Saudi Arabia will enforce a countrywide 24-hour curfew during the five-day Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday later this month to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.

The curfew will apply from May 23 - May 27 following the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Until then, commercial and business enterprises will remain open as they now are and people can move freely between 9 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) and 5 p.m., except in Mecca which remains under a full curfew, a statement published by state news agency SPA said.

Saudi Arabia had earlier imposed 24-hour curfews on most towns and cities but eased them for the start of Ramzan.

The kingdom has so far recorded 42,925 cases and 264 deaths.

Saudi Arabia will enforce a countrywide 24-hour curfew during the five-day Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday later this month to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia will enforce a countrywide 24-hour curfew during the five-day Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday later this month to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. The curfew will apply from May 23 - May 27 following the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Until then, commercial and business enterprises will remain open as they now are and people can move freely between 9 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) and 5 p.m., except in Mecca which remains under a full curfew, a statement published by state news agency SPA said. Saudi Arabia had earlier imposed 24-hour curfews on most towns and cities but eased them for the start of Ramzan. The kingdom has so far recorded 42,925 cases and 264 deaths.

Saudi Arabia to enforce 24-hour curfew during the five-day Eid al-Fitr holiday

One thing is certain, the recent US military pullback from Saudi Arabia will fuel a brewing arms race in the Middle East at a time when the region, struggling with the public health and devastating economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, can least afford it. It’s a financially costly race that neither Saudi Arabia nor Iran can really afford in an era of economic meltdown.

Saudi Arabia is likely to see the withdrawal, despite a seemingly reassuring phone call between Saudi King Salman and President Donald Trump, as further evidence that it cannot fully rely, for its defence, on the United States.

The drawdown involves two US Patriot anti-missile systems that were sent to the kingdom last year to bolster its defences in the wake of alleged Iranian watershed attacks on Saudi oil facilities and oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

The withdrawal came on the heels of the successful launch of Iran’s first military reconnaissance satellite that not only catapulted the Islamic Republic into an elite group of about a dozen countries capable of orbital launches but also signalled its capabilities despite crippling US economic sanctions and a public healthcare crisis.

The satellite “Will play a role in identification missions and in providing strategic assistance to the armed forces in identification, communication, and navigation missions. We must use these satellites and provide services to the armed forces,” said Iranian General Ali Jafarabadi, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ space division.

Iran hawks in the United States and Israel worry that the satellite will enhance the Islamic Republic’s ballistic missile capability, a pillar of its defence strategy, as well as the ability of Hezbollah, the pro-Iranian Shiite militia in Lebanon, to convert its rocket and GPS-guided weapons stockpile into smart munitions.

The Trump administration’s drawdown decision was announced amid estimates that Iran’s gradual backing away from a 2015 international agreement – that curbed its nuclear program in response to a US withdrawal from the accord in 2018, had cut in half the time it would need to produce enough weapons-grade fuel to build a nuclear weapon.

The risk of an arms race was explicit in Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s warning at the time that Trump was gearing up to withdraw from the nuclear agreement that “Without a doubt, if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible.”

A report last week by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) suggested that talks with the kingdom on US help to create a Saudi civil nuclear program had stalled because of Saudi reluctance to agree to enrichment and reprocessing restrictions and signing of an Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which would allow IAEA to obtain expanded information about Saudi nuclear activities and grant it access to facilities.

The development of the local defence industry is a pillar of Prince Mohammed’s troubled Vision 2030 plan designed to streamline and diversify the Saudi economy that has been thrown into doubt by the global economic depression. The kingdom this week tripled sales taxes from five to 15 per cent and suspended cost-of-living allowances for government employees to cope with a fiscal crunch.

Anthony Cordesman, a Washington-based Gulf military analyst, warned that the Saudi plan to build a defence industry was not the best way to diversify the kingdom’s economy even if it would create some jobs and boost its technology sector.

There is “Virtually no way to waste money more effectively than trying to create an effective technology base or fund a weapons assembly effort in an area of industry and technology which is so demanding, offers so few real-world benefits in job creation, and where there often is so little ability to use the technology needed for specific weapons or purposes – particularly civil ones,” Cordesman said.

“Such an effort would involve other problems— the domestic needs for such weapons is limited and Saudi Arabia would likely be unable to compete in selling these weapons on the international market,” Cordesman went on to say.

Iran’s satellite launch is the latest building block in an arms race that Iran, like the UAE, is ironically better placed than Saudi Arabia to compete in given its already existing defence industry and more diversified industrial base.

Ballistic missiles and drones are other building blocks.

Satellite images revealed last year that Saudi Arabia had a facility deep in the Saudi desert designed to test and possibly manufacture ballistic missiles that potentially would be capable of delivering nuclear warheads to targets thousands of kilometres from their launch point. The facility is believed to be intended to counter Iran’s far advanced ballistic missile program.

The kingdom is similarly set to begin next year producing military drones that would match Iran’s bomb-carrying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that reportedly have a range of 1,500 kilometres.

China agreed in 2017 to build a facility in Saudi Arabia to produce UAVs, the People’s Republic’s first overseas military manufacturing site.

“The Middle East has become a drone warfare theatre,” said Alessandro Arduino, a drone warfare researcher at Singapore’s Middle East Institute. “Their deployment has ushered in a new era of post-coronavirus deterrence and turned conventional military doctrine on its head. From Yemen to Libya and Syria, warring parties resist calls for a truce, emboldened by the role of armed UAVs.”

The reality on the ground, however, is neither of these countries can presently afford the extraordinary financial and technological cost of such militaristic endeavours when their economies are battered by a far-reaching global depression, a collapse of oil prices, and a health pandemic. Iran, moreover, is struggling to grope with US sanctions while Saudi Arabia faces painful fiscal problems and structural reforms.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

(First Published on InsideArabia) 
&nbsp;

One thing is certain, the recent US military pullback from Saudi Arabia will fuel a brewing arms race in the Middle East at a time when the region, struggling with the public health and devastating economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, can least afford it.

One thing is certain, the recent US military pullback from Saudi Arabia will fuel a brewing arms race in the Middle East at a time when the region, struggling with the public health and devastating economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, can least afford it. It’s a financially costly race that neither Saudi Arabia nor Iran can really afford in an era of economic meltdown. Saudi Arabia is likely to see the withdrawal, despite a seemingly reassuring phone call between Saudi King Salman and President Donald Trump, as further evidence that it cannot fully rely, for its defence, on the United States. The drawdown involves two US Patriot anti-missile systems that were sent to the kingdom last year to bolster its defences in the wake of alleged Iranian watershed attacks on Saudi oil facilities and oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. The withdrawal came on the heels of the successful launch of Iran’s first military reconnaissance satellite that not only catapulted the Islamic Republic into an elite group of about a dozen countries capable of orbital launches but also signalled its capabilities despite crippling US economic sanctions and a public healthcare crisis. The satellite “Will play a role in identification missions and in providing strategic assistance to the armed forces in identification, communication, and navigation missions. We must use these satellites and provide services to the armed forces,” said Iranian General Ali Jafarabadi, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ space division. Iran hawks in the United States and Israel worry that the satellite will enhance the Islamic Republic’s ballistic missile capability, a pillar of its defence strategy, as well as the ability of Hezbollah, the pro-Iranian Shiite militia in Lebanon, to convert its rocket and GPS-guided weapons stockpile into smart munitions. The Trump administration’s drawdown decision was announced amid estimates that Iran’s gradual backing away from a 2015 international agreement – that curbed its nuclear program in response to a US withdrawal from the accord in 2018, had cut in half the time it would need to produce enough weapons-grade fuel to build a nuclear weapon. The risk of an arms race was explicit in Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s warning at the time that Trump was gearing up to withdraw from the nuclear agreement that “Without a doubt, if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible.” A report last week by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) suggested that talks with the kingdom on US help to create a Saudi civil nuclear program had stalled because of Saudi reluctance to agree to enrichment and reprocessing restrictions and signing of an Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which would allow IAEA to obtain expanded information about Saudi nuclear activities and grant it access to facilities. The development of the local defence industry is a pillar of Prince Mohammed’s troubled Vision 2030 plan designed to streamline and diversify the Saudi economy that has been thrown into doubt by the global economic depression. The kingdom this week tripled sales taxes from five to 15 per cent and suspended cost-of-living allowances for government employees to cope with a fiscal crunch. Anthony Cordesman, a Washington-based Gulf military analyst, warned that the Saudi plan to build a defence industry was not the best way to diversify the kingdom’s economy even if it would create some jobs and boost its technology sector. There is “Virtually no way to waste money more effectively than trying to create an effective technology base or fund a weapons assembly effort in an area of industry and technology which is so demanding, offers so few real-world benefits in job creation, and where there often is so little ability to use the technology needed for specific weapons or purposes – particularly civil ones,” Cordesman said. “Such an effort would involve other problems— the domestic needs for such weapons is limited and Saudi Arabia would likely be unable to compete in selling these weapons on the international market,” Cordesman went on to say. Iran’s satellite launch is the latest building block in an arms race that Iran, like the UAE, is ironically better placed than Saudi Arabia to compete in given its already existing defence industry and more diversified industrial base. Ballistic missiles and drones are other building blocks. Satellite images revealed last year that Saudi Arabia had a facility deep in the Saudi desert designed to test and possibly manufacture ballistic missiles that potentially would be capable of delivering nuclear warheads to targets thousands of kilometres from their launch point. The facility is believed to be intended to counter Iran’s far advanced ballistic missile program. The kingdom is similarly set to begin next year producing military drones that would match Iran’s bomb-carrying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that reportedly have a range of 1,500 kilometres. China agreed in 2017 to build a facility in Saudi Arabia to produce UAVs, the People’s Republic’s first overseas military manufacturing site. “The Middle East has become a drone warfare theatre,” said Alessandro Arduino, a drone warfare researcher at Singapore’s Middle East Institute. “Their deployment has ushered in a new era of post-coronavirus deterrence and turned conventional military doctrine on its head. From Yemen to Libya and Syria, warring parties resist calls for a truce, emboldened by the role of armed UAVs.” The reality on the ground, however, is neither of these countries can presently afford the extraordinary financial and technological cost of such militaristic endeavours when their economies are battered by a far-reaching global depression, a collapse of oil prices, and a health pandemic. Iran, moreover, is struggling to grope with US sanctions while Saudi Arabia faces painful fiscal problems and structural reforms. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) (First Published on InsideArabia)

