in an Iranian attack.



US-Iran War: Qatar, Bahrain Targeted By Waves of Missiles And Drones

Gulf nations could run dangerously low on air defence interceptors within days if Iran maintains its current pace of missile and drone attacks, defence experts have warned. Tehran has launched widespread strikes across the Middle East, firing hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and kamikaze drones following attacks by the United States and Israel. While many incoming threats have been intercepted using advanced American-made systems, the sustained defence effort is rapidly depleting costly munitions stockpiles in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;Fabian Hoffmann, a missile specialist at the University of Oslo, told The Wall Street Journal that the current rate of interceptor use is unsustainable. “The intensity of interceptor usage that we have seen over the last couple of days can’t be maintained for more than another week, probably a couple of days at most,” he said, warning that shortages could soon be felt. By Monday evening, the United Arab Emirates reported it had faced 174 ballistic missiles, eight cruise missiles and 689 drones over a three-day period. Officials said none of the missiles and 44 drones had struck their targets. Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar have also endured heavy bombardment, with Bahrain alone confronting around 70 incoming ballistic missiles. Iranian drones have struck the US embassy in Kuwait and Qatar’s primary liquefied natural gas facility.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-everything-has-been-knocked-out-in-iran-donald-trump-1772557096000">'EVERYTHING HAS BEEN KNOCKED OUT IN IRAN': Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;Despite deploying sophisticated systems such as the Patriot missile defence platform and the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) system, intercepting ballistic missiles often requires two or three interceptors per incoming threat, dramatically accelerating stockpile depletion. Gulf nations have also used Patriot systems to counter Iran’s cheaper Shahed drones, adding further strain. Iran is believed to possess more than 2,000 missiles capable of reaching Gulf targets. Although US and Israeli forces have reportedly destroyed dozens of launchers in an effort to limit Tehran’s operational capacity, intelligence officials say Iran retains substantial reserves.&nbsp;Exact interceptor stockpile numbers remain classified. However, analysts estimate the UAE may hold fewer than 1,000 interceptors, while Kuwait and Bahrain may possess roughly 500 and 100 respectively. The escalation has also raised questions about American munitions reserves. President Donald Trump has asserted that US supplies are strong, describing them as “virtually unlimited” on social media, though he acknowledged certain high-end weapons inventories are below desired levels.&nbsp;Reports from South Korean media suggest Washington is considering redeploying air defence systems originally positioned to counter China in East Asia to the Middle East. Assets that could be moved include Patriot and THAAD batteries, along with surveillance platforms such as MQ-9 Reaper drones based at Gunsan Air Base. A prolonged Gulf conflict may also affect Ukraine’s access to Western air defence systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that sustained military operations in the Middle East could influence global weapons supply chains. Although the US has significantly reduced direct military aid to Kyiv since Trump returned to office, weapons sales financed by European allies continue.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-us-consulate-in-erbil-has-been-attacked-by-multiple-drone-waves-1772567066288/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-us-consulate-in-erbil-has-been-attacked-by-multiple-drone-waves-1772567066288/embed</a>&nbsp;Zelensky said he discussed military assistance with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ahead of Merz’s planned meeting with Trump in Washington. Meanwhile, security concerns have extended beyond the Gulf. A drone strike targeted RAF Akrotiri, the British airbase in Cyprus, on Sunday. All six Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers, which specialise in air defence, are currently in UK waters. France is reportedly considering sending additional air defence assets to Cyprus in response. Defence analysts warn that if the conflict intensifies or drags on, the strain on regional and Western air defence networks could deepen significantly.

Gulf countries could exhaust air defences within days amid relentless Iranian missile barrage

Gulf nations could run dangerously low on air defence interceptors within days if Iran maintains its current pace of missile and drone attacks, defence experts have warned. Tehran has launched widespread strikes across the Middle East, firing hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and kamikaze drones following attacks by the United States and Israel. While many incoming threats have been intercepted using advanced American-made systems, the sustained defence effort is rapidly depleting costly munitions stockpiles in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Fabian Hoffmann, a missile specialist at the University of Oslo, told The Wall Street Journal that the current rate of interceptor use is unsustainable. “The intensity of interceptor usage that we have seen over the last couple of days can’t be maintained for more than another week, probably a couple of days at most,” he said, warning that shortages could soon be felt. By Monday evening, the United Arab Emirates reported it had faced 174 ballistic missiles, eight cruise missiles and 689 drones over a three-day period. Officials said none of the missiles and 44 drones had struck their targets. Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar have also endured heavy bombardment, with Bahrain alone confronting around 70 incoming ballistic missiles. Iranian drones have struck the US embassy in Kuwait and Qatar’s primary liquefied natural gas facility. Also Read: 'EVERYTHING HAS BEEN KNOCKED OUT IN IRAN': Donald Trump Despite deploying sophisticated systems such as the Patriot missile defence platform and the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) system, intercepting ballistic missiles often requires two or three interceptors per incoming threat, dramatically accelerating stockpile depletion. Gulf nations have also used Patriot systems to counter Iran’s cheaper Shahed drones, adding further strain. Iran is believed to possess more than 2,000 missiles capable of reaching Gulf targets. Although US and Israeli forces have reportedly destroyed dozens of launchers in an effort to limit Tehran’s operational capacity, intelligence officials say Iran retains substantial reserves. Exact interceptor stockpile numbers remain classified. However, analysts estimate the UAE may hold fewer than 1,000 interceptors, while Kuwait and Bahrain may possess roughly 500 and 100 respectively. The escalation has also raised questions about American munitions reserves. President Donald Trump has asserted that US supplies are strong, describing them as “virtually unlimited” on social media, though he acknowledged certain high-end weapons inventories are below desired levels. Reports from South Korean media suggest Washington is considering redeploying air defence systems originally positioned to counter China in East Asia to the Middle East. Assets that could be moved include Patriot and THAAD batteries, along with surveillance platforms such as MQ-9 Reaper drones based at Gunsan Air Base. A prolonged Gulf conflict may also affect Ukraine’s access to Western air defence systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that sustained military operations in the Middle East could influence global weapons supply chains. Although the US has significantly reduced direct military aid to Kyiv since Trump returned to office, weapons sales financed by European allies continue. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-us-consulate-in-erbil-has-been-attacked-by-multiple-drone-waves-1772567066288/embed Zelensky said he discussed military assistance with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ahead of Merz’s planned meeting with Trump in Washington. Meanwhile, security concerns have extended beyond the Gulf. A drone strike targeted RAF Akrotiri, the British airbase in Cyprus, on Sunday. All six Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers, which specialise in air defence, are currently in UK waters. France is reportedly considering sending additional air defence assets to Cyprus in response. Defence analysts warn that if the conflict intensifies or drags on, the strain on regional and Western air defence networks could deepen significantly.

Experts warn Gulf air defences could run low within days as Iran’s missile and drone barrage strains costly US-made interceptor stockpiles

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bagged the top spot among Gulf countries that offered the most number&nbsp;of jobs to Indians in the year 2022. Saudi Arabia has the second-highest number of Indian expats after the United Arab Emirates. In the year 2022, Saudi Arabia provided 178,630 jobs to Indians. There was a five-fold increase in the figure as in 2021 and 2020 the numbers were 32,845 and 44,316 respectively.

The second country on this list is Kuwait which has seen a seven-fold increase compared to the year 2021. Bahrain was at last place with just 10,232 job offers.&nbsp;

The UAE, which hosted the highest number of Indians in 2018, continues to see a dip in recruitment. In 2018, UAE recruited 57,613 people while in 2019 it provided jobs to 45,712 Indians.

According to numbers with India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), nearly 50 per cent of India's migrant population works in Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries. An estimated 70 per cent of the Indian population in this region comprises of semi-skilled and unskilled workers. 20 to 23 per cent of Indian professionals are in 'white-collar' jobs like doctors, engineers, architects, chartered accountants, bankers and more.

“It is expected to grow manifold in the next few years,” said Mohammed Ashif, whose firm&nbsp;Expertise Contracting Company Limited caters to demand for workers in various sectors "The majority of our employees are from India,” he was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bagged the top spot among Gulf countries that offered the most number of jobs to Indians in the year 2022. Saudi Arabia has the second-highest number of Indian expats after the United Arab Emirates.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bagged the top spot among Gulf countries that offered the most number of jobs to Indians in the year 2022. Saudi Arabia has the second-highest number of Indian expats after the United Arab Emirates. In the year 2022, Saudi Arabia provided 178,630 jobs to Indians. There was a five-fold increase in the figure as in 2021 and 2020 the numbers were 32,845 and 44,316 respectively. The second country on this list is Kuwait which has seen a seven-fold increase compared to the year 2021. Bahrain was at last place with just 10,232 job offers. The UAE, which hosted the highest number of Indians in 2018, continues to see a dip in recruitment. In 2018, UAE recruited 57,613 people while in 2019 it provided jobs to 45,712 Indians. According to numbers with India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), nearly 50 per cent of India's migrant population works in Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries. An estimated 70 per cent of the Indian population in this region comprises of semi-skilled and unskilled workers. 20 to 23 per cent of Indian professionals are in 'white-collar' jobs like doctors, engineers, architects, chartered accountants, bankers and more. “It is expected to grow manifold in the next few years,” said Mohammed Ashif, whose firm Expertise Contracting Company Limited caters to demand for workers in various sectors "The majority of our employees are from India,” he was quoted as saying by the Times of India. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Saudi Arabia tops list of Gulf countries giving employment to Indians in 2022

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards have seized a foreign vessel in the Gulf for allegedly smuggling 757,000 litres of diesel out of the country, the Iranian state news agency IRNA reported on Saturday.

The unnamed vessel's seven crew members, who are foreign nationals, have been handed over to legal authorities, IRNA reported without elaborating on the nationalities of the ship or its crew.

Iran, which has some of the world's cheapest fuel prices due to heavy subsidies and the plunge in the value of its national currency, has been fighting rampant fuel smuggling by land to neighbouring countries and by sea to Gulf Arab states.

The Guards have detained several ships in the past few months for smuggling fuel in the Gulf.

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Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards have seized a foreign vessel in the Gulf for allegedly smuggling 757,000 litres of diesel out of the country, the Iranian state news agency IRNA reported on Saturday.

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards have seized a foreign vessel in the Gulf for allegedly smuggling 757,000 litres of diesel out of the country, the Iranian state news agency IRNA reported on Saturday. The unnamed vessel's seven crew members, who are foreign nationals, have been handed over to legal authorities, IRNA reported without elaborating on the nationalities of the ship or its crew. Iran, which has some of the world's cheapest fuel prices due to heavy subsidies and the plunge in the value of its national currency, has been fighting rampant fuel smuggling by land to neighbouring countries and by sea to Gulf Arab states. The Guards have detained several ships in the past few months for smuggling fuel in the Gulf. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iran's Revolutionary Guards seize foreign ship smuggling 757,000 litres of diesel

Arab countries have demanded Netflix remove content deemed offensive to "Islamic and societal values" in the region, apparently targeting programs that show people who are gay and lesbian.