US military drawdown in Saudi Arabia threatens to fuel arms race

Saudi Arabian state oil giant Aramco on Tuesday reported a 25% fall in first-quarter net profit

Saudi Aramco Q1 net profit slides 25% as oil prices fall

Saudi Arabia on Monday announced a slew of austerity measures as the country grapples with the combination of low oil prices and the COVID-19 impact on the world economy.

Saudi Arabia triples VAT, cuts state allowances amid pandemic

Saudi Arabia will triple its value added tax rate and suspend a cost of living allowance for state workers, it said on Monday, seeking to shield finances hit by low oil prices and a slump in demand for its lifeline export worsened by the new coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia will triple its value added tax rate and suspend a cost of living allowance for state workers, it said on Monday, seeking to shield finances hit by low oil prices and a slump in demand for its lifeline export worsened by the new coronavirus. Historic oil output cuts agreed by Riyadh and other major producers have given only limited support to prices after they sank on oversupply caused by a war for petroleum market share between the kingdom and its fellow oil titan Russia. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, is also being hit hard by measures to fight the new coronavirus, which are likely to curb the pace and scale of economic reforms launched by Crown Price Mohammed bin Salman. "The cost of living allowance will be suspended as of June 1, and the value added tax will be increased to 15% from 5% as of July 1," Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan said in a statement reported by the state news agency. "These measures are painful but necessary to maintain financial and economic stability over the medium to long term...and to overcome the unprecedented coronavirus crisis with the least damage possible." The austerity measures come after the kingdom posted a $9 billion budget deficit in the first quarter. The minister said non-oil revenues were affected by the suspension and decline in economic activity, while spending had risen due to unplanned strains on the healthcare sector and the initiatives taken to support the economy. "All these challenges have cut state revenues, pressured public finances to a level that is hard to deal with going forward without affecting the overall economy in the medium to long term, which requires more spending cuts and measures to support non-oil revenues stability," he added. The government has cancelled and put on hold some operating and capital expenditures for some government agencies, and cut allocations for some reform initiatives and projects worth a total 100 billion riyals ($26.6 billion), the statement said. Central bank foreign reserves fell in March at their fastest rate in at least 20 years and to their lowest since 2011, while oil revenues in the first three months of the year fell 24% from a year earlier to $34 billion, pulling total revenues down 22%. "The reforms are positive from a fiscal side as greater adjustment is essential. However, the tripling of VAT is unlikely to help that much in 2020 revenue wise with the expected fall in consumption," said Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. She said she kept unchanged her deficit forecast of 16.3% of GDP for this year, which already factors in a greater than previously announced spending cut. About 1.5 million Saudis are employed in the government sector, according to official figures released in December. In 2018, Saudi Arabia's King Salman ordered a monthly payment of 1,000 riyals ($267) to every state employee to compensate them for the rising living costs after the government hiked domestic gas prices and introduced value-added tax.

Saudi triples VAT rate in austerity drive against oil slump, virus

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-bharat-india-kicks-off-biggest-repatriation-mission-amid-covid-19-crisis-297087">coronavirus</a> pandemic has seen a major shift in public sentiment, and it looks like trust in governments around the world is at an all-time high.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-covid-19-pandemic-china-wages-silent-war-in-international-waters-297079">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid COVID-19 pandemic, China wages 'silent war' in international waters</a>

According to the consultancy Edelman’s Trust Barometer report, individuals have started putting more trust in their government than any other institution for the first time in 20 years.

Governments are now more trusted than businesses, non-profits and the media. It was the only institution trusted by more than 62 per cent&nbsp;of the population.

Edelman has surveyed more than 13,000 people in 11 countries including the U., U., India and China.. The latest report contrasts with their January survey.

The January survey showed businesses as the most trusted institution while government and media tied as the least trusted. As per the new results, &nbsp;trust in government jumped nearly 11 per cent from 54 per cent&nbsp;in January to 65 per cent&nbsp;in April.

Public trust in government was highest in China, India and Saudi Arabia. In India, there has been a 6 per cent&nbsp;rise in people's trust in the government.

The countries where the trust was found lowest are France, the US and Japan.

The countries which witnessed a massive shift in public's trust were the UK, Canada, Germany and South Korea. These countries witnessed a double digit rise in public trust.

In the United States, 46 per cent respondents said that they trusted the federal government. While 66 per cent&nbsp;said they had trust in local or state government. Globally, a large majority of people even said that they wanted government to lead in multiple areas of the pandemic response. This includes containing the pandemic, informing the public and providing economic relief.

Since 2011, mistrust in governments has been on a rise. For the first time in years, the public is relying on the government to protect them in a manner not seen since World War II.

This kind of rise of trust is a classic example of what experts call "rallying around the flag".

The report seems to indicate that people trust strong and decisive leadership - may be even leaning towards authoritarianism. However, this could end up to be a dangerous precedent for the world.

The coronavirus pandemic has seen a major shift in public sentiment, and it looks like trust in governments around the world is at an all-time high. Also Read: Amid COVID-19 pandemic, China wages 'silent war' in international waters According to the consultancy Edelman’s Trust Barometer report, individuals have started putting more trust in their government than any other institution for the first time in 20 years.

The coronavirus pandemic has seen a major shift in public sentiment, and it looks like trust in governments around the world is at an all-time high. Also Read: Amid COVID-19 pandemic, China wages 'silent war' in international waters According to the consultancy Edelman’s Trust Barometer report, individuals have started putting more trust in their government than any other institution for the first time in 20 years. Governments are now more trusted than businesses, non-profits and the media. It was the only institution trusted by more than 62 per cent of the population. Edelman has surveyed more than 13,000 people in 11 countries including the U., U., India and China.. The latest report contrasts with their January survey. The January survey showed businesses as the most trusted institution while government and media tied as the least trusted. As per the new results, trust in government jumped nearly 11 per cent from 54 per cent in January to 65 per cent in April. Public trust in government was highest in China, India and Saudi Arabia. In India, there has been a 6 per cent rise in people's trust in the government. The countries where the trust was found lowest are France, the US and Japan. The countries which witnessed a massive shift in public's trust were the UK, Canada, Germany and South Korea. These countries witnessed a double digit rise in public trust. In the United States, 46 per cent respondents said that they trusted the federal government. While 66 per cent said they had trust in local or state government. Globally, a large majority of people even said that they wanted government to lead in multiple areas of the pandemic response. This includes containing the pandemic, informing the public and providing economic relief. Since 2011, mistrust in governments has been on a rise. For the first time in years, the public is relying on the government to protect them in a manner not seen since World War II. This kind of rise of trust is a classic example of what experts call "rallying around the flag". The report seems to indicate that people trust strong and decisive leadership - may be even leaning towards authoritarianism. However, this could end up to be a dangerous precedent for the world.

Trust in governments rise amid coronavirus outbreak: Study

COVID-19 has shattered many world-class economies and the worst hit are oil exporters. Saudi Arabia's foreign exchange reserves are depleting at the fastest rate. Watch report.

Saudi's reserves fall in fastest in 20 years | Forex reserves at a 9-year low

At least 17 Indians have died in Saudi Arabia due to coronavirus COVID-19, even as the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and taking all the requisite measures to ensure the welfare of Indian citizens.&nbsp;

As per information available with the Embassy as of April 30, 17 Indian nationals, 4 from Kerala, 3 from UP, 3 from Bihar and 2 from Telangana have died.

According to the officials, Indian Mission in Saudi Arabia is in process of working out the modalities of the evacuation of stranded Indians in line with the directions of the Government of India.

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Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia who seek repatriation to India may kindly fill the form in the following link: <a href="https://t.co/K5Hbmr4cFP">https://t.co/K5Hbmr4cFP</a> 
 
It is stated that the purpose is only to collect data and no decision has been taken yet regarding resumption of flights to India.
— India in SaudiArabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbRiyadh/status/1255562817316454401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In Saudi Arabia, the death toll reached 157 with five additional fatalities, according to the country's Health Ministry. The Kingdom has recorded 1,266 new cases of COVID-19.&nbsp;

The number of cases increased to 21,402 and the number of recoveries reached 2,953.