The Gulf Cooperation Council issued a joint statement on Tuesday saying asking to comply with their norms or risk facing legal action and even a possible ban.

These Gulf countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Apart from that, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates each published their statements separately decrying Netflix for showing content related to same-sex relationships on its streaming platform.

According to AP new agency, Saudi state television also aired a video of an interview it conducted with a woman identified as a “behavioural consultant” who termed Netflix as the “official sponsor of homosexuality.”

“If Netflix continued to broadcast the content then necessary legal measures will be taken,” the Riyadh-based General Commission for Audiovisual Media said in a stamen without elaborating further.

The UAE, too, came out with a similar worded statement regarding Netflix saying that would keep a close eye on what the platform broadcasts in coming days and "assess its commitment to broadcasting controls" in the country.

Many Muslim-majority countries have criminalised same-sex relationships and often banned films and shows which feature such relationships. Some countries even maintain the death penalty.

Earlier this year, UAE and other Muslim states banned Walt Disney-Pixar's animated feature film "Lightyear" from screening in cinemas because it showcases characters in a same-sex relationship.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Arab countries have demanded Netflix remove content deemed offensive to "Islamic and societal values" in the region, apparently targeting programs that show people who are gay and lesbian.

Arab countries have demanded Netflix remove content deemed offensive to "Islamic and societal values" in the region, apparently targeting programs that show people who are gay and lesbian. The Gulf Cooperation Council issued a joint statement on Tuesday saying asking to comply with their norms or risk facing legal action and even a possible ban. These Gulf countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Apart from that, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates each published their statements separately decrying Netflix for showing content related to same-sex relationships on its streaming platform. According to AP new agency, Saudi state television also aired a video of an interview it conducted with a woman identified as a “behavioural consultant” who termed Netflix as the “official sponsor of homosexuality.” “If Netflix continued to broadcast the content then necessary legal measures will be taken,” the Riyadh-based General Commission for Audiovisual Media said in a stamen without elaborating further. The UAE, too, came out with a similar worded statement regarding Netflix saying that would keep a close eye on what the platform broadcasts in coming days and "assess its commitment to broadcasting controls" in the country. Many Muslim-majority countries have criminalised same-sex relationships and often banned films and shows which feature such relationships. Some countries even maintain the death penalty. Earlier this year, UAE and other Muslim states banned Walt Disney-Pixar's animated feature film "Lightyear" from screening in cinemas because it showcases characters in a same-sex relationship. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Gulf countries ask Netflix to take down ‘offensive’ content or risk facing legal action

Over 10,000 Nepali migrant workers have died in Gulf countries due to inadequate supply of drinking water, food, and long hours of manual labour in searing temperatures.&nbsp;

As per the records of the Nepal government, the second-largest group of deaths is in the category of ‘natural death’. The government has not defined what it means.

Nepal has witnessed 900 deaths of workers every year, primarily due to cardiovascular diseases.&nbsp;

Since 2008, as many as 2,123 Nepali migrant workers have died due to cardiac arrest alone and 1,878 deaths have been put under 'natural death’.&nbsp;

Director-General of Foreign Employment Office Rajan Prasad Shrestha said the ‘natural death’ cases are under investigation.&nbsp;

“Nepal is one of the major labour sending countries in South Asia. On average, we are sending 5 lakh Nepalis yearly overseas. There is a significant number of Nepalis, especially in the Gulf region and Malaysia,” Shrestha told WION.&nbsp;

“Most deaths are occurring in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, numbers are really high. In which, natural death and heart attack are topping the list of cause of deaths,” he added.

Looking at the record, for instance, since 2008, 2,938 Nepali migrant workers have died in Saudi Arabia, and 3,533 in Malaysia.&nbsp;

The migrant worker deaths have been classified broadly into categories of cardiac arrest, natural cause, traffic accident, suicide, and workplace death.&nbsp;

Currently, there are 400,000 Nepalis working in Saudi Arabia and 300,000 in Qatar.&nbsp;

Apart from cardiovascular diseases, the number of migrant workers diagnosed with kidney failure is also increasing, especially from Gulf countries.&nbsp;

Of labours working overseas, only 5 per cent are skilled laborers, while 74 per cent are unskilled and 21 per cent semi-skilled.&nbsp;

After talking to returnee Nepali migrant workers, it was found that the majority of them were working under extremely harsh conditions, with no access to proper clean drinking water and food.&nbsp;

Lal Singh Ghatri Morga, a 38-year-old migrant labour, has been diagnosed with kidney failure and visits the hospital twice a week to receive his dialysis treatment.&nbsp;

For several years, Morga has worked at construction sites in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.&nbsp;

“Within eight months in Dubai, while I was at the construction site, my body started to feel weak, and then I fainted and hit the ground. There was not much help from my boss at work, so I returned home. This happened maybe because I used to work for a minimum of 10 hours a day, and there was heat stress, with no proper drinking water and food,” Morga shared his experience with WION.&nbsp;

In just the last eight months, Nepal has already seen the deaths of 1,029 people working overseas, with 213 people returning back with injuries, illnesses and long-term disabilities.&nbsp;

From June 2008 to February 2022, a total of 10,482 Nepali workers abroad have died.&nbsp;

Gulf countries are the major destinations for Nepali migrant workers in the construction trade. They are exposed to various occupational hazards, including excessive heat.&nbsp;

Before a migrant worker leaves, several mandatory requirements include submission of valid documents, a visa along with proof of medical tests, orientation training, and term life insurance.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Dr Ratna Mani Gajurel, Cardiologist, Hams Hospital, said, the reason behind healthy people coming back as patients is still unknown and should be ‘investigated’.&nbsp;

“Before leaving for the destination country, they undergo medical screening test in Nepal and get clearance for travel. After reaching the destination country, a preliminary examination is again carried out on the person. That means healthy people are cleared for work. Once they start working, they sustain different kinds of diseases like cardiovascular or kidney diseases,” he added.&nbsp;

He said the number of patients returning from Gulf countries is increasing, especially in countries where the temperature is more than 40 degrees centigrade.

“Not only cardiac problems, but these migrant workers working in extremely high temperatures are also getting kidney failures,” he added.&nbsp;

He demanded an investigation into this, “maybe the extreme heat is the problem but an investigation is required to prove whether heat is the culprit or there is another reason.”&nbsp;

Apart from the high demand for low-skilled labour, Nepalis also seek work overseas due to poverty, unemployment, slow economic growth, and political instability at home.&nbsp;

The contribution of the migrant workers’ remittances constitutes about 25 per cent of Nepal’s gross domestic product.&nbsp;

Over 10,000 Nepali migrant workers have died in Gulf countries due to inadequate supply of drinking water, food, and long hours of manual labour in searing temperatures.

Over 10,000 Nepali migrant workers have died in Gulf countries due to inadequate supply of drinking water, food, and long hours of manual labour in searing temperatures. As per the records of the Nepal government, the second-largest group of deaths is in the category of ‘natural death’. The government has not defined what it means. Nepal has witnessed 900 deaths of workers every year, primarily due to cardiovascular diseases. Since 2008, as many as 2,123 Nepali migrant workers have died due to cardiac arrest alone and 1,878 deaths have been put under 'natural death’. Director-General of Foreign Employment Office Rajan Prasad Shrestha said the ‘natural death’ cases are under investigation. “Nepal is one of the major labour sending countries in South Asia. On average, we are sending 5 lakh Nepalis yearly overseas. There is a significant number of Nepalis, especially in the Gulf region and Malaysia,” Shrestha told WION. “Most deaths are occurring in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, numbers are really high. In which, natural death and heart attack are topping the list of cause of deaths,” he added. Looking at the record, for instance, since 2008, 2,938 Nepali migrant workers have died in Saudi Arabia, and 3,533 in Malaysia. The migrant worker deaths have been classified broadly into categories of cardiac arrest, natural cause, traffic accident, suicide, and workplace death. Currently, there are 400,000 Nepalis working in Saudi Arabia and 300,000 in Qatar. Apart from cardiovascular diseases, the number of migrant workers diagnosed with kidney failure is also increasing, especially from Gulf countries. Of labours working overseas, only 5 per cent are skilled laborers, while 74 per cent are unskilled and 21 per cent semi-skilled. After talking to returnee Nepali migrant workers, it was found that the majority of them were working under extremely harsh conditions, with no access to proper clean drinking water and food. Lal Singh Ghatri Morga, a 38-year-old migrant labour, has been diagnosed with kidney failure and visits the hospital twice a week to receive his dialysis treatment. For several years, Morga has worked at construction sites in Saudi Arabia and Dubai. “Within eight months in Dubai, while I was at the construction site, my body started to feel weak, and then I fainted and hit the ground. There was not much help from my boss at work, so I returned home. This happened maybe because I used to work for a minimum of 10 hours a day, and there was heat stress, with no proper drinking water and food,” Morga shared his experience with WION. In just the last eight months, Nepal has already seen the deaths of 1,029 people working overseas, with 213 people returning back with injuries, illnesses and long-term disabilities. From June 2008 to February 2022, a total of 10,482 Nepali workers abroad have died. Gulf countries are the major destinations for Nepali migrant workers in the construction trade. They are exposed to various occupational hazards, including excessive heat. Before a migrant worker leaves, several mandatory requirements include submission of valid documents, a visa along with proof of medical tests, orientation training, and term life insurance. Speaking to WION, Dr Ratna Mani Gajurel, Cardiologist, Hams Hospital, said, the reason behind healthy people coming back as patients is still unknown and should be ‘investigated’. “Before leaving for the destination country, they undergo medical screening test in Nepal and get clearance for travel. After reaching the destination country, a preliminary examination is again carried out on the person. That means healthy people are cleared for work. Once they start working, they sustain different kinds of diseases like cardiovascular or kidney diseases,” he added. He said the number of patients returning from Gulf countries is increasing, especially in countries where the temperature is more than 40 degrees centigrade. “Not only cardiac problems, but these migrant workers working in extremely high temperatures are also getting kidney failures,” he added. He demanded an investigation into this, “maybe the extreme heat is the problem but an investigation is required to prove whether heat is the culprit or there is another reason.” Apart from the high demand for low-skilled labour, Nepalis also seek work overseas due to poverty, unemployment, slow economic growth, and political instability at home. The contribution of the migrant workers’ remittances constitutes about 25 per cent of Nepal’s gross domestic product.

More than 10,000 Nepali migrant workers have died in Gulf countries

Amid soaring gas prices, US President Joe Biden will reportedly pay a visit to the Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who was once shunned by the president as a killer.

According to AP news agency, the White House is working out a plan to have a one-on-one meeting between Biden and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar,&nbsp;Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) as well as Egypt, Iraq and Jordan.

However, no official trips have been made about the trip.

The trip is being tentatively planned after a G7 summit in Germany and a NATO meeting in Spain and would also include a visit to Israel, in which Biden would meet Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Reuters reported quoting official sources.