At least 17 Indians have died in Saudi Arabia due to coronavirus COVID-19, even as the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and taking all the requisite measures to ensure the welfare of Indian citizens.

At least 17 Indians have died in Saudi Arabia due to coronavirus COVID-19, even as the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and taking all the requisite measures to ensure the welfare of Indian citizens. As per information available with the Embassy as of April 30, 17 Indian nationals, 4 from Kerala, 3 from UP, 3 from Bihar and 2 from Telangana have died. According to the officials, Indian Mission in Saudi Arabia is in process of working out the modalities of the evacuation of stranded Indians in line with the directions of the Government of India. Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia who seek repatriation to India may kindly fill the form in the following link: https://t.co/K5Hbmr4cFP It is stated that the purpose is only to collect data and no decision has been taken yet regarding resumption of flights to India. — India in SaudiArabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) April 29, 2020 × In Saudi Arabia, the death toll reached 157 with five additional fatalities, according to the country's Health Ministry. The Kingdom has recorded 1,266 new cases of COVID-19. The number of cases increased to 21,402 and the number of recoveries reached 2,953.

17 Indian nationals die due to COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may feel that the global pandemic and its economic fallout are the more immediate of his problems as the kingdom gradually lifts restrictions put in place to stymie the spread of the coronavirus.

However, looming large on the horizon is a potential rift with the United States as a result of the kingdom’s price war with Russia that contributed to the collapse of oil markets and an existential crisis for America’s shale industry.

US President Donald Trump is believed to be weighing a ban on import of Saudi oil in a bid to force the kingdom to reroute tankers carrying some 40 million barrels of crude to the United States.

More fundamentally, Prince Mohammed has put the kingdom’s relationship with the United States at risk without having any real alternative options at a time that an agreement among oil producers to cut production amounts to at best a timeout in a price war that is all about market share.

The price war has further strained Saudi Arabia’s ties to the US Congress, already troubled by the war in Yemen, the kingdom’s record of human rights abuse, and the killing and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Saudi judiciary reforms in the past week, including abolishing flogging as a legal punishment and death sentences for people who committed crimes as minors, constituted an effort to respond to criticism but were unlikely to turn the tide.

Speaking for Congressmen representing US shale states, North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer warned that “Saudi Arabia’s next steps will determine whether our strategic partnership is salvageable.”

Salvaging Saudi-US relations may be Prince Mohammed’s only option.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to have taken kindly to a reported shouting match in a phone call with the crown prince at the outset of the price war.

Signalling that the production cuts are a ceasefire rather than an end to the war, Saudi Arabia and Russia continue to fight it out on oil markets with the kingdom undercutting Russia with discounts and special offers, according to a Reuters investigation.

Strained relations did not prevent the two countries from moving forward with an agreement on Russian wheat sales to the kingdom. A first Russian shipment of 60,000 tons set sail for Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

Irrespective of the state of Saudi-Russian relations, Russia’s call for replacing the US defence umbrella in the Gulf with a multi-lateral security arrangement that would involve the United States, as well as China, Europe, and India, is a skeleton with no flesh.

Russia has neither the wherewithal nor the will to shoulder responsibility for Gulf security. Nor do others, envisioned by Russia as a participant in a revised Gulf security arrangement.

The proposal, moreover, is a stillborn baby as long as Saudi Arabia refuses to engage with Iran with no pre-conditions. The kingdom has so far used the pandemic to harden fault lines with the Islamic Republic, casting aside opportunities to build bridges with goodwill gestures.

Similarly, China has no appetite for a major military role in the Middle East despite having established its first foreign military base in Djibouti and contributing to anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.

Equally troubling for Prince Mohammed is the fact that he cannot be certain that China would be able to maintain its neutrality if US-Iranian tensions were to explode into an all-out war given that when the chips are down Iran may be of greater strategic significance to Beijing.

Iran’s geography, demography, and highly educated population give it a leg up in its competition with Saudi Arabia for Chinese favour. So does the fact that China and Iran see each other as bookends at both ends of Asia with a civilizational history that goes back thousands of years.

Iran, moreover, plays a pivotal role in Belt and Road-related efforts to link China to Europe by a rail that would traverse Central Asia and the Islamic Republic and end the expensive and time-consuming process of having to transfer goods to ships at one end of the Caspian Sea and loading them back onto a train on the Caspian’s opposite shore.

Prince Mohammed’s maneuvering to strike a balance in securing Saudi Arabia’s place in a world of contentious big power relationships is reflected in coverage by the kingdom’s tightly controlled media of Chinese and US efforts to combat the pandemic.

Andrew Leber, a student of Saudi policymaking, noted that “China’s mixed record in boosting its image in Riyadh is a reminder that soft-power competition is not a zero-sum game. Even as Saudi outlets have grown more willing to air criticisms of China, some have derided the efforts of President Donald Trump and his administration to blame COVID-19 on Beijing.”

Leber’s analysis of Saudi media coverage suggests that Prince Mohammed is seeking to keep all doors open.

It will, however, take a lot more than vacillating media coverage and reform of the kingdom’s penal code to polish Saudi Arabia’s tarnished image in the United States and level the playing field with Iran when it comes to China.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

(First Published on <a href="https://insidearabia.com/saudi-arabias-problems-not-just-a-pandemic-and-economics-but-geopolitics-too/">The Inside Arabia)</a>

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may feel that the global pandemic and its economic fallout are the more immediate of his problems as the kingdom gradually lifts restrictions put in place to stymie the spread of the coronavirus.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may feel that the global pandemic and its economic fallout are the more immediate of his problems as the kingdom gradually lifts restrictions put in place to stymie the spread of the coronavirus. However, looming large on the horizon is a potential rift with the United States as a result of the kingdom’s price war with Russia that contributed to the collapse of oil markets and an existential crisis for America’s shale industry. US President Donald Trump is believed to be weighing a ban on import of Saudi oil in a bid to force the kingdom to reroute tankers carrying some 40 million barrels of crude to the United States. More fundamentally, Prince Mohammed has put the kingdom’s relationship with the United States at risk without having any real alternative options at a time that an agreement among oil producers to cut production amounts to at best a timeout in a price war that is all about market share. The price war has further strained Saudi Arabia’s ties to the US Congress, already troubled by the war in Yemen, the kingdom’s record of human rights abuse, and the killing and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Saudi judiciary reforms in the past week, including abolishing flogging as a legal punishment and death sentences for people who committed crimes as minors, constituted an effort to respond to criticism but were unlikely to turn the tide. Speaking for Congressmen representing US shale states, North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer warned that “Saudi Arabia’s next steps will determine whether our strategic partnership is salvageable.” Salvaging Saudi-US relations may be Prince Mohammed’s only option. Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to have taken kindly to a reported shouting match in a phone call with the crown prince at the outset of the price war. Signalling that the production cuts are a ceasefire rather than an end to the war, Saudi Arabia and Russia continue to fight it out on oil markets with the kingdom undercutting Russia with discounts and special offers, according to a Reuters investigation. Strained relations did not prevent the two countries from moving forward with an agreement on Russian wheat sales to the kingdom. A first Russian shipment of 60,000 tons set sail for Saudi Arabia earlier this month. Irrespective of the state of Saudi-Russian relations, Russia’s call for replacing the US defence umbrella in the Gulf with a multi-lateral security arrangement that would involve the United States, as well as China, Europe, and India, is a skeleton with no flesh. Russia has neither the wherewithal nor the will to shoulder responsibility for Gulf security. Nor do others, envisioned by Russia as a participant in a revised Gulf security arrangement. The proposal, moreover, is a stillborn baby as long as Saudi Arabia refuses to engage with Iran with no pre-conditions. The kingdom has so far used the pandemic to harden fault lines with the Islamic Republic, casting aside opportunities to build bridges with goodwill gestures. Similarly, China has no appetite for a major military role in the Middle East despite having established its first foreign military base in Djibouti and contributing to anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. Equally troubling for Prince Mohammed is the fact that he cannot be certain that China would be able to maintain its neutrality if US-Iranian tensions were to explode into an all-out war given that when the chips are down Iran may be of greater strategic significance to Beijing. Iran’s geography, demography, and highly educated population give it a leg up in its competition with Saudi Arabia for Chinese favour. So does the fact that China and Iran see each other as bookends at both ends of Asia with a civilizational history that goes back thousands of years. Iran, moreover, plays a pivotal role in Belt and Road-related efforts to link China to Europe by a rail that would traverse Central Asia and the Islamic Republic and end the expensive and time-consuming process of having to transfer goods to ships at one end of the Caspian Sea and loading them back onto a train on the Caspian’s opposite shore. Prince Mohammed’s maneuvering to strike a balance in securing Saudi Arabia’s place in a world of contentious big power relationships is reflected in coverage by the kingdom’s tightly controlled media of Chinese and US efforts to combat the pandemic. Andrew Leber, a student of Saudi policymaking, noted that “China’s mixed record in boosting its image in Riyadh is a reminder that soft-power competition is not a zero-sum game. Even as Saudi outlets have grown more willing to air criticisms of China, some have derided the efforts of President Donald Trump and his administration to blame COVID-19 on Beijing.” Leber’s analysis of Saudi media coverage suggests that Prince Mohammed is seeking to keep all doors open. It will, however, take a lot more than vacillating media coverage and reform of the kingdom’s penal code to polish Saudi Arabia’s tarnished image in the United States and level the playing field with Iran when it comes to China. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) (First Published on The Inside Arabia)

Saudi Arabia is coping with not just coronavirus pandemic’s economic fallout but geopolitical issues too

Saudi Arabia's King Salman has ordered an end to the death penalty for crimes committed by minors.

The decision comes&nbsp;in the wake of another order that brought one of the kingdom's most controversial forms of public punishment to a close -- the practice of flogging, replacing it with jail time, fines or community service.

The latest royal decree by King Salman could spare the death penalty for at least six men from the country's minority Shiite community who allegedly committed crimes while under the age of 18, including Ali al-Nimr, who had participated in anti-government protests.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have long called on the kingdom to abolish the use of the death penalty, particularly for crimes committed by minors.

King Salman's son and heir, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is seen as the force behind the kingdom's loosening of restrictions and its pivot away from ultraconservative interpretations of Islamic law known as Wahhabism, which many in the country still closely adhere to.

The crown prince has sought to modernise the country, attract foreign investment and revamp Saudi Arabia's reputation globally. He's also overseen a parallel crackdown on liberals, women's rights activists, writers, moderate clerics and reformers.

The royal decree orders prosecutors to review cases and drop punishments for those who've already served the maximum 10 years. However, the decree states that terrorism-related cases of minors will be tried differently. It was not immediately clear whether these cases would be bound by the 10-year prison limit.

 
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Saudi Arabia's King Salman has ordered an end to the death penalty for crimes committed by minors. The decision comes in the wake of another order that brought one of the kingdom's most controversial forms of public punishment to a close -- the practice of flogging, replacing it with jail time, fines or community service.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman has ordered an end to the death penalty for crimes committed by minors. The decision comes in the wake of another order that brought one of the kingdom's most controversial forms of public punishment to a close -- the practice of flogging, replacing it with jail time, fines or community service. The latest royal decree by King Salman could spare the death penalty for at least six men from the country's minority Shiite community who allegedly committed crimes while under the age of 18, including Ali al-Nimr, who had participated in anti-government protests. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have long called on the kingdom to abolish the use of the death penalty, particularly for crimes committed by minors. King Salman's son and heir, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is seen as the force behind the kingdom's loosening of restrictions and its pivot away from ultraconservative interpretations of Islamic law known as Wahhabism, which many in the country still closely adhere to. The crown prince has sought to modernise the country, attract foreign investment and revamp Saudi Arabia's reputation globally. He's also overseen a parallel crackdown on liberals, women's rights activists, writers, moderate clerics and reformers. The royal decree orders prosecutors to review cases and drop punishments for those who've already served the maximum 10 years. However, the decree states that terrorism-related cases of minors will be tried differently. It was not immediately clear whether these cases would be bound by the 10-year prison limit.

Saudi Arabia ends death penalty for minors

Saudi Arabia on Sunday partially eased a 24-hour curfew in place to combat the coronavirus pandemic, except for in hotspots including the Muslim holy city of Mecca.

The curfew will be relaxed between 9 am and 5 pm and malls and retailers will be allowed to reopen in all regions of the kingdom until May 13, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-in-italy-pm-giuseppe-conte-vows-to-reopen-schools-in-september-294855">Coronavirus in Italy: PM Giuseppe Conte vows to reopen schools in September</a>

But a round-the-clock lockdown will be maintained in some areas including Mecca, which has reported the kingdom's highest number of infections in recent days despite being sealed off.

Many countries around the Middle East and North Africa have announced a similar easing of lockdown restrictions as Muslims mark the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Saudi Arabia, which has reported the highest number of infections in the Arab world, is scrambling to limit the spread of the disease at home.&nbsp;

On Saturday the health ministry said deaths from the respiratory illness had risen to 136, while confirmed infections rose to 16,299 with 2,215 people reported to have recovered from the illness.&nbsp;

Last month, Saudi Arabia suspended the year-round "umrah" pilgrimage over fears of the coronavirus pandemic spreading in Islam's holiest cities.

Authorities are yet to announce whether they will proceed with this year's hajj, scheduled for the end of July, but they have urged Muslims to temporarily defer preparations for the annual pilgrimage.

Last year, some 2.5 million faithful travelled to Saudi Arabia from across the world to participate in the hajj, which Muslims are obliged to perform at least once in their lives if able.

The Arab world's biggest economy has also closed cinemas, malls and restaurants and halted flights as it attempts to contain the virus.

King Salman has warned of a "more difficult" fight ahead against the virus, as the kingdom faces the economic impact of virus-led shutdowns and crashing oil prices. 
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Saudi Arabia on Sunday partially eased a 24-hour curfew in place to combat the coronavirus pandemic, except for in hotspots including the Muslim holy city of Mecca.

Saudi Arabia on Sunday partially eased a 24-hour curfew in place to combat the coronavirus pandemic, except for in hotspots including the Muslim holy city of Mecca. The curfew will be relaxed between 9 am and 5 pm and malls and retailers will be allowed to reopen in all regions of the kingdom until May 13, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. Also read | Coronavirus in Italy: PM Giuseppe Conte vows to reopen schools in September But a round-the-clock lockdown will be maintained in some areas including Mecca, which has reported the kingdom's highest number of infections in recent days despite being sealed off. Many countries around the Middle East and North Africa have announced a similar easing of lockdown restrictions as Muslims mark the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Saudi Arabia, which has reported the highest number of infections in the Arab world, is scrambling to limit the spread of the disease at home. On Saturday the health ministry said deaths from the respiratory illness had risen to 136, while confirmed infections rose to 16,299 with 2,215 people reported to have recovered from the illness. Last month, Saudi Arabia suspended the year-round "umrah" pilgrimage over fears of the coronavirus pandemic spreading in Islam's holiest cities. Authorities are yet to announce whether they will proceed with this year's hajj, scheduled for the end of July, but they have urged Muslims to temporarily defer preparations for the annual pilgrimage. Last year, some 2.5 million faithful travelled to Saudi Arabia from across the world to participate in the hajj, which Muslims are obliged to perform at least once in their lives if able. The Arab world's biggest economy has also closed cinemas, malls and restaurants and halted flights as it attempts to contain the virus. King Salman has warned of a "more difficult" fight ahead against the virus, as the kingdom faces the economic impact of virus-led shutdowns and crashing oil prices.

Saudi Arabia relaxes coronavirus lockdown except in hotspot Mecca

Saudi Arabia is ending flogging as a form of punishment, according to a document from the kingdom`s top court seen by Reuters on Friday.

The decision by the General Commission for the Supreme Court, taken sometime this month, will see the punishment replaced by prison sentences or fines, or a mixture of both.

"The decision is an extension of the human rights reforms introduced under the direction of King Salman and the direct supervision of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman," the document said.

Flogging has been applied to punish a variety of crimes in Saudi Arabia. Without a codified system of law to go with the texts making up sharia, or Islamic law, individual judges have the latitude to interpret religious texts and come up with their own sentences.

Rights groups have documented past cases in which Saudi judges have sentenced criminals to flogging for a range of offences, including public intoxication and harassment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-suspends-isis-fake-account-being-used-to-spread-fake-news-against-india-in-gulf-countries-294510">Also read:&nbsp;Twitter suspends ISI's fake account being used to spread fake news against India in Gulf countries</a>

"This reform is a momentous step forward in Saudi Arabia`s human rights agenda, and merely one of many recent reforms in the Kingdom," the president of the state-backed Human Rights Commission (HRC) Awwad Alawwad told Reuters.

Other forms of corporal punishment, such as amputation for theft or beheading for murder and terrorism offences, have not yet been outlawed.

"This is a welcome change but it should have happened years ago," said Adam Coogle, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Division at Human Rights Watch. "There`s nothing now standing in the way of Saudi Arabia reforming its unfair judicial system."

Saudi Arabia is ending flogging as a form of punishment, according to a document from the kingdom`s top court seen by Reuters on Friday. The decision by the General Commission for the Supreme Court, taken sometime this month, will see the punishment replaced by prison sentences or fines, or a mixture of both.

Saudi Arabia is ending flogging as a form of punishment, according to a document from the kingdom`s top court seen by Reuters on Friday. The decision by the General Commission for the Supreme Court, taken sometime this month, will see the punishment replaced by prison sentences or fines, or a mixture of both. "The decision is an extension of the human rights reforms introduced under the direction of King Salman and the direct supervision of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman," the document said. Flogging has been applied to punish a variety of crimes in Saudi Arabia. Without a codified system of law to go with the texts making up sharia, or Islamic law, individual judges have the latitude to interpret religious texts and come up with their own sentences. Rights groups have documented past cases in which Saudi judges have sentenced criminals to flogging for a range of offences, including public intoxication and harassment. Also read: Twitter suspends ISI's fake account being used to spread fake news against India in Gulf countries "This reform is a momentous step forward in Saudi Arabia`s human rights agenda, and merely one of many recent reforms in the Kingdom," the president of the state-backed Human Rights Commission (HRC) Awwad Alawwad told Reuters. Other forms of corporal punishment, such as amputation for theft or beheading for murder and terrorism offences, have not yet been outlawed. "This is a welcome change but it should have happened years ago," said Adam Coogle, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Division at Human Rights Watch. "There`s nothing now standing in the way of Saudi Arabia reforming its unfair judicial system."