The US leader had blamed Prince Mohammed for the 2018 killing and dismemberment of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a newspaper critic of the crown prince.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday declined to comment on whether Biden will travel to Saudi Arabia. She said that she had no trips to preview and that Biden stood by his earlier opinions of the crown prince.

Watch |&nbsp;The U.S, allies discuss further oil release due to the rise in gas prices worldwide

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The proposed visit comes at a time when Biden is trying to find ways to lower high gasoline prices in the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-north-korea-after-china-russia-veto-un-resolution-482804" hreflang="en">US imposes sanctions on North Korea after China, Russia veto UN resolution</a>

It is currently unknown if Saudi Arabia would agree to increase oil production. It has previously rejected US requests to do so, remaining in compliance with an output agreement that OPEC reached with Russia and nine other producers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gun-terror-why-is-owning-guns-so-important-to-americans-482074" hreflang="en">US gun terror: Why is owning guns so important to Americans?</a>

The so-called OPEC+ group has been unwinding record output cuts in place since 2020, as demand recovered from the coronavirus pandemic, but not as fast as the West and other consumers want.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amid soaring gas prices, US President Joe Biden will reportedly pay a visit to the Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who was once shunned by the president as a killer.

Amid soaring gas prices, US President Joe Biden will reportedly pay a visit to the Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who was once shunned by the president as a killer. According to AP news agency, the White House is working out a plan to have a one-on-one meeting between Biden and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) as well as Egypt, Iraq and Jordan. However, no official trips have been made about the trip. The trip is being tentatively planned after a G7 summit in Germany and a NATO meeting in Spain and would also include a visit to Israel, in which Biden would meet Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Reuters reported quoting official sources. The US leader had blamed Prince Mohammed for the 2018 killing and dismemberment of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a newspaper critic of the crown prince. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday declined to comment on whether Biden will travel to Saudi Arabia. She said that she had no trips to preview and that Biden stood by his earlier opinions of the crown prince. Watch | The U.S, allies discuss further oil release due to the rise in gas prices worldwide The proposed visit comes at a time when Biden is trying to find ways to lower high gasoline prices in the United States. Also read | US imposes sanctions on North Korea after China, Russia veto UN resolution It is currently unknown if Saudi Arabia would agree to increase oil production. It has previously rejected US requests to do so, remaining in compliance with an output agreement that OPEC reached with Russia and nine other producers. Also read | US gun terror: Why is owning guns so important to Americans? The so-called OPEC+ group has been unwinding record output cuts in place since 2020, as demand recovered from the coronavirus pandemic, but not as fast as the West and other consumers want. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US President Joe Biden planning to visit Gulf countries amid soaring gas prices: Report

This is the first time in the history of Kashmir that foreign investors are visiting the valley with aim of investments. According to the Government, around 70 thousand crore investment is expected to come in the next 6 months from foreign investors.

Kashmir hosts gulf investors, delegates explore Kashmir valley for business opportunities

This is the first time in the history of Kashmir that foreign investors are visiting J&K with aim of investments. The government said that this the start of a new era of economic development in the valley.

UAE explores investment opportunities, Jammu and Kashmir eyes $9.1 billion foreign investment

For the Gulf nations, the Coronavirus crisis is a twin shock. Global lockdowns and falling oil prices have had a major impact on economies that depend on oil revenue. The situation may lead to job cuts - and Indian expats may be forced to return.

Gravitas: Will Indians in the Gulf be forced to return home?

At least 50 people were killed in a stampede as tens of thousands of mourners packed streets for the funeral of a slain Iranian military commander in his hometown on Tuesday, forcing his burial to be delayed by several hours, state media said.

General Qasem Soleimani's burial began in the late afternoon in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman, four days after his killing in a US&nbsp;drone strike in Iraq that plunged the region into a new crisis and raised fears of a broader conflict.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-never-have-a-nuclear-weapon-says-trump-as-tehran-mourns-suleimani-272585">Also Read:&nbsp;Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, says Trump as Tehran mourns Suleimani</a>

"A few minutes ago his body was transferred to the martyrs' section of Kerman cemetery," the semi-official news agency ISNA reported, adding that Soleimani's internment had begun.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-iran-designates-pentagon-as-terrorist-272776/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A senior Iranian official said Tehran was considering several scenarios to avenge his killing. Other senior figures have said Iran will match the scale of Soleimani's killing when it responds, but that it will choose the time and place.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/crazy-trump-dont-think-that-everything-is-over-with-my-fathers-martyrdom-zeinab-soleimani-daughter-of-qassem-soleimani-272535">In Pics: Crazy Trump, don't think that everything is over, says Zeinab, daughter of Qasem Soleimani</a>

Tuesday's stampede broke out amid the crush of mourners, killing 50 people, Iran's ISNA news agency said, quoting the chief coroner for Kerman province, Abbas Amian. About 213 people were injured, an emergency services official told the semi-official Fars news agency.

"Today because of the heavy congestion of the crowd, unfortunately, a number of our fellow citizens who were mourning were injured and a number were killed," emergency medical services chief Pir Hossein Kolivand told state television.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-soleimani-killed-thousands-mourn-the-generals-death-in-tehran-272594/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The body of Soleimani, a national hero to many Iranians but viewed as a dangerous villain by Western governments opposed to the Islamic Republic, had been taken to Iraqi and Iranian cities before arriving in Kerman for burial.

In each place, huge numbers of people filled thoroughfares, chanting "Death to America" and weeping with emotion. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei shed tears when leading prayers in Tehran.

Soleimani, who commanded the elite Quds Force, was responsible for building up Tehran's network of proxy armies across the Middle East. He was a key figure in orchestrating Iran's long-standing campaign to drive US forces out of Iraq.

Iran's opponents say its proxies have fuelled conflicts, killing and displacing people in Iraq, Syria and beyond. Tehran says any operations abroad are at the request of governments and that it offers "advisory support".

The US defence secretary denied reports the U.S. military was preparing to withdraw from Iraq, where Tehran has vied with Washington for influence since the 2003 US invasion.

Revenge

"We will take revenge, hard and definitive revenge," the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, General Hossein Salami, told the crowds in Kerman before the stampede.

Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said 13 "revenge scenarios" were being considered, Fars news agency reported. Even the weakest option would prove "a historic nightmare for the Americans," he said.

Iran, whose coastline runs along a Gulf oil shipping route that includes the narrow Strait of Hormuz, has allied forces across the Middle East through which it can act. Representatives from those groups, including the Palestinian group Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah movement, attended funeral events in Tehran.

Despite its strident rhetoric, analysts say Iran will want to avoid any conventional conflict with the United States and is likely to focus on asymmetric strikes, such as sabotage or other military action via proxies.

Trump has promised to target 52 Iranian sites if Iran retaliates.

Reuters and other media reported on Monday that the US military had sent a letter to Iraqi officials informing them US troops were preparing to leave. But US Defense Secretary Mark Esper denied there had been any decision to pull out.

About 5,000 US troops are still in Iraq, where there has been a US military presence since Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003.

Friction

Iraq's parliament, dominated by lawmakers representing Muslim Shi'ite groups who have been united by the killing of Soleimani alongside an Iraqi militia leader, passed a resolution on Sunday calling for all foreign troops to leave.

Iraq's caretaker Prime Minister Abdel Abdul Mahdi told the US ambassador to Baghdad the resolution must be implemented.

Friction between Iran and the United States has risen since Washington withdrew in 2018 from a nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

The United States has imposed new economic sanctions on Iran, slashing Iranian oil exports, and Tehran said on Sunday it was dropping limitations on uranium enrichment, in its latest step back from commitments to the deal.

Washington denied a visa to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to allow him to attend a UN Security Council meeting in New York on Thursday, a US official said.

Trump's US political rivals have challenged his decision to order the killing of Soleimani and questioned its timing in a US election year. His administration said Soleimani was planning new attacks on US interests without giving evidence.

US general Milley said the threat from Soleimani was imminent. "We would have been culpably negligent to the American people had we not made the decision we made," he said.

Trump administration officials will provide a classified briefing for US senators on Wednesday on events in Iraq after some lawmakers accused the White House of risking a broad conflict without a strategy.

At least 50 people were killed in a stampede as tens of thousands of mourners packed streets for the funeral of a slain Iranian military commander in his hometown on Tuesday, forcing his burial to be delayed by several hours, state media said.

At least 50 people were killed in a stampede as tens of thousands of mourners packed streets for the funeral of a slain Iranian military commander in his hometown on Tuesday, forcing his burial to be delayed by several hours, state media said. General Qasem Soleimani's burial began in the late afternoon in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman, four days after his killing in a US drone strike in Iraq that plunged the region into a new crisis and raised fears of a broader conflict. Also Read: Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, says Trump as Tehran mourns Suleimani "A few minutes ago his body was transferred to the martyrs' section of Kerman cemetery," the semi-official news agency ISNA reported, adding that Soleimani's internment had begun. Watch: A senior Iranian official said Tehran was considering several scenarios to avenge his killing. Other senior figures have said Iran will match the scale of Soleimani's killing when it responds, but that it will choose the time and place. In Pics: Crazy Trump, don't think that everything is over, says Zeinab, daughter of Qasem Soleimani Tuesday's stampede broke out amid the crush of mourners, killing 50 people, Iran's ISNA news agency said, quoting the chief coroner for Kerman province, Abbas Amian. About 213 people were injured, an emergency services official told the semi-official Fars news agency. "Today because of the heavy congestion of the crowd, unfortunately, a number of our fellow citizens who were mourning were injured and a number were killed," emergency medical services chief Pir Hossein Kolivand told state television. Watch: The body of Soleimani, a national hero to many Iranians but viewed as a dangerous villain by Western governments opposed to the Islamic Republic, had been taken to Iraqi and Iranian cities before arriving in Kerman for burial. In each place, huge numbers of people filled thoroughfares, chanting "Death to America" and weeping with emotion. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei shed tears when leading prayers in Tehran. Soleimani, who commanded the elite Quds Force, was responsible for building up Tehran's network of proxy armies across the Middle East. He was a key figure in orchestrating Iran's long-standing campaign to drive US forces out of Iraq. Iran's opponents say its proxies have fuelled conflicts, killing and displacing people in Iraq, Syria and beyond. Tehran says any operations abroad are at the request of governments and that it offers "advisory support". The US defence secretary denied reports the U.S. military was preparing to withdraw from Iraq, where Tehran has vied with Washington for influence since the 2003 US invasion. Revenge "We will take revenge, hard and definitive revenge," the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, General Hossein Salami, told the crowds in Kerman before the stampede. Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said 13 "revenge scenarios" were being considered, Fars news agency reported. Even the weakest option would prove "a historic nightmare for the Americans," he said. Iran, whose coastline runs along a Gulf oil shipping route that includes the narrow Strait of Hormuz, has allied forces across the Middle East through which it can act. Representatives from those groups, including the Palestinian group Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah movement, attended funeral events in Tehran. Despite its strident rhetoric, analysts say Iran will want to avoid any conventional conflict with the United States and is likely to focus on asymmetric strikes, such as sabotage or other military action via proxies. Trump has promised to target 52 Iranian sites if Iran retaliates. Reuters and other media reported on Monday that the US military had sent a letter to Iraqi officials informing them US troops were preparing to leave. But US Defense Secretary Mark Esper denied there had been any decision to pull out. About 5,000 US troops are still in Iraq, where there has been a US military presence since Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003. Friction Iraq's parliament, dominated by lawmakers representing Muslim Shi'ite groups who have been united by the killing of Soleimani alongside an Iraqi militia leader, passed a resolution on Sunday calling for all foreign troops to leave. Iraq's caretaker Prime Minister Abdel Abdul Mahdi told the US ambassador to Baghdad the resolution must be implemented. Friction between Iran and the United States has risen since Washington withdrew in 2018 from a nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. The United States has imposed new economic sanctions on Iran, slashing Iranian oil exports, and Tehran said on Sunday it was dropping limitations on uranium enrichment, in its latest step back from commitments to the deal. Washington denied a visa to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to allow him to attend a UN Security Council meeting in New York on Thursday, a US official said. Trump's US political rivals have challenged his decision to order the killing of Soleimani and questioned its timing in a US election year. His administration said Soleimani was planning new attacks on US interests without giving evidence. US general Milley said the threat from Soleimani was imminent. "We would have been culpably negligent to the American people had we not made the decision we made," he said. Trump administration officials will provide a classified briefing for US senators on Wednesday on events in Iraq after some lawmakers accused the White House of risking a broad conflict without a strategy.

At least 50 killed in stampede at Iranian general's funeral, burial postponed

A deadly stampede erupted on Tuesday at the funeral procession for a top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, killing 35 people and injuring 48 others.

The procession was being held in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman, where he will be laid to rest later in the day, according to state media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-never-have-a-nuclear-weapon-says-trump-as-tehran-mourns-suleimani-272585">Also Read:&nbsp;Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, says Trump as Tehran mourns Suleimani</a>

"Unfortunately because of overcrowding 32 of our citizens lost their lives in the procession... and 190 were injured," the head of the country's emergency services, Pirhossein Koolivand, told the channel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/crazy-trump-dont-think-that-everything-is-over-with-my-fathers-martyrdom-zeinab-soleimani-daughter-of-qassem-soleimani-272535">In Pics: Crazy Trump, don't think that everything is over, says Zeinab, daughter of Qasem Soleimani</a>

The injured were immediately transferred to hospital, he added.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-soleimani-killed-thousands-mourn-the-generals-death-in-tehran-272594/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

AFP correspondents in Kerman said the streets of the southeastern city were packed with mourners for the funeral of Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani in his hometown.

People were seen taking refuge on hillsides around the city on state television.

Soleimani, the hugely popular head of the Guards' Quds Force, was assassinated on Friday in a US drone strike near Baghdad international airport, an operation that shocked the Islamic republic.

Tuesday's funeral comes after days of processions through the southwestern city of Ahvaz and the shrine cities of Qom and Mashhad as well as the capital Tehran.

(With inputs from AFP)

A deadly stampede erupted on Tuesday at the funeral procession for a top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, killing 35 people and injuring 48 others. The procession was being held in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman, where he will be laid to rest later in the day, according to state media.

A deadly stampede erupted on Tuesday at the funeral procession for a top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, killing 35 people and injuring 48 others. The procession was being held in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman, where he will be laid to rest later in the day, according to state media. Also Read: Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, says Trump as Tehran mourns Suleimani "Unfortunately because of overcrowding 32 of our citizens lost their lives in the procession... and 190 were injured," the head of the country's emergency services, Pirhossein Koolivand, told the channel. In Pics: Crazy Trump, don't think that everything is over, says Zeinab, daughter of Qasem Soleimani The injured were immediately transferred to hospital, he added. Watch: AFP correspondents in Kerman said the streets of the southeastern city were packed with mourners for the funeral of Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani in his hometown. People were seen taking refuge on hillsides around the city on state television. Soleimani, the hugely popular head of the Guards' Quds Force, was assassinated on Friday in a US drone strike near Baghdad international airport, an operation that shocked the Islamic republic. Tuesday's funeral comes after days of processions through the southwestern city of Ahvaz and the shrine cities of Qom and Mashhad as well as the capital Tehran. (With inputs from AFP)

Stampede kills 35 at slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani's funeral

The killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani has further opened the door to a potential restructuring of the Gulf’s security architecture.

In line with an Iranian plan launched at last year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by President Hassan Rouhani that calls for a security architecture that would exclude external forces, cooler heads in Tehran argue that expulsion of all US troops from the Middle East would constitute revenge for Soleimani’s assassination.

While it likely would be a drawn-out process, Iraq’s parliament took a first step by unanimously asking the government in the absence of Kurdish and Sunni Muslim deputies to expel US forces from the country.

Ultimately, Iran may at best get only part of its wants.

Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has dialled back his initial support of Parliament’s demand, saying that any withdrawal would involve only US combat forces and not training and logistical support for the Iraqi military.

Similarly, Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar are unlikely to expel US forces and bases.

That does not mean that the foundation for the Gulf’s security architecture, grounded in a US defence umbrella primarily to shield the region’s energy-rich monarchies from potential Iranian aggression, is not shifting.

In fact, it was already shifting prior to the killing of Soleimani.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE that long supported US President Donald J Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran, involving the US withdrawal from the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program and the imposition of harsh economic sanctions, began hedging their bets in the second half of last year.

The Gulf may have on an emotive level privately celebrated the death of Soleimani, an architect of Iran’s use of proxies across the Middle East, but in a more rational analysis fear that his killing may have opened a Pandora’s box that could lead the region to all-out war.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE called for a de-escalation in the wake of the killing as Khalid bin Salman, the kingdom’s deputy defence minister and brother of crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, travelled to Washington and London to urge restraint.

Ironically, the killing of Soleimani rather than strategically pleasing Gulf leaders may have reinforced concerns that they no longer can fully rely on the United States as their sole security guarantor.

If the United States’ refusal last year to respond forcefully to a string of Iranian provocations sparked Gulf doubts, Solemani’s killing raises the spectre of US overreach when it does.

Trump’s threat to attack Iranian cultural sites, despite animosity towards Iran and anti-Shiite sentiment in some Gulf quarters, is likely to have reinforced that concern.

The Gulf states’ hedging of their bets will not make Rouhani’s proposal any more attractive but it has already led to direct and indirect diplomacy by the UAE and Saudi Arabia to reduce tension with Iran.

Solemani was killed on the morning that he reportedly was to deliver to Abdul Mahdi, the Iraqi Prime Minister, an Iranian response to a Saudi initiative to defuse tension.

While Rouhani’s proposal is a non-starter, it contains one element that could prove to have legs: some form of non-aggression agreement or understanding between the Gulf states and Iran.

The notion of an understanding on non-aggression would stroke with a Russian proposal for an alternative multilateral arrangement that calls for a regional security conference along the lines of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the OSCE.

Unlike Rouhani’s proposition, the Russian proposal would involve multiple external powers, including Russia, China and India, but, in the knowledge that no country can as of now replace the United States militarily, be centred on US military muscle.

The proposal, endorsed by China, potentially could cater to Trump’s demand for burden-sharing and financial compensation for a continued US role in security across the globe.

Russian officials and surrogates for the Kremlin stress that the proposal seeks to capitalize on the United States’ mushrooming predicament in the Middle East but does not mean that Russia was willing to make the kind of commitment that would position it as an alternative to the US.

Similarly, the nature of China’s participation in last month’s first-ever joint Chinese-Russian-Iranian naval exercise signalled that closer Chinese military ties with a host of Middle Eastern nations did not translate into Chinese aspirations for a greater role in regional security any time soon.

China contributed elements of its anti-piracy fleet that were already in Somali waters to protect commercial vessels as well as peacekeeping and humanitarian relief personnel rather than combat troops.

As they hedge their bets, Gulf states may want to take their time in thinking about a more multilateral security arrangement that includes but goes beyond the United States.

The Gulf states’ problem is&nbsp;fast-moving and to some degree, unpredictable developments in the Middle East could change their calculus.

That is also true for Russia and particularly China that has long maintained that its security interests in the region, based on the ability to freeride on the US defence umbrella, were best served by mutually beneficial economic and trade relations.

Increasingly that approach could prove unsustainable.

Said Jiang Xudong, a Middle East scholar at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences: “Economic investment will not solve all other problems when there are religious and ethnic conflicts.”

Xudong could just as well have included power struggles and regional rivalries in his analysis. 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani has further opened the door to a potential restructuring of the Gulf’s security architecture. In line with an Iranian plan launched at last year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by President Hassan Rouhani that calls for a security architecture that would exclude external forces, cooler heads in Tehran argue that expulsion of all US troops from the Middle East would constitute revenge for Soleimani’s assassination.

The killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani has further opened the door to a potential restructuring of the Gulf’s security architecture. In line with an Iranian plan launched at last year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by President Hassan Rouhani that calls for a security architecture that would exclude external forces, cooler heads in Tehran argue that expulsion of all US troops from the Middle East would constitute revenge for Soleimani’s assassination. While it likely would be a drawn-out process, Iraq’s parliament took a first step by unanimously asking the government in the absence of Kurdish and Sunni Muslim deputies to expel US forces from the country. Ultimately, Iran may at best get only part of its wants. Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has dialled back his initial support of Parliament’s demand, saying that any withdrawal would involve only US combat forces and not training and logistical support for the Iraqi military. Similarly, Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar are unlikely to expel US forces and bases. That does not mean that the foundation for the Gulf’s security architecture, grounded in a US defence umbrella primarily to shield the region’s energy-rich monarchies from potential Iranian aggression, is not shifting. In fact, it was already shifting prior to the killing of Soleimani. Saudi Arabia and the UAE that long supported US President Donald J Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran, involving the US withdrawal from the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program and the imposition of harsh economic sanctions, began hedging their bets in the second half of last year. The Gulf may have on an emotive level privately celebrated the death of Soleimani, an architect of Iran’s use of proxies across the Middle East, but in a more rational analysis fear that his killing may have opened a Pandora’s box that could lead the region to all-out war. Saudi Arabia and the UAE called for a de-escalation in the wake of the killing as Khalid bin Salman, the kingdom’s deputy defence minister and brother of crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, travelled to Washington and London to urge restraint. Ironically, the killing of Soleimani rather than strategically pleasing Gulf leaders may have reinforced concerns that they no longer can fully rely on the United States as their sole security guarantor. If the United States’ refusal last year to respond forcefully to a string of Iranian provocations sparked Gulf doubts, Solemani’s killing raises the spectre of US overreach when it does. Trump’s threat to attack Iranian cultural sites, despite animosity towards Iran and anti-Shiite sentiment in some Gulf quarters, is likely to have reinforced that concern. The Gulf states’ hedging of their bets will not make Rouhani’s proposal any more attractive but it has already led to direct and indirect diplomacy by the UAE and Saudi Arabia to reduce tension with Iran. Solemani was killed on the morning that he reportedly was to deliver to Abdul Mahdi, the Iraqi Prime Minister, an Iranian response to a Saudi initiative to defuse tension. While Rouhani’s proposal is a non-starter, it contains one element that could prove to have legs: some form of non-aggression agreement or understanding between the Gulf states and Iran. The notion of an understanding on non-aggression would stroke with a Russian proposal for an alternative multilateral arrangement that calls for a regional security conference along the lines of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the OSCE. Unlike Rouhani’s proposition, the Russian proposal would involve multiple external powers, including Russia, China and India, but, in the knowledge that no country can as of now replace the United States militarily, be centred on US military muscle. The proposal, endorsed by China, potentially could cater to Trump’s demand for burden-sharing and financial compensation for a continued US role in security across the globe. Russian officials and surrogates for the Kremlin stress that the proposal seeks to capitalize on the United States’ mushrooming predicament in the Middle East but does not mean that Russia was willing to make the kind of commitment that would position it as an alternative to the US. Similarly, the nature of China’s participation in last month’s first-ever joint Chinese-Russian-Iranian naval exercise signalled that closer Chinese military ties with a host of Middle Eastern nations did not translate into Chinese aspirations for a greater role in regional security any time soon. China contributed elements of its anti-piracy fleet that were already in Somali waters to protect commercial vessels as well as peacekeeping and humanitarian relief personnel rather than combat troops. As they hedge their bets, Gulf states may want to take their time in thinking about a more multilateral security arrangement that includes but goes beyond the United States. The Gulf states’ problem is fast-moving and to some degree, unpredictable developments in the Middle East could change their calculus. That is also true for Russia and particularly China that has long maintained that its security interests in the region, based on the ability to freeride on the US defence umbrella, were best served by mutually beneficial economic and trade relations. Increasingly that approach could prove unsustainable. Said Jiang Xudong, a Middle East scholar at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences: “Economic investment will not solve all other problems when there are religious and ethnic conflicts.” Xudong could just as well have included power struggles and regional rivalries in his analysis. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Qasem Soleimani’s death opens a door to alternative security arrangements in the Gulf