Saudi Arabia to end flogging as a form of punishment

India's relationship with the Arab world was impacted in the last few weeks and one of the major reasons was fake Twitter handles used from Pakistan to defame India. However, the Indian administration has started to use diplomatic channels to reset the ties.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier had telephonic conservations with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, where he stressed on India's "Think West" foreign policy. He reportedly also highlighted the need for a collaborative and coordinated strategy to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wont-let-fake-tweets-create-discord-gulf-countries-assure-india-294638">Won't let fake tweets create discord, Gulf countries assure India</a>

The Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S Jaishankar also extended his greetings on the holy month of Ramzan to the foreign ministers of the Middle East countries and thanked them for supporting the Indian diaspora. The foreign ministers of Gulf nations also lauded the contribution of the Indian community during the coronavirus outbreak and promised to support them.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-suspends-isis-fake-account-being-used-to-spread-fake-news-against-india-in-gulf-countries-294510">Twitter suspends ISI's fake account being used to spread fake news against India in Gulf countries</a>

India is also supplying drugs, including hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar.&nbsp;

After Kuwait's request, India has also sent a specialised team of medical professionals for training purposes related to coronavirus.&nbsp;

The Indo-Gulf talks also touched upon the negative social media campaign and the two sides agreed to have a zero-tolerance policy towards such incidents.&nbsp;

This comes after a number of parody accounts on Twitter spread fake information which strained the ties between both the regions.&nbsp;

India also vowed that it will help in the evacuation at the earliest of the medical personnel from the Gulf who are stranded in India.&nbsp;

The recovery plan post-COVID-19 was also discussed, along with talks on energy and volatility in the oil market.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India's relationship with the Arab world was impacted in the last few weeks and one of the major reasons was fake Twitter handles used from Pakistan to defame India.

India's relationship with the Arab world was impacted in the last few weeks and one of the major reasons was fake Twitter handles used from Pakistan to defame India. However, the Indian administration has started to use diplomatic channels to reset the ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier had telephonic conservations with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, where he stressed on India's "Think West" foreign policy. He reportedly also highlighted the need for a collaborative and coordinated strategy to tackle the COVID-19 crisis. Also read | Won't let fake tweets create discord, Gulf countries assure India The Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S Jaishankar also extended his greetings on the holy month of Ramzan to the foreign ministers of the Middle East countries and thanked them for supporting the Indian diaspora. The foreign ministers of Gulf nations also lauded the contribution of the Indian community during the coronavirus outbreak and promised to support them. Also read | Twitter suspends ISI's fake account being used to spread fake news against India in Gulf countries India is also supplying drugs, including hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar. After Kuwait's request, India has also sent a specialised team of medical professionals for training purposes related to coronavirus. The Indo-Gulf talks also touched upon the negative social media campaign and the two sides agreed to have a zero-tolerance policy towards such incidents. This comes after a number of parody accounts on Twitter spread fake information which strained the ties between both the regions. India also vowed that it will help in the evacuation at the earliest of the medical personnel from the Gulf who are stranded in India. The recovery plan post-COVID-19 was also discussed, along with talks on energy and volatility in the oil market.

Diplomacy at work to ease off straining Indo-Arab ties

The coronavirus has brought a lot of firsts but none as stark and shocking as oil trading in the negative zone. Also read: We will never let the great US oil & gas industry down, says Trump after prices crash What does that even mean?

The coronavirus has brought a lot of firsts but none as stark and shocking as oil trading in the negative zone. Also read: We will never let the great US oil & gas industry down, says Trump after prices crash What does that even mean? Traders paying buyers to take the oil off their hands. So the consumers get both the oil and the cash. Also read: China eases entry, sets up 'fast-track channels' for business personnel to visit This should sound good but it isn't. This has happened for the first time in history. This story is about the US oil benchmark. This is a bit technical but let's simplify it and break it down to four questions and answers. Why did the oil prices crash? Monday, was a really bad day for the oil markets. The price of one barrel of oil hit about 20 dollars. That's about 1,600 rupees. One barrel has 159 litres. So it can be said oil prices fell to 10 rupees a litre. But, the benchmark for US oil witnessed something unheard of. The benchmark is called West Texas intermediate. Here the oil prices fell into the negative and that's where it stayed. Oil ended the day around $30 below zero. Now, this benchmark-- is a point of reference for American traders. An indicator for oil prices in America. On Monday, traders looked at it with horror. The graph fell below zero. Traders were stuck with barrels of oil. And nobody to buy it. Oil used to be considered gold right now it is worthless. Why is this happening? Why are global oil prices falling? There are a couple of reasons. One: The demand has dropped. The world is in lockdown mode. People are at home. Not driving, not flying. Factories are shut. So there's no demand. Two: The battle between Saudi Arabia and Russia over oil prices. They reached a truce. But it came too late. They agreed to cut production a few days back. But before their agreement, companies kept pumping the market with oil. Now, there is a demand-supply mismatch. Oil kept coming, but it wasn't being used. The result is this-- the world has more oil than it needs. So, the prices have collapsed. So the oil prices are falling. US Traders are paying people to buy oil. Does this mean you get paid to fill up your tank? The answer is no. That's not how it works. The price of crude oil has dropped. That does not mean a fall in retail prices. The crude fall The fall was in something called the futures contract. It is an agreement to buy or sell something at a future date. And, the drop in America does not affect prices in India. India imports the Brent crude. Its price is low but stable. But, that does not mean the prices in India can't drop. What does the price drop mean for India? Its good news. But not necessarily for you and me. India can import oil for cheap. The government can consider stocking up the reserves. But, the retail prices may not see a major drop. Two factors decide the prices of oil in India. The price of the rupee against the dollar and the 15-day average prices. The rupee has fallen to record lows against the dollar. One dollar costs around 77 rupees. So, importing the oil will cost more. Here is how the world should look at the situation for oil. For importers, more oil is available for cheap. They can buy more at throwaway prices. But this price fall is bad for business. Exporters will struggle. In America, if the prices fall more --- businesses could shut, people could lose jobs. Major exporters like Saudi Arabia might be able to manage the shock. Russia is feeling the pinch of this drop already. The rubble is losing its value and the situation might not improve anytime soon.

Oil trades in negative zone, how does it impact prices across the globe?

Days before the holy fasting month of Ramadan begins, the Islamic world is grappling with an untimely paradox of the new coronavirus pandemic: enforced separation at a time when socializing is almost sacred.

Amid coronavirus, Muslims face Ramadan like never before

A prominent Saudi princess jailed without charges made a rare public appeal to the king and crown prince on Thursday for her release from a high-security prison, citing her "deteriorating" health.

Princess Basmah bint Saud, a 56-year-old businesswoman and an outspoken royal family member, was detained in March last year just before she was due to travel to Switzerland for medical treatment, according to a source close to her family.

The public plea for her release is the latest sign of turmoil within the kingdom's secretive royal family following the detention last month of King Salman's brother and nephew in an apparent attempt to stamp out internal dissent.

"As you may be aware (?) I am currently being arbitrarily held at Al-Ha'ir prison without criminal, or otherwise any charges," the princess wrote in a letter published on her verified Twitter account.

"My health is deteriorating to an extent that is (severe), and that could lead to my death.

"I have not received medical care or even (a) response to the letters I dispatched from jail to the Royal Court."

Saudi authorities have not disclosed the reasons for her detention.

The princess claimed she was "thrown into prison" after being "abducted without an explanation" along with one of her daughters.

'Very critical'

She appealed to her uncle King Salman and her cousin -- de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman –- for her release as she had "done no wrong" and added that her health status was "very critical".

The princess did not specify her ailment but her letter comes as the kingdom grapples with the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic.

The government has imposed a round-the-clock curfew across much of the country to limit the spread of the virus. Saudi Arabia has reported 6,380 infections and 83 deaths from the disease so far.

It was unclear how the princess was able to tweet from inside Al-Ha'ir, a high-security prison close to Riyadh known for holding political prisoners.

Her public plea represents an unusually bold move by someone from the kingdom's sprawling royal family, comprising thousands of members, who typically refrain from publicly raising internal grievances.

It comes after the detention last month of Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, the king's brother, and the monarch's nephew Prince Mohammed bin Nayef who was previously crown prince.&nbsp;

The government has yet to officially comment on the crackdown, which raised fears of government instability.

But one source close to the royal court dismissed such concerns and said the detentions were meant to send a stern warning within the royal family not to oppose the crown prince.

Prince Mohammed, the heir to the Arab world's most powerful throne, has pursued a broad crackdown on dissent since his meteoric rise to the position of the crown prince in 2017.

Multiple women activists, clerics, bloggers and journalists have been jailed in what observers call increasing repression and authoritarianism under the prince's de facto rule as he consolidates his grip on power.

A prominent Saudi princess jailed without charges made a rare public appeal to the king and crown prince on Thursday for her release from a high-security prison, citing her "deteriorating" health.