Natural gas could well emerge as the litmus test of how relations among the Gulf’s energy-rich monarchies evolve if and when a Saudi-United Arab Emirates-led alliance and Qatar bury their hatchet.

It could also position Gulf states as key players in shaping the future of the energy architecture of Eurasia.

This week’s summit in Riyadh of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that groups Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain is likely to determine how close the kingdom and its allies are to lifting a 2.5-year-old diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar.

Qatari foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani suggested that secret Saudi-Qatari talks in recent weeks had “moved from a deadlock in the Gulf crisis to talks about a future vision regarding ties.” It was not immediately clear whether the UAE was equally willing to find a way out of the Gulf crisis.

The bellwether of how much progress has been made will be the level of Qatari representation at the Riyadh summit. Qatar emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has refrained from attending GCC summits since the boycott was imposed in June 2017 in a bid to force Qatar to fall in line with Saudi and UAE regional policies and effectively accept the two Gulf states’ tutelage.

An end to the boycott potentially could open the door to the creation of a regional gas network at a time that Qatar plans to increase its annual Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) production by a whopping 64 per cent to 126 million tons by 2027 and Saudi Arabia is investing up to USD$ 150 billion in becoming a major gas player.

The network would facilitate Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plans to streamline and diversify the kingdom’s economy. It would further enable Saudi Arabia to capitalize on the fact that Iran is hobbled by crippling US sanctions in its efforts to maintain its status as a key swing producer serving Eurasian markets.

Building a regional network may be easier said than done even if the Gulf states succeed in putting their debilitating dispute behind them. Healing the scars of the dispute that impacted people’s lives on both sides of the divide to the point where countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar would be willing to become dependent on one another is likely to take time.

That kind of trust didn’t exist even before the Gulf crisis. Saudi Arabia initially opposed the construction of the Dolphin gas pipeline, the region’s first cross-border gas project that links Qatar to the UAE and Oman.

Qatar continued to supply the UAE with two billion cubic feet of gas a day despite the boycott, which the Emirates would have found difficult to fully replace.

An end to the boycott would significantly enhance Saudi plans announced in early 2019 to establish a natural gas network with the UAE and Oman that eventually would extend to Kuwait, Bahrain Iraq, Jordan, Egypt and possibly Palestine.

Potential moves to enhance gas cooperation in the Gulf come as the eastern Mediterranean emerges as a potential competitor, particularly in future exports to Europe, Asia and China.

Huge gas finds in Israeli, Cypriot and Egyptian waters have seen industry eyes swivel to the Levant Basin, which, according to a 2010 estimate by the US Geological Survey, could hold as much as 122 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, the equivalent of Iraq’s reserves.

Energy experts argue that Qatari gas could significantly help Prince Mohammed rationalize Saudi Arabia’s energy market at a time that climate change is casting doubts on the sustainability of oil.

The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center estimated that Saudi Arabia burned some 900,000 barrels per day of liquid fuels for industrial use and power generation in 2017.

“Replacing this oil with natural gas could generate more than U$10 billion of additional export revenue at current market prices… Qatar is one of the cheapest ways for the kingdom to remove oil entirely from power generation,” said Andy Critchlow, head of Europe, the Middle East and Africa at S&amp;P Global Platts.

While Qatar may be willing to assist Saudi Arabia once the boycott is lifted, it is certain to ensure that it does not become dependent on gas exports to the kingdom.

Diversification of its gas exports is a pillar of Qatar’s soft power strategy that helped shield it from the effects of the boycott.

Some Qatari officials have long believed that gaining control of Qatari gas reserves was the main objective of the Saudi-UAE boycott.

As a result, Qatar is likely to be weary of plans by Saudi Arabia to become a global gas player. The kingdom holds the world’s fourth-largest gas reserves that it so far has been unable to develop.

Amin H. Nasser, CEO of Aramco, the Saudi national oil company, said earlier this year that he expected the kingdom to massively invest in the Saudi gas sector over the next ten years. Mr. Nasser envisioned gas production increasing from 14 billion standard cubic feet to 23 billion by 2030.

“We are looking to shift from only satisfying our utility industry in the kingdom, which will happen especially with the increase in renewable and nuclear to be an exporter of gas and gas products,” Mr. Nasser said.

Qatar laid down its marker a year ago when it decided to leave OPEC, the cartel of oil-exporting countries, to focus on its gas exports.

Speaking at the time, Qatari energy minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, articulated what is likely to shape the Gulf state’s policy even if the boycott is lifted.

“We are not saying we are going to get out of the oil business, but it is controlled by an organisation managed by a country,” Mr. Al-Kaabi said.

Qatar, he said, was unwilling “to put efforts and resources and time in an organisation that we are a very small player in, and I don’t have a say in what happens.”

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Natural gas could well emerge as the litmus test of how relations among the Gulf’s energy-rich monarchies evolve if and when a Saudi-United Arab Emirates-led alliance and Qatar bury their hatchet.

Natural gas could well emerge as the litmus test of how relations among the Gulf’s energy-rich monarchies evolve if and when a Saudi-United Arab Emirates-led alliance and Qatar bury their hatchet. It could also position Gulf states as key players in shaping the future of the energy architecture of Eurasia. This week’s summit in Riyadh of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that groups Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain is likely to determine how close the kingdom and its allies are to lifting a 2.5-year-old diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar. Qatari foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani suggested that secret Saudi-Qatari talks in recent weeks had “moved from a deadlock in the Gulf crisis to talks about a future vision regarding ties.” It was not immediately clear whether the UAE was equally willing to find a way out of the Gulf crisis. The bellwether of how much progress has been made will be the level of Qatari representation at the Riyadh summit. Qatar emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has refrained from attending GCC summits since the boycott was imposed in June 2017 in a bid to force Qatar to fall in line with Saudi and UAE regional policies and effectively accept the two Gulf states’ tutelage. An end to the boycott potentially could open the door to the creation of a regional gas network at a time that Qatar plans to increase its annual Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) production by a whopping 64 per cent to 126 million tons by 2027 and Saudi Arabia is investing up to USD$ 150 billion in becoming a major gas player. The network would facilitate Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plans to streamline and diversify the kingdom’s economy. It would further enable Saudi Arabia to capitalize on the fact that Iran is hobbled by crippling US sanctions in its efforts to maintain its status as a key swing producer serving Eurasian markets. Building a regional network may be easier said than done even if the Gulf states succeed in putting their debilitating dispute behind them. Healing the scars of the dispute that impacted people’s lives on both sides of the divide to the point where countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar would be willing to become dependent on one another is likely to take time. That kind of trust didn’t exist even before the Gulf crisis. Saudi Arabia initially opposed the construction of the Dolphin gas pipeline, the region’s first cross-border gas project that links Qatar to the UAE and Oman. Qatar continued to supply the UAE with two billion cubic feet of gas a day despite the boycott, which the Emirates would have found difficult to fully replace. An end to the boycott would significantly enhance Saudi plans announced in early 2019 to establish a natural gas network with the UAE and Oman that eventually would extend to Kuwait, Bahrain Iraq, Jordan, Egypt and possibly Palestine. Potential moves to enhance gas cooperation in the Gulf come as the eastern Mediterranean emerges as a potential competitor, particularly in future exports to Europe, Asia and China. Huge gas finds in Israeli, Cypriot and Egyptian waters have seen industry eyes swivel to the Levant Basin, which, according to a 2010 estimate by the US Geological Survey, could hold as much as 122 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, the equivalent of Iraq’s reserves. Energy experts argue that Qatari gas could significantly help Prince Mohammed rationalize Saudi Arabia’s energy market at a time that climate change is casting doubts on the sustainability of oil. The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center estimated that Saudi Arabia burned some 900,000 barrels per day of liquid fuels for industrial use and power generation in 2017. “Replacing this oil with natural gas could generate more than U$10 billion of additional export revenue at current market prices… Qatar is one of the cheapest ways for the kingdom to remove oil entirely from power generation,” said Andy Critchlow, head of Europe, the Middle East and Africa at S&P Global Platts. While Qatar may be willing to assist Saudi Arabia once the boycott is lifted, it is certain to ensure that it does not become dependent on gas exports to the kingdom. Diversification of its gas exports is a pillar of Qatar’s soft power strategy that helped shield it from the effects of the boycott. Some Qatari officials have long believed that gaining control of Qatari gas reserves was the main objective of the Saudi-UAE boycott. As a result, Qatar is likely to be weary of plans by Saudi Arabia to become a global gas player. The kingdom holds the world’s fourth-largest gas reserves that it so far has been unable to develop. Amin H. Nasser, CEO of Aramco, the Saudi national oil company, said earlier this year that he expected the kingdom to massively invest in the Saudi gas sector over the next ten years. Mr. Nasser envisioned gas production increasing from 14 billion standard cubic feet to 23 billion by 2030. “We are looking to shift from only satisfying our utility industry in the kingdom, which will happen especially with the increase in renewable and nuclear to be an exporter of gas and gas products,” Mr. Nasser said. Qatar laid down its marker a year ago when it decided to leave OPEC, the cartel of oil-exporting countries, to focus on its gas exports. Speaking at the time, Qatari energy minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, articulated what is likely to shape the Gulf state’s policy even if the boycott is lifted. “We are not saying we are going to get out of the oil business, but it is controlled by an organisation managed by a country,” Mr. Al-Kaabi said. Qatar, he said, was unwilling “to put efforts and resources and time in an organisation that we are a very small player in, and I don’t have a say in what happens.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Natural gas frames future Gulf relations

It was on the soccer pitch that 2022 World Cup host Qatar definitively shrugged off the UAE-Saudi-led economic and diplomatic boycott of the Gulf state as the crisis entered its third year with no prospect of resolution.