A prominent Saudi princess jailed without charges made a rare public appeal to the king and crown prince on Thursday for her release from a high-security prison, citing her "deteriorating" health. Princess Basmah bint Saud, a 56-year-old businesswoman and an outspoken royal family member, was detained in March last year just before she was due to travel to Switzerland for medical treatment, according to a source close to her family. The public plea for her release is the latest sign of turmoil within the kingdom's secretive royal family following the detention last month of King Salman's brother and nephew in an apparent attempt to stamp out internal dissent. "As you may be aware (?) I am currently being arbitrarily held at Al-Ha'ir prison without criminal, or otherwise any charges," the princess wrote in a letter published on her verified Twitter account. "My health is deteriorating to an extent that is (severe), and that could lead to my death. "I have not received medical care or even (a) response to the letters I dispatched from jail to the Royal Court." Saudi authorities have not disclosed the reasons for her detention. The princess claimed she was "thrown into prison" after being "abducted without an explanation" along with one of her daughters. 'Very critical' She appealed to her uncle King Salman and her cousin -- de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman –- for her release as she had "done no wrong" and added that her health status was "very critical". The princess did not specify her ailment but her letter comes as the kingdom grapples with the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic. The government has imposed a round-the-clock curfew across much of the country to limit the spread of the virus. Saudi Arabia has reported 6,380 infections and 83 deaths from the disease so far. It was unclear how the princess was able to tweet from inside Al-Ha'ir, a high-security prison close to Riyadh known for holding political prisoners. Her public plea represents an unusually bold move by someone from the kingdom's sprawling royal family, comprising thousands of members, who typically refrain from publicly raising internal grievances. It comes after the detention last month of Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, the king's brother, and the monarch's nephew Prince Mohammed bin Nayef who was previously crown prince. The government has yet to officially comment on the crackdown, which raised fears of government instability. But one source close to the royal court dismissed such concerns and said the detentions were meant to send a stern warning within the royal family not to oppose the crown prince. Prince Mohammed, the heir to the Arab world's most powerful throne, has pursued a broad crackdown on dissent since his meteoric rise to the position of the crown prince in 2017. Multiple women activists, clerics, bloggers and journalists have been jailed in what observers call increasing repression and authoritarianism under the prince's de facto rule as he consolidates his grip on power.

Saudi princess Basmah bint Saud pleads for release from high-security prison

According to the interior ministry, Saudi Arabia has executed a Yemeni man who was convicted of carrying out a knife attack on a Spanish theatre group. The execution took place on Thursday.&nbsp;

An attack that took place on November 11 during a live performance in Riyadh. Four members of the group were wounded in the attack. The attack convict's name was Imad al-Mansouri and the state media linked the attack to Al-Qaeda.&nbsp;

The ministry released a statement confirming the execution, it read: "The death sentence was carried out... in Riyadh."&nbsp;

The convict was accused of going on a stabbing spree during the "Riyadh Season" entertainment festival. Saudi has been easing their restrictions on entertainment and this was the first-ever onslaught since the move.&nbsp;

According to the local media, the assailant was following orders from an Al-Qaeda leader but the militant group has not claimed the responsibility on this attack.&nbsp;

Al-Qaeda has been present on the Arabian peninsula carrying out various attacks, the group is currently operating in Yemen. Saudi Arabia and Al-Qaeda have been in a war. Saudi along with the Yemeni government has been in a fight with the Huthi rebels and Al-Qaeda.&nbsp;

The Kingdom of Saudi endeavors to diversify the economy by holding special sports events, entertainment concerts to ease their dependency on oil.&nbsp;

According to the interior ministry, Saudi Arabia has executed a Yemeni man who was convicted of carrying out a knife attack on a Spanish theatre group. The execution took place on Thursday.

According to the interior ministry, Saudi Arabia has executed a Yemeni man who was convicted of carrying out a knife attack on a Spanish theatre group. The execution took place on Thursday. An attack that took place on November 11 during a live performance in Riyadh. Four members of the group were wounded in the attack. The attack convict's name was Imad al-Mansouri and the state media linked the attack to Al-Qaeda. The ministry released a statement confirming the execution, it read: "The death sentence was carried out... in Riyadh." The convict was accused of going on a stabbing spree during the "Riyadh Season" entertainment festival. Saudi has been easing their restrictions on entertainment and this was the first-ever onslaught since the move. According to the local media, the assailant was following orders from an Al-Qaeda leader but the militant group has not claimed the responsibility on this attack. Al-Qaeda has been present on the Arabian peninsula carrying out various attacks, the group is currently operating in Yemen. Saudi Arabia and Al-Qaeda have been in a war. Saudi along with the Yemeni government has been in a fight with the Huthi rebels and Al-Qaeda. The Kingdom of Saudi endeavors to diversify the economy by holding special sports events, entertainment concerts to ease their dependency on oil.

Yemeni man convicted for attacking Spanish theatre group executed by Saudi Arabia

The coronavirus pandemic and the global economic meltdown forced Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Russia to call time out in a war that was less about prices and more about market share and survival of the fittest. The agreement among producers to cut production by 10 million barrels a day amounts to a ceasefire that will likely end once economies recover and can again sustain the cost of war.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) risk jeopardising their relationship with the United States as a result of diverging interests that became evident with the eruption of the recent oil price war. That remains true even if the war was unsustainable in the midst of a devastating pandemic.

So far, Saudi Arabia has been the focus of US wrath at the kingdom’s perceived insensitivity and recklessness while the UAE has managed to fly under the radar despite it too declaring that it would increase production in support of the price war with Russia. The question is for how long the UAE can stay off the radar.

An immediate crisis has been averted with an agreement on Sunday, April 12 between members of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC producers to cut production by some 10 million barrels a day.

But 13 US Republican Congressmen from oil-producing states put Saudi Arabia on notice in a two-hour phone call with Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman a day after the agreement.

“The Saudis spent over a month waging war on American oil producers, all while our troops protected theirs.”

“While we appreciate them taking the first step toward fixing the problem they helped create, the Saudis spent over a month waging war on American oil producers, all while our troops protected theirs. That’s not how friends treat friends. Their actions were inexcusable and won’t be forgotten. Saudi Arabia’s next steps will determine whether our strategic partnership is salvageable,” said North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer

The Congressmen’s notice reflected a deterioration of the kingdom’s relations with Congress over the past two years as well as US President Donald J Trump’s anger at the Saudi price war.

There is, however, a silver lining in the US-Saudi clash over oil prices even if it was suspended with the production cut agreement. The clash clarifies the parameters of the long-standing relationship between the two countries.

Eager to knock out the US shale industry, which accounts for some 10 million jobs, Saudi Arabia made clear that it would pursue its interests irrespective of US concerns or the fact that the world was in a massive economic downturn as the result of a pandemic.

“The Kingdom will . . . have to reduce its budgetary expenditures while wisely accessing its financial reserves for essential spending as it fights this potentially long-term battle of the fittest for market share in global energy,” said Ali Shihabi, a political analyst and former banker who often reflects Saudi thinking.

To accommodate sharply reduced revenues, the Saudi finance ministry has instructed government bodies to submit proposals to slash this year’s spending by up to 30 per cent, the economic consultancy Nasser Saidi and Associates said in a research note.

The US-Saudi clash has also laid bare the vulnerability of the US shale industry at a critical time. The ability of the United States to project itself as the world’s largest producer and exporter takes on added significance against the backdrop of a decline in US credibility reinforced by America’s inability to get a grip on the coronavirus crisis.

The irony is that US anger could have, just as well been, directed at the UAE, which was quick to declare its support of the Saudi move to drive prices below US shale’s breakeven point by flooding the market.

There’s “ample production capacity that will be quickly brought online given the current circumstances,” UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said on March 11.

By putting Saudi Arabia, and by implication, the UAE on notice, the Congressmen were drawing battle lines for a renewed clash in the future that may have become even more inevitable as a result of the pandemic and its economic fallout.

With a likely reduction of the value of oil reserves and limited new gas stockpiles in the coming decades because of the rise of shale and renewables, Saudi Arabia needs to secure market share by capitalising on its low costs. Indeed, the kingdom has one of the world’s lowest costs of production of a barrel of oil.

The collapse in demand, low prices, and the global economic turndown increase the importance of market share. Saudi Arabia is likely to have to downsize its attention-grabbing big tickets like Neom – the futuristic city on the Red Sea, and focus on revenue and job-creating sectors.

“There’s a high likelihood (Neom) fades into nothingness. . . . The momentum will likely die out. And it will take a lot to rebuild that momentum,” said a Gulf-based economist.

In a sign of the times, JPMorgan was reportedly seeking to sell at a discount loans raised by the sovereign wealth funds of Saudi Arabia and the UAE as banks brace for a borrowing spree in the Gulf due to low oil prices.

Saudi Arabia may seek to create jobs and markets for its petrochemicals by developing plastics processing and chemicals.

Some economists suggest that Saudi Arabia and other oil producers may seek to create jobs and domestic and regional markets for their petrochemicals by pushing the development of plastics processing and chemicals.

Saudi Arabia hinted at a return to a focus on energy derivatives with the acquisition by its sovereign wealth fund of stakes worth roughly $1 billion in four major European oil companies—Equinor, Royal Dutch Shell, Total, and Eni.

“Managing heightened public expectations of the leadership will be crucial in maintaining public support for MbS when the pandemic subsides. The crisis is also a test for the progress made on Saudi Vision 2030, especially its programs to transform public services, reduce unemployment, and diversify the economy away from oil,” said Saudi Arabia scholar Yasmine Farouk.

Farouk was referring to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by his initials and his Vision 2030 plan to lessen the kingdom’s dependence on oil revenues by diversifying its economy.

(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

(First published on <a href="https://insidearabia.com/us-saudi-oil-clash-sets-stage-for-future-epic-battle/">The Inside Arabia</a>)

The coronavirus pandemic and the global economic meltdown forced Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Russia to call time out in a war that was less about prices and more about market share and survival of the fittest.

The coronavirus pandemic and the global economic meltdown forced Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Russia to call time out in a war that was less about prices and more about market share and survival of the fittest. The agreement among producers to cut production by 10 million barrels a day amounts to a ceasefire that will likely end once economies recover and can again sustain the cost of war. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) risk jeopardising their relationship with the United States as a result of diverging interests that became evident with the eruption of the recent oil price war. That remains true even if the war was unsustainable in the midst of a devastating pandemic. So far, Saudi Arabia has been the focus of US wrath at the kingdom’s perceived insensitivity and recklessness while the UAE has managed to fly under the radar despite it too declaring that it would increase production in support of the price war with Russia. The question is for how long the UAE can stay off the radar. An immediate crisis has been averted with an agreement on Sunday, April 12 between members of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC producers to cut production by some 10 million barrels a day. But 13 US Republican Congressmen from oil-producing states put Saudi Arabia on notice in a two-hour phone call with Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman a day after the agreement. “The Saudis spent over a month waging war on American oil producers, all while our troops protected theirs.” “While we appreciate them taking the first step toward fixing the problem they helped create, the Saudis spent over a month waging war on American oil producers, all while our troops protected theirs. That’s not how friends treat friends. Their actions were inexcusable and won’t be forgotten. Saudi Arabia’s next steps will determine whether our strategic partnership is salvageable,” said North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer The Congressmen’s notice reflected a deterioration of the kingdom’s relations with Congress over the past two years as well as US President Donald J Trump’s anger at the Saudi price war. There is, however, a silver lining in the US-Saudi clash over oil prices even if it was suspended with the production cut agreement. The clash clarifies the parameters of the long-standing relationship between the two countries. Eager to knock out the US shale industry, which accounts for some 10 million jobs, Saudi Arabia made clear that it would pursue its interests irrespective of US concerns or the fact that the world was in a massive economic downturn as the result of a pandemic. “The Kingdom will . . . have to reduce its budgetary expenditures while wisely accessing its financial reserves for essential spending as it fights this potentially long-term battle of the fittest for market share in global energy,” said Ali Shihabi, a political analyst and former banker who often reflects Saudi thinking. To accommodate sharply reduced revenues, the Saudi finance ministry has instructed government bodies to submit proposals to slash this year’s spending by up to 30 per cent, the economic consultancy Nasser Saidi and Associates said in a research note. The US-Saudi clash has also laid bare the vulnerability of the US shale industry at a critical time. The ability of the United States to project itself as the world’s largest producer and exporter takes on added significance against the backdrop of a decline in US credibility reinforced by America’s inability to get a grip on the coronavirus crisis. The irony is that US anger could have, just as well been, directed at the UAE, which was quick to declare its support of the Saudi move to drive prices below US shale’s breakeven point by flooding the market. There’s “ample production capacity that will be quickly brought online given the current circumstances,” UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said on March 11. By putting Saudi Arabia, and by implication, the UAE on notice, the Congressmen were drawing battle lines for a renewed clash in the future that may have become even more inevitable as a result of the pandemic and its economic fallout. With a likely reduction of the value of oil reserves and limited new gas stockpiles in the coming decades because of the rise of shale and renewables, Saudi Arabia needs to secure market share by capitalising on its low costs. Indeed, the kingdom has one of the world’s lowest costs of production of a barrel of oil. The collapse in demand, low prices, and the global economic turndown increase the importance of market share. Saudi Arabia is likely to have to downsize its attention-grabbing big tickets like Neom – the futuristic city on the Red Sea, and focus on revenue and job-creating sectors. “There’s a high likelihood (Neom) fades into nothingness. . . . The momentum will likely die out. And it will take a lot to rebuild that momentum,” said a Gulf-based economist. In a sign of the times, JPMorgan was reportedly seeking to sell at a discount loans raised by the sovereign wealth funds of Saudi Arabia and the UAE as banks brace for a borrowing spree in the Gulf due to low oil prices. Saudi Arabia may seek to create jobs and markets for its petrochemicals by developing plastics processing and chemicals. Some economists suggest that Saudi Arabia and other oil producers may seek to create jobs and domestic and regional markets for their petrochemicals by pushing the development of plastics processing and chemicals. Saudi Arabia hinted at a return to a focus on energy derivatives with the acquisition by its sovereign wealth fund of stakes worth roughly $1 billion in four major European oil companies—Equinor, Royal Dutch Shell, Total, and Eni. “Managing heightened public expectations of the leadership will be crucial in maintaining public support for MbS when the pandemic subsides. The crisis is also a test for the progress made on Saudi Vision 2030, especially its programs to transform public services, reduce unemployment, and diversify the economy away from oil,” said Saudi Arabia scholar Yasmine Farouk. Farouk was referring to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by his initials and his Vision 2030 plan to lessen the kingdom’s dependence on oil revenues by diversifying its economy. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) (First published on The Inside Arabia)

US-Saudi oil clash sets the stage for future epic battle

The oil producting countries have finally agreed upon a production cut. As per the historic deal signed today, 10 per cent of the global oil supply would be cut. After a lot of hiccups, Organization of Petroleum Exporting countries (OPEC), and its allies led by Russia reached this deal.&nbsp;

However, the deal got a tepid reaction. The two leading benchmarks of oil sellers and buyers, Brent Crude and West Texas Intermediate remained unmoved in trade today.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-opec-allies-ink-historic-oil-deal-292334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

What is the historic deal?

As per the deal, the production cut of oil supply will be nine million barrels per day for May and June. The cut is four times more of what was undertaken post 2008 financial crisis.&nbsp;

However, this might not be enough as experts predict a drop in demand of over 30 million barrels a day just in the month of April.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/covid-19-a-crisis-manufactured-292248">COVID-19: A crisis manufactured?</a>

Why the demand of oil dropped?

During the beginning of 2020, oil prices were in between 65 to 70 dollars per barrel. When coronavirus hit China, the factories began to shut, which led to a slide in oil prices. China is the biggest consumer of oil in the world.&nbsp;

On March 13, the oil market began to witness its worst slide in over a decade when the&nbsp;World Health Organization (WHO) declared Europe as the new epicentre of the epidemic. Now, the oil market has collapsed with prices dropping to 25 dollars per barrel.&nbsp;

The hindrances in the deal

The deal came after a lot of tensions between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Initially, Russia's Vladimir Putin rejected the deal and started a price war with Saudi Arabia. The US intervened as America was also suffering from losses from Shale oil reserves. US President Donald Trump urged Putin and Saudi Crown Pricne Mohammed bin Salman to work together to strike a deal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The oil producting countries have finally agreed upon a production cut. As per the historic deal signed today, 10 per cent of the global oil supply would be cut.

The oil producting countries have finally agreed upon a production cut. As per the historic deal signed today, 10 per cent of the global oil supply would be cut. After a lot of hiccups, Organization of Petroleum Exporting countries (OPEC), and its allies led by Russia reached this deal. However, the deal got a tepid reaction. The two leading benchmarks of oil sellers and buyers, Brent Crude and West Texas Intermediate remained unmoved in trade today. Watch | What is the historic deal? As per the deal, the production cut of oil supply will be nine million barrels per day for May and June. The cut is four times more of what was undertaken post 2008 financial crisis. However, this might not be enough as experts predict a drop in demand of over 30 million barrels a day just in the month of April. Also read | COVID-19: A crisis manufactured? Why the demand of oil dropped? During the beginning of 2020, oil prices were in between 65 to 70 dollars per barrel. When coronavirus hit China, the factories began to shut, which led to a slide in oil prices. China is the biggest consumer of oil in the world. On March 13, the oil market began to witness its worst slide in over a decade when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Europe as the new epicentre of the epidemic. Now, the oil market has collapsed with prices dropping to 25 dollars per barrel. The hindrances in the deal The deal came after a lot of tensions between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Initially, Russia's Vladimir Putin rejected the deal and started a price war with Saudi Arabia. The US intervened as America was also suffering from losses from Shale oil reserves. US President Donald Trump urged Putin and Saudi Crown Pricne Mohammed bin Salman to work together to strike a deal.

EXPLAINED: What is the historic oil deal all about?