World soccer body FIFA’s abandonment of Saudi-United Arab Emirates-backed plans to expand the 2022 World Cup from 32 to 48 teams just days before the boycott’s June 5 second anniversary could not have come at a more opportune moment.

The FIFA decision came on the heels of Qatar’s unexpected winning of the Asian Cup and was followed by reports that the Gulf state’s sovereign wealth fund was negotiating the acquisition of British club Leeds United.

The acquisition would give Qatar a second top European team after Paris Saint-Germain and potentially take the soccer aspects of the rift to the English Premier League, home to UAE-owned Manchester City, at a time that soccer has emerged as a battlefield in the Gulf rift. So would a possible Saudi acquisition of Manchester United.

The soccer pitch has been one venue on which Qatar has been scoring points. Three years into the boycott, Qatar’s detractors – Saud Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt -- have failed to either force Qatar to accept demands that would have undermined its independence and sovereignty or convince the international community of the legitimacy of their approach.

On the contrary. Qatar is thriving economically, having with the help of Oman, Turkey and Iran compensated for the rupture in logistics caused by the breaking off of air links with its detractors and the closure of its only land border with Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, rather than being internationally isolated, Qatar has succeeded in deepening relations with the world’s major powers – the United States, China, Europe, Russia and India – and reinforced its position as a mediator or key player in conflicts ranging from Afghanistan to Gaza.

Ironically, Qatar has been able to turn the Gulf crisis into one of the few issues that the world’s rivalling powers agree on and fortify the cul de sac (dead end) in which its detractors find themselves. Washington, Beijing, Moscow, Brussels and Delhi all want the Gulf crisis resolved but have failed to convince Riyadh and Abu Dhabi that everyone would be best served by a resolution that allows all parties to save face even if it falls far short of the boycotters’ demands.

Those demands reflected a broader Saudi and UAE policy that aims to shape the greater Middle East, stretching from Central Asia to the Horn of Africa, in their mould and aims to force governments to tow a Saudi-UAE line that promotes autocracy, rejects political participation, opposes political Islam and violates human rights.

They boycotters demand that Qatar align its military, political, social and economic policies with those of other Gulf states, shutter its Al Jazeera television network and other Qatar-funded media outlets, end military cooperation with Turkey and close down Turkish military bases in the country.

In a rebuke of the boycotters who also demanded that Qatar revoke citizenship granted to political refugees from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain, the Gulf state, on the third anniversary of the boycott, issued the region’s first asylum law.

The law applies explicitly to human rights defenders; journalists, writers and researchers; political, religious and ethnic minority activists; and former or current officials opposed to their government’s policies who are threatened by persecution.

To be sure, Qatar’s positioning of itself as a defender of human rights has holes in it that make it look like Emmenthaler cheese. Domestically, press freedom is non-existent. The government abruptly in May closed the Doha Centre for Media Freedom after firing its first two directors for taking the organisation’s goal literal. As free-wheeling and hard-hitting as Al Jazeera can be in its regional and international reporting, as careful it is not to cover Qatar’s warts or take reporting to wherever the chips fall when it touches on Qatari interests.

It took widespread criticism for Al Jazeera to suspend two journalists and pull a recent seven-minute, Arabic language video it posted to its social media channels that claimed Jews exploit the Holocaust and that Israel is the genocide's "greatest beneficiary."

To be fair, the network said the video "contravened its editorial standards" and mandated that all staff participate in a bias and sensitivity training.

The contradiction between Qatar’s advocacy of political change everywhere but at home is rooted on the one hand in the recognition that transition is inevitable, and that Qatar is best served by being in front of the cart rather than behind it and on the other the seemingly naïve belief that the Gulf state itself can remain immune.

And that’s what explains the crisis and the boycotting alliance’s demands.

If Saudi Arabia and the UAE strive to maintain region’s autocratic status quo to the degree possible by suppressing dissent and activism and projecting military as well as soft power, Qatar’s strategy embraces degrees of change but is wholly built on soft power.

It is a strategy that is built on diversified gas sales; maintaining relations with all parties to position Qatar as a go-to-mediator; projecting the Gulf state as a global, cutting-edge sports hub; situating Qatar as a transportation hub connecting continents with a world-class airline; turning the Gulf state into a cultural hub with dazzling museums and arts acquisitions; and investing in Western blue chips and high-profile real estate.

Alongside diplomacy, economics, media and football, gas is increasingly emerging not only as a battlefield but also as a driver of the Gulf crisis. Gas may also prove to be a gauge for the timeframe that Saudi Arabia supported by the UAE has in mind and one reason why they have so far refused to contemplate unconditional negotiations and compromise.

The significance of gas was highlighted when The Wall Street Journal recently disclosed that US officials had prevented Saudi Arabia prior to the declaration of the boycott from invading the Gulf states and seizing Qatar’s operations in the world’s largest gas field.

Taking control of Qatari fields would have not only forced Qatar, the world’s largest liquified natural gas (LNG) exporter, to effectively surrender but also turned Saudi Arabia into the world’s second-biggest exporter overnight.

If gas proves to be a major driver of the rift, then recently announced Saudi plans to become a major gas player suggest that the dispute could take at least another six years, if not a decade, to resolve.

Amin Nasser, the chief executive of Saudi national oil company Aramco said during the World Economic Forum in January that he expected $150 billion to be invested in the Saudi gas sector over the next ten years. Nasser envisioned gas production increasing from 14 billion standard cubic feet to 23 billion by 2030.

Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih said in April following the disclosure of recently discovered major reserves in the Red Sea that the kingdom may achieve its goal in five to six years.

In the meantime, Saudi Arabia is pushing to become a major gas trader and marketer, primarily in the spot and short-term markets, by partnering with producers across the globe, including in the Russian Artic.

The kingdom has expressed an interest in acquiring a 30 per cent stake in Russia’s Novatek Arctic LNG project. Access to the project’s gas would allow Saudi Arabia to negotiate long-term deals and/or sell cargoes on the spot market or increase domestic supply.

Aramco agreed in May to a buy a 25 per cent stake in Sempra Energy’s Texas liquefied natural gas terminal in one of the biggest gas deals ever. The deal involves a 20-year agreement under which Saudi Arabia would buy 5 million tons of gas annually from Sempra’s Port Arthur plant, due to begin operations in 2023.

Qatar has partnered with Exxon Mobil Corp. in a $10 billion LNG plant in Texas and has plans to pour a total of US$20 billion into US oil and gas fields.

The Saudi Qatari gas rivalry is also playing out elsewhere.

An Aramco delegation visited Pakistan in April to discuss gas sales as a way of addressing the South Asian country’s energy shortage as it opens its multiple gas fields to foreign investors. Qatar responded by lowering the price of its offering in a move that appeared to give it an advantage despite the kingdom’s increasingly hefty investment in Pakistan.

The prospect that Saudi Arabia and the UAE may only be willing to seek an end to the Gulf crisis once the kingdom has secured its position as a major gas exporter would mean that their boycott of Qatar would still be in place when the Gulf state hosts the World Cup in 2022.

That, more than FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s unsuccessful ploy to persuade Qatar to agree to an expansion of the 2022 tournament from 32 to 48 teams, could prove to be a potential icebreaker.

The tournament puts Qatar’s detractors in a bind. It will be the first time that the world’s foremost mega sporting event is held in the Arab world, a soccer crazy region and even more poignantly, in the boycotting Gulf states’ backyard.

Yet, the boycott bans nationals of the boycotting states from travel to Qatar. Even if fans were to defy the boycott, they would have to go to greater expense and accept more complicated logistics because of the rupture in air and land links.

As a result, boycotting states, in a bid to cater to domestic demand and stave off potential protests, could be forced to breach their own embargo and potentially create an opportunity to put an end to the boycott.

For now, that may seem a long shot and much can change in the coming three years. But if the status quo remains unchanged, soccer could emerge as the Gulf’s best hope.

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It was on the soccer pitch that 2022 World Cup host Qatar definitively shrugged off the UAE-Saudi-led economic and diplomatic boycott of the Gulf state as the crisis entered its third year with no prospect of resolution.

It was on the soccer pitch that 2022 World Cup host Qatar definitively shrugged off the UAE-Saudi-led economic and diplomatic boycott of the Gulf state as the crisis entered its third year with no prospect of resolution. World soccer body FIFA’s abandonment of Saudi-United Arab Emirates-backed plans to expand the 2022 World Cup from 32 to 48 teams just days before the boycott’s June 5 second anniversary could not have come at a more opportune moment. The FIFA decision came on the heels of Qatar’s unexpected winning of the Asian Cup and was followed by reports that the Gulf state’s sovereign wealth fund was negotiating the acquisition of British club Leeds United. The acquisition would give Qatar a second top European team after Paris Saint-Germain and potentially take the soccer aspects of the rift to the English Premier League, home to UAE-owned Manchester City, at a time that soccer has emerged as a battlefield in the Gulf rift. So would a possible Saudi acquisition of Manchester United. The soccer pitch has been one venue on which Qatar has been scoring points. Three years into the boycott, Qatar’s detractors – Saud Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt -- have failed to either force Qatar to accept demands that would have undermined its independence and sovereignty or convince the international community of the legitimacy of their approach. On the contrary. Qatar is thriving economically, having with the help of Oman, Turkey and Iran compensated for the rupture in logistics caused by the breaking off of air links with its detractors and the closure of its only land border with Saudi Arabia. Moreover, rather than being internationally isolated, Qatar has succeeded in deepening relations with the world’s major powers – the United States, China, Europe, Russia and India – and reinforced its position as a mediator or key player in conflicts ranging from Afghanistan to Gaza. Ironically, Qatar has been able to turn the Gulf crisis into one of the few issues that the world’s rivalling powers agree on and fortify the cul de sac (dead end) in which its detractors find themselves. Washington, Beijing, Moscow, Brussels and Delhi all want the Gulf crisis resolved but have failed to convince Riyadh and Abu Dhabi that everyone would be best served by a resolution that allows all parties to save face even if it falls far short of the boycotters’ demands. Those demands reflected a broader Saudi and UAE policy that aims to shape the greater Middle East, stretching from Central Asia to the Horn of Africa, in their mould and aims to force governments to tow a Saudi-UAE line that promotes autocracy, rejects political participation, opposes political Islam and violates human rights. They boycotters demand that Qatar align its military, political, social and economic policies with those of other Gulf states, shutter its Al Jazeera television network and other Qatar-funded media outlets, end military cooperation with Turkey and close down Turkish military bases in the country. In a rebuke of the boycotters who also demanded that Qatar revoke citizenship granted to political refugees from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain, the Gulf state, on the third anniversary of the boycott, issued the region’s first asylum law. The law applies explicitly to human rights defenders; journalists, writers and researchers; political, religious and ethnic minority activists; and former or current officials opposed to their government’s policies who are threatened by persecution. To be sure, Qatar’s positioning of itself as a defender of human rights has holes in it that make it look like Emmenthaler cheese. Domestically, press freedom is non-existent. The government abruptly in May closed the Doha Centre for Media Freedom after firing its first two directors for taking the organisation’s goal literal. As free-wheeling and hard-hitting as Al Jazeera can be in its regional and international reporting, as careful it is not to cover Qatar’s warts or take reporting to wherever the chips fall when it touches on Qatari interests. It took widespread criticism for Al Jazeera to suspend two journalists and pull a recent seven-minute, Arabic language video it posted to its social media channels that claimed Jews exploit the Holocaust and that Israel is the genocide's "greatest beneficiary." To be fair, the network said the video "contravened its editorial standards" and mandated that all staff participate in a bias and sensitivity training. The contradiction between Qatar’s advocacy of political change everywhere but at home is rooted on the one hand in the recognition that transition is inevitable, and that Qatar is best served by being in front of the cart rather than behind it and on the other the seemingly naïve belief that the Gulf state itself can remain immune. And that’s what explains the crisis and the boycotting alliance’s demands. If Saudi Arabia and the UAE strive to maintain region’s autocratic status quo to the degree possible by suppressing dissent and activism and projecting military as well as soft power, Qatar’s strategy embraces degrees of change but is wholly built on soft power. It is a strategy that is built on diversified gas sales; maintaining relations with all parties to position Qatar as a go-to-mediator; projecting the Gulf state as a global, cutting-edge sports hub; situating Qatar as a transportation hub connecting continents with a world-class airline; turning the Gulf state into a cultural hub with dazzling museums and arts acquisitions; and investing in Western blue chips and high-profile real estate. Alongside diplomacy, economics, media and football, gas is increasingly emerging not only as a battlefield but also as a driver of the Gulf crisis. Gas may also prove to be a gauge for the timeframe that Saudi Arabia supported by the UAE has in mind and one reason why they have so far refused to contemplate unconditional negotiations and compromise. The significance of gas was highlighted when The Wall Street Journal recently disclosed that US officials had prevented Saudi Arabia prior to the declaration of the boycott from invading the Gulf states and seizing Qatar’s operations in the world’s largest gas field. Taking control of Qatari fields would have not only forced Qatar, the world’s largest liquified natural gas (LNG) exporter, to effectively surrender but also turned Saudi Arabia into the world’s second-biggest exporter overnight. If gas proves to be a major driver of the rift, then recently announced Saudi plans to become a major gas player suggest that the dispute could take at least another six years, if not a decade, to resolve. Amin Nasser, the chief executive of Saudi national oil company Aramco said during the World Economic Forum in January that he expected $150 billion to be invested in the Saudi gas sector over the next ten years. Nasser envisioned gas production increasing from 14 billion standard cubic feet to 23 billion by 2030. Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih said in April following the disclosure of recently discovered major reserves in the Red Sea that the kingdom may achieve its goal in five to six years. In the meantime, Saudi Arabia is pushing to become a major gas trader and marketer, primarily in the spot and short-term markets, by partnering with producers across the globe, including in the Russian Artic. The kingdom has expressed an interest in acquiring a 30 per cent stake in Russia’s Novatek Arctic LNG project. Access to the project’s gas would allow Saudi Arabia to negotiate long-term deals and/or sell cargoes on the spot market or increase domestic supply. Aramco agreed in May to a buy a 25 per cent stake in Sempra Energy’s Texas liquefied natural gas terminal in one of the biggest gas deals ever. The deal involves a 20-year agreement under which Saudi Arabia would buy 5 million tons of gas annually from Sempra’s Port Arthur plant, due to begin operations in 2023. Qatar has partnered with Exxon Mobil Corp. in a $10 billion LNG plant in Texas and has plans to pour a total of US$20 billion into US oil and gas fields. The Saudi Qatari gas rivalry is also playing out elsewhere. An Aramco delegation visited Pakistan in April to discuss gas sales as a way of addressing the South Asian country’s energy shortage as it opens its multiple gas fields to foreign investors. Qatar responded by lowering the price of its offering in a move that appeared to give it an advantage despite the kingdom’s increasingly hefty investment in Pakistan. The prospect that Saudi Arabia and the UAE may only be willing to seek an end to the Gulf crisis once the kingdom has secured its position as a major gas exporter would mean that their boycott of Qatar would still be in place when the Gulf state hosts the World Cup in 2022. That, more than FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s unsuccessful ploy to persuade Qatar to agree to an expansion of the 2022 tournament from 32 to 48 teams, could prove to be a potential icebreaker. The tournament puts Qatar’s detractors in a bind. It will be the first time that the world’s foremost mega sporting event is held in the Arab world, a soccer crazy region and even more poignantly, in the boycotting Gulf states’ backyard. Yet, the boycott bans nationals of the boycotting states from travel to Qatar. Even if fans were to defy the boycott, they would have to go to greater expense and accept more complicated logistics because of the rupture in air and land links. As a result, boycotting states, in a bid to cater to domestic demand and stave off potential protests, could be forced to breach their own embargo and potentially create an opportunity to put an end to the boycott. For now, that may seem a long shot and much can change in the coming three years. But if the status quo remains unchanged, soccer could emerge as the Gulf’s best hope. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Soccer emerges as a potential icebreaker in the Gulf crisis

Iran is ready to engage in a dialogue with the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to address the issue of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-does-not-presently-believe-in-mediation-with-us-plays-down-chances-of-a-military-clash-222345">escalating tensions with the United States</a> in the Arabian Gulf, authorities said on Tuesday.

The remarks by Abbas Araqchi, Iran`s deputy foreign minister came on his visit to Qatar where he met foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha.

Qatar`s foreign ministry, in a statement cited by Al Jazeera, said both sides "expressed their concern about escalations and problems in the region."

Tensions have risen between Iran, on one side, along with the US and its Gulf allies, on the other.&nbsp;

Washington, earlier this month, deployed a carrier strike group and bombers in the Arabian Gulf and announced plans to deploy additional 1,500 troops to the region, prompting fears of a conflict.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump`s National Security Adviser John Bolton arrived in the UAE on Tuesday before talks scheduled for Wednesday.

"Just landed in the UAE. Looking forward to meeting with our Emirati allies tomorrow to discuss important and timely regional security matters," Bolton tweeted.

A war of words between Iran and the US escalated after Tehran-backed Houthis of Yemen launched armed drone attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf region this month.&nbsp;

Washington blamed the attacks on Iran, which, however, denied the accusations.

Last week, Bolton said that the US had "deep and serious" intelligence on threats posed by Iran, but did not provide details.

Iran`s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif earlier hit out at the US after Trump said Washington was not looking for regime change in Iran but was only interested in preventing it from obtaining nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

Iran is ready to engage in a dialogue with the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to address the issue of escalating tensions with the United States in the Arabian Gulf, authorities said on Tuesday.

Iran is ready to engage in a dialogue with the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to address the issue of escalating tensions with the United States in the Arabian Gulf, authorities said on Tuesday. The remarks by Abbas Araqchi, Iran`s deputy foreign minister came on his visit to Qatar where he met foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha. Qatar`s foreign ministry, in a statement cited by Al Jazeera, said both sides "expressed their concern about escalations and problems in the region." Tensions have risen between Iran, on one side, along with the US and its Gulf allies, on the other. Washington, earlier this month, deployed a carrier strike group and bombers in the Arabian Gulf and announced plans to deploy additional 1,500 troops to the region, prompting fears of a conflict. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump`s National Security Adviser John Bolton arrived in the UAE on Tuesday before talks scheduled for Wednesday. "Just landed in the UAE. Looking forward to meeting with our Emirati allies tomorrow to discuss important and timely regional security matters," Bolton tweeted. A war of words between Iran and the US escalated after Tehran-backed Houthis of Yemen launched armed drone attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf region this month. Washington blamed the attacks on Iran, which, however, denied the accusations. Last week, Bolton said that the US had "deep and serious" intelligence on threats posed by Iran, but did not provide details. Iran`s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif earlier hit out at the US after Trump said Washington was not looking for regime change in Iran but was only interested in preventing it from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Iran ready to talk to Gulf countries amid tension with US

It is paradoxical that while the Arab world cried for democracy during the Arab Spring, the Algerian street was silent. Today the street of Algeria erupted again with a consequence that its incumbent President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, had to forego his claim for Presidency for a fifth term.

For the past several weeks, thousands of Algerians took to the streets after President Bouteflika announced his decision to run in April’s presidential elections despite his serious health conditions caused by a stroke in 2013. Bouteflika took to power in 1999 after presidential elections in which he was the only running candidate. The outrage among citizens is the result of increasing unemployment, inequality, precarious work conditions, inflation, deteriorating social and economic conditions etc. Among the protestors are mostly youth, teachers, workers, students etc.&nbsp;

The fall of Bouteflika symbolises the continuity of fall of many dictators during Arab Spring: Ben Ali of Tunisia, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, Muammar Gaddafi Libya, Saleh of Yemen. &nbsp;

Does this mean that eruption of Algerian street is likely to galvanize streets of another Arab world in the direction of democratic reforms? While it’s true that all regimes in the Arab world including the Gulf regimes have learnt the democratic lesson of Arab spring and accordingly introduced some cosmetic democratic reforms in their respective countries. 
 
However, this democratic tokenism is unable to fulfil the aspiration of social media savvy Arab youth. Therefore, in hindsight, it appears that Algerian protests are likely to push qualitative democratic reforms in the Arab countries. However, much will depend on the nature of the crisis of legitimacy of Arab states as well as a decline in the Sunni Shia narratives of conflict in West Asia.&nbsp;

Notwithstanding the uncertainty over democratic transition in view of what is considered a&nbsp;failure of Arab spring, the protesting street of Algeria has expanded the life of “Arab spring” and put a question mark on what is called as “Arab winter”? Algeria since early 1990’s has undergone many ups and downs including the most intense civil war between 1990 and 2001 at the same time it has been one of the most progressive nations of Arab world. Historically, Algeria symbolises the most potent face of anti-imperialism, people’s struggle against the regime and therefore, the current ongoing protest has potential to recenter agenda of equality and democracy not only with Algeria but in the wider Arab world.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
 
 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is paradoxical that while the Arab world cried for democracy during the Arab Spring, the Algerian street was silent. Today the street of Algeria erupted again with a consequence that its incumbent President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, had to forego his claim for Presidency for a fifth term.

It is paradoxical that while the Arab world cried for democracy during the Arab Spring, the Algerian street was silent. Today the street of Algeria erupted again with a consequence that its incumbent President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, had to forego his claim for Presidency for a fifth term. For the past several weeks, thousands of Algerians took to the streets after President Bouteflika announced his decision to run in April’s presidential elections despite his serious health conditions caused by a stroke in 2013. Bouteflika took to power in 1999 after presidential elections in which he was the only running candidate. The outrage among citizens is the result of increasing unemployment, inequality, precarious work conditions, inflation, deteriorating social and economic conditions etc. Among the protestors are mostly youth, teachers, workers, students etc. The fall of Bouteflika symbolises the continuity of fall of many dictators during Arab Spring: Ben Ali of Tunisia, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, Muammar Gaddafi Libya, Saleh of Yemen. Does this mean that eruption of Algerian street is likely to galvanize streets of another Arab world in the direction of democratic reforms? While it’s true that all regimes in the Arab world including the Gulf regimes have learnt the democratic lesson of Arab spring and accordingly introduced some cosmetic democratic reforms in their respective countries. However, this democratic tokenism is unable to fulfil the aspiration of social media savvy Arab youth. Therefore, in hindsight, it appears that Algerian protests are likely to push qualitative democratic reforms in the Arab countries. However, much will depend on the nature of the crisis of legitimacy of Arab states as well as a decline in the Sunni Shia narratives of conflict in West Asia. Notwithstanding the uncertainty over democratic transition in view of what is considered a failure of Arab spring, the protesting street of Algeria has expanded the life of “Arab spring” and put a question mark on what is called as “Arab winter”? Algeria since early 1990’s has undergone many ups and downs including the most intense civil war between 1990 and 2001 at the same time it has been one of the most progressive nations of Arab world. Historically, Algeria symbolises the most potent face of anti-imperialism, people’s struggle against the regime and therefore, the current ongoing protest has potential to recenter agenda of equality and democracy not only with Algeria but in the wider Arab world. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Algerian Spring: Will it change the Arab course?

The current spat between Qatar and the three Gulf countries, Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt (the latter does not form a part of the Gulf States) has brought Qatar in the limelight regarding Islamic extremism, terrorism, and funding terrorist groups. Qatar has however denied these allegations. There are a few facts about Qatar the world does not know.

1. GDP and economic sectors 
Qatar has the world&#39;s highest GDP per capita i.e. $129,726. Since Qatar is largely dependent on oil and gas revenue, fluctuations in oil prices result in a dampened outlook.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, growth in manufacturing, construction&nbsp;and financial services have lifted the non-oil sectors to just over half of Qatar&rsquo;s nominal GDP.&nbsp;

2. Population 
According to an independent survey conducted by Priya DSouza Consultancy, only 12.10 per cent of the population of Qatar is formed by the Qatari nationals, 88 per cent of the population is immigrants, chief among who are Indians. Indians alone comprise 25 per cent of the total population.

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Only 12.10 per cent of the population of Qatar is formed by the Qatari nationals, rest 88 per cent is immigrants (WION Web Team)
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In fact, Qataris have been a minority in their own country for a long time. In 1970, the Qatari population was 40 per cent, and as we can see in the graphic below, it has been on a steady decline since.&nbsp;

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In 1970, the Qatari population was 40 per cent (WION Web Team)
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3. Heavy subsidies

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The Qatari government provides free health care, education and electricity, as well as guaranteed access to high-paying jobs in the public sector (AFP)
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The Qatari government provides free health care, education and electricity, as well as guaranteed access to high-paying jobs in the public sector, subsidised fuel, interest-free housing loans and stipends for education abroad.&nbsp;

However, not all immigrants enjoy&nbsp;these privileges, such as the daily labourers whose living conditions are&nbsp;nowhere close that of a Qatari national.&nbsp;

4. Emir Family

EMIR means the person who gives orders. It was the name of any group leader and over the years it has become the name of the governor or the sons of the&nbsp;governor.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is the eighth and current Emir of Qatar. He is the fourth son of the previous Emir, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.&nbsp;The Al-Thani family is the&nbsp;descendant of the ancient Tamim tribe of central Arabia who&nbsp;arrived in the Arabian Peninsula in the mid-18th century.&nbsp;

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Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is the eighth and current Emir of Qatar. He is the fourth son of the previous Emir, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. (AFP)
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Education

The current Emir, Sheikh Tamim studied in&nbsp;Britain&rsquo;s Sherborne School (International College) in 1997. He then attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, graduating in 1998. In 2005, Sheikh Tamim founded Qatar Sport Investments, which owns Paris Saint-Germain FC among other investments. In 2006, he chaired the organising committee of the 15th Asian Games in Doha.

His mother Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned is the second of three wives of The Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Marhaba reports that she serves as Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), a private non-profit organisation founded in 1995. Sheikha Mozah is the driving force behind Education City and Al Jazeera Children&rsquo;s Channel.

5. Al-Jazeera

Al-Jazeera is the influential pan-Arab and international TV broadcaster, which is owned by the government (that comprises largely of the Emir family) and has raised Qatar&#39;s media profile, reported BBC in June 2017. It can be outspoken on subjects deemed as sensitive in the region but avoids criticism of Qatar and its Gulf allies, specifically Saudi Arabia. It has faced curbs in several Arab countries where it has ruffled feathers.

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Al-Jazeera is the influential pan-Arab and international TV broadcaster owned by the government (Zee News Network)
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There is little or no critical reporting of domestic or foreign policy affairs. The government also filters the material available to the 2.2 million people online in the country, blocking material deemed offensive to Islam, pornographic content and online privacy resources.

6. Tourism 
Qatar government has been increasingly showing interest in tourism. Doha is a world class city in the making, and with 2022 FIFA World Cup coming to the country, infrastructure is being set up to attract tourists. Using the internet expansively, the commercial bank of Qatar has reached out to the world with its website lifeinqatar.com. Similar efforts have been done by the tourism department independently of the bank, in form of visitqatar.qa.

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Qatar government has been increasingly showing interest in tourism. Doha is a world class city in making (AFP)
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7. Status of Women in Society

Women in Qatar lead fairly liberal lives in comparison to other Muslim states. Women don&rsquo;t need to wear the Abaya (a long black robe which covers the clothes worn underneath) or Hijab (head scarf). The general rule is that when in public a woman&#39;s clothing should cover the shoulders, upper arms and knees. Women have access to schooling and employment and have the right to drive and travel outside the country. Education is considered to be empowering in Qatar.&nbsp;

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Women in Qatar lead fairly liberal lives in comparison to other Muslim states. (AFP)
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To provide women with more access to public services, some department stores, malls, parks, and museums designate &quot;family days&quot; during which men are allowed entry only if they accompany their families.&nbsp;

(Complied by Deepali Mittal)

There are a few facts about Qatar the world does not know

The current spat between Qatar and the three Gulf countries, Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt (the latter does not form a part of the Gulf States) has brought Qatar in the limelight regarding Islamic extremism, terrorism, and funding terrorist groups. Qatar has however denied these allegations. There are a few facts about Qatar the world does not know. 1. GDP and economic sectors Qatar has the world's highest GDP per capita i.e. $129,726. Since Qatar is largely dependent on oil and gas revenue, fluctuations in oil prices result in a dampened outlook. Nonetheless, growth in manufacturing, construction and financial services have lifted the non-oil sectors to just over half of Qatar’s nominal GDP. 2. Population According to an independent survey conducted by Priya DSouza Consultancy, only 12.10 per cent of the population of Qatar is formed by the Qatari nationals, 88 per cent of the population is immigrants, chief among who are Indians. Indians alone comprise 25 per cent of the total population. Only 12.10 per cent of the population of Qatar is formed by the Qatari nationals, rest 88 per cent is immigrants (WION Web Team) × In fact, Qataris have been a minority in their own country for a long time. In 1970, the Qatari population was 40 per cent, and as we can see in the graphic below, it has been on a steady decline since. In 1970, the Qatari population was 40 per cent (WION Web Team) × 3. Heavy subsidies The Qatari government provides free health care, education and electricity, as well as guaranteed access to high-paying jobs in the public sector (AFP) × The Qatari government provides free health care, education and electricity, as well as guaranteed access to high-paying jobs in the public sector, subsidised fuel, interest-free housing loans and stipends for education abroad. However, not all immigrants enjoy these privileges, such as the daily labourers whose living conditions are nowhere close that of a Qatari national. 4. Emir Family EMIR means the person who gives orders. It was the name of any group leader and over the years it has become the name of the governor or the sons of the governor. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is the eighth and current Emir of Qatar. He is the fourth son of the previous Emir, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The Al-Thani family is the descendant of the ancient Tamim tribe of central Arabia who arrived in the Arabian Peninsula in the mid-18th century. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is the eighth and current Emir of Qatar. He is the fourth son of the previous Emir, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. (AFP) × Education The current Emir, Sheikh Tamim studied in Britain’s Sherborne School (International College) in 1997. He then attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, graduating in 1998. In 2005, Sheikh Tamim founded Qatar Sport Investments, which owns Paris Saint-Germain FC among other investments. In 2006, he chaired the organising committee of the 15th Asian Games in Doha. His mother Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned is the second of three wives of The Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Marhaba reports that she serves as Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), a private non-profit organisation founded in 1995. Sheikha Mozah is the driving force behind Education City and Al Jazeera Children’s Channel. 5. Al-Jazeera Al-Jazeera is the influential pan-Arab and international TV broadcaster, which is owned by the government (that comprises largely of the Emir family) and has raised Qatar's media profile, reported BBC in June 2017. It can be outspoken on subjects deemed as sensitive in the region but avoids criticism of Qatar and its Gulf allies, specifically Saudi Arabia. It has faced curbs in several Arab countries where it has ruffled feathers. Al-Jazeera is the influential pan-Arab and international TV broadcaster owned by the government (Zee News Network) × There is little or no critical reporting of domestic or foreign policy affairs. The government also filters the material available to the 2.2 million people online in the country, blocking material deemed offensive to Islam, pornographic content and online privacy resources. 6. Tourism Qatar government has been increasingly showing interest in tourism. Doha is a world class city in the making, and with 2022 FIFA World Cup coming to the country, infrastructure is being set up to attract tourists. Using the internet expansively, the commercial bank of Qatar has reached out to the world with its website lifeinqatar.com. Similar efforts have been done by the tourism department independently of the bank, in form of visitqatar.qa. Qatar government has been increasingly showing interest in tourism. Doha is a world class city in making (AFP) × 7. Status of Women in Society Women in Qatar lead fairly liberal lives in comparison to other Muslim states. Women don’t need to wear the Abaya (a long black robe which covers the clothes worn underneath) or Hijab (head scarf). The general rule is that when in public a woman's clothing should cover the shoulders, upper arms and knees. Women have access to schooling and employment and have the right to drive and travel outside the country. Education is considered to be empowering in Qatar. Women in Qatar lead fairly liberal lives in comparison to other Muslim states. (AFP) × To provide women with more access to public services, some department stores, malls, parks, and museums designate "family days" during which men are allowed entry only if they accompany their families. (Complied by Deepali Mittal)

Qatar: A giant with world's highest GDP

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