Oil prices rallied Monday after top producers agreed to slash output and shore up coronavirus-ravaged energy markets, but some analysts were concerned the cuts did not go far enough.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate was up 7.7 percent at $24.52 a barrel in Asian trade while Brent crude, the international benchmark, put on 5.0 percent to $33.08 a barrel.&nbsp;

OPEC producers dominated by Saudi Arabia and allies led by Russia met via videoconference for an hour Sunday in a last effort to cement a deal struck early Friday.&nbsp;

It still required Mexico's agreement and in a compromise reached Sunday they agreed to a cut of 9.7 million barrels per day from May, according to its Energy Minister Rocio Nahle, down slightly from 10 million barrels per day envisioned earlier.&nbsp;

OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo called the cuts "historic".&nbsp;

Oil markets have been in turmoil for weeks as lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed worldwide to combat the virus outbreak strangle demand, with a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia compounding the crisis.

While Monday's price rises were healthy, they were not as strong as the double-digit jumps and falls of recent weeks in a highly volatile market, and analysts were sceptical the deal went far enough.&nbsp;

The amount being cut was slightly lower than had been expected, and observers said it would not make up for expected demand loss due to the virus outbreak. Some analysts are putting this at about 25 million barrels per day in April.&nbsp;

In addition, storage tanks worldwide are rapidly filling up.&nbsp;

"The deal is a little less than the market expected given that Mexico has gotten off easy," Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates LLC in Houston, told Bloomberg News.

"The hard work lies ahead given that the market is very sceptical that OPEC+ are actually going to be able to come up with their near 10 million barrels a day of production cuts."

AxiCorp's Stephen Innes added that "there remain concerns the agreement could be a day late and a 'barrel short' to prevent a decline in prices in the coming weeks as storage capacity brims".&nbsp;

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Oil prices rallied Monday after top producers agreed to slash output and shore up coronavirus-ravaged energy markets, but some analysts were concerned the cuts did not go far enough.

Oil prices rallied Monday after top producers agreed to slash output and shore up coronavirus-ravaged energy markets, but some analysts were concerned the cuts did not go far enough. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate was up 7.7 percent at $24.52 a barrel in Asian trade while Brent crude, the international benchmark, put on 5.0 percent to $33.08 a barrel. OPEC producers dominated by Saudi Arabia and allies led by Russia met via videoconference for an hour Sunday in a last effort to cement a deal struck early Friday. It still required Mexico's agreement and in a compromise reached Sunday they agreed to a cut of 9.7 million barrels per day from May, according to its Energy Minister Rocio Nahle, down slightly from 10 million barrels per day envisioned earlier. OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo called the cuts "historic". Oil markets have been in turmoil for weeks as lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed worldwide to combat the virus outbreak strangle demand, with a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia compounding the crisis. While Monday's price rises were healthy, they were not as strong as the double-digit jumps and falls of recent weeks in a highly volatile market, and analysts were sceptical the deal went far enough. The amount being cut was slightly lower than had been expected, and observers said it would not make up for expected demand loss due to the virus outbreak. Some analysts are putting this at about 25 million barrels per day in April. In addition, storage tanks worldwide are rapidly filling up. "The deal is a little less than the market expected given that Mexico has gotten off easy," Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates LLC in Houston, told Bloomberg News. "The hard work lies ahead given that the market is very sceptical that OPEC+ are actually going to be able to come up with their near 10 million barrels a day of production cuts." AxiCorp's Stephen Innes added that "there remain concerns the agreement could be a day late and a 'barrel short' to prevent a decline in prices in the coming weeks as storage capacity brims".

Oil rallies as top producers agree massive output cuts

As the world grapples coronavirus pandemic the gulf countries are now taking stricter measures to deal with the crisis. Watch report

Surge of COVID-19 cases in Gulf nations: Stricter measures implied

OPEC and Russia have postponed a meeting planned for Monday until later next week, OPEC sources said on Saturday, as a row intensified between Moscow and Saudi Arabia over who is to blame for plunging oil prices.

The meeting's delay came despite pressure from US&nbsp;President Donald Trump for the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, known as OPEC+, to urgently stabilise global oil markets.

OPEC+ is working on an unprecedented oil output curb equal to about 10% of world supply, or 10 million barrels per day, in what member states expect to be a global effort that will include the United States.

Oil prices hit an 18-year low on March 30 due to sliding demand caused by government lockdowns to contain the coronavirus outbreak and the failure of OPEC and other producers led by Russia to extend an earlier deal on output curbs that expired on March 31.

Washington, however, has yet to make a commitment to join the effort and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday put the blame for the collapse in prices on Saudi Arabia -- prompting a firm response from Riyadh on Saturday.

"The Russian Minister of Energy was the first to declare to the media that all the participating countries are absolved of their commitments starting from the first of April, leading to the decision that the countries have taken to raise their production," Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said in a statement carried by state news agency SPA.

Putin, speaking during a video conference with government officials and heads of Russian major oil producers on Friday, said the first reason for the fall in prices was the impact of the coronavirus on demand.

"The second reason behind the collapse of prices is the withdrawal of our partners from Saudi Arabia from the OPEC+ deal, their production increase and information, which came out at the same time, about the readiness of our partners to even provide a discount for oil," Putin said.

Three OPEC sources, who asked not be identified, said the emergency virtual meeting planned for Monday would likely be postponed until April 8 or 9 to allow more time for negotiations.

Sources later downplayed the Saudi-Russia row, saying the atmosphere was still positive, although there is no draft deal yet or agreement on details such as a reference level from which to make the supply cuts.

"The first problem is that we have to cut from the current production level now, not to go back to the one before the crisis," one of the OPEC sources said.

"The second issue is the Americans, they have to play a part."

Oil rises from lows

Oil recovered from the lows of $20 per barrel this week with Brent settling at $34.11 on Friday, still far below the $66 closing level at the end of 2019.

Prices had their biggest one-day gain ever on Thursday when Trump said he expected Russia and Saudi Arabia to announce a major production cut.

The United States is not part of OPEC+ and the idea of Washington curbing production has long been seen as impossible, not least because of U.S. antitrust laws.

Still, the oil crash has spurred regulators in Texas, the heart of U.S. oil production, to consider regulating output for the first time in nearly 50 years.

But US Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, in a call with oil industry leaders on Friday, did not mention the possibility of US&nbsp;production cuts, a source who listened to the call said.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told Russian state media he understood that the United States has legal restrictions on output cuts, but it should still be flexible.

Officials from other oil producers that do not belong to OPEC+ have indicated willingness to help. Canada's Alberta province, home to the world's third-largest oil reserves, is open to joining any potential global pact

The International Energy Agency warned on Friday that a cut of 10 million bpd would not be enough to counter the huge fall in oil demand. Even with such a cut, inventories would increase by 15 million bpd in the second quarter.

OPEC and Russia have postponed a meeting planned for Monday until later next week, OPEC sources said on Saturday, as a row intensified between Moscow and Saudi Arabia over who is to blame for plunging oil prices.

OPEC and Russia have postponed a meeting planned for Monday until later next week, OPEC sources said on Saturday, as a row intensified between Moscow and Saudi Arabia over who is to blame for plunging oil prices. The meeting's delay came despite pressure from US President Donald Trump for the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, known as OPEC+, to urgently stabilise global oil markets. OPEC+ is working on an unprecedented oil output curb equal to about 10% of world supply, or 10 million barrels per day, in what member states expect to be a global effort that will include the United States. Oil prices hit an 18-year low on March 30 due to sliding demand caused by government lockdowns to contain the coronavirus outbreak and the failure of OPEC and other producers led by Russia to extend an earlier deal on output curbs that expired on March 31. Washington, however, has yet to make a commitment to join the effort and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday put the blame for the collapse in prices on Saudi Arabia -- prompting a firm response from Riyadh on Saturday. "The Russian Minister of Energy was the first to declare to the media that all the participating countries are absolved of their commitments starting from the first of April, leading to the decision that the countries have taken to raise their production," Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said in a statement carried by state news agency SPA. Putin, speaking during a video conference with government officials and heads of Russian major oil producers on Friday, said the first reason for the fall in prices was the impact of the coronavirus on demand. "The second reason behind the collapse of prices is the withdrawal of our partners from Saudi Arabia from the OPEC+ deal, their production increase and information, which came out at the same time, about the readiness of our partners to even provide a discount for oil," Putin said. Three OPEC sources, who asked not be identified, said the emergency virtual meeting planned for Monday would likely be postponed until April 8 or 9 to allow more time for negotiations. Sources later downplayed the Saudi-Russia row, saying the atmosphere was still positive, although there is no draft deal yet or agreement on details such as a reference level from which to make the supply cuts. "The first problem is that we have to cut from the current production level now, not to go back to the one before the crisis," one of the OPEC sources said. "The second issue is the Americans, they have to play a part." Oil rises from lows Oil recovered from the lows of $20 per barrel this week with Brent settling at $34.11 on Friday, still far below the $66 closing level at the end of 2019. Prices had their biggest one-day gain ever on Thursday when Trump said he expected Russia and Saudi Arabia to announce a major production cut. The United States is not part of OPEC+ and the idea of Washington curbing production has long been seen as impossible, not least because of U.S. antitrust laws. Still, the oil crash has spurred regulators in Texas, the heart of U.S. oil production, to consider regulating output for the first time in nearly 50 years. But US Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, in a call with oil industry leaders on Friday, did not mention the possibility of US production cuts, a source who listened to the call said. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told Russian state media he understood that the United States has legal restrictions on output cuts, but it should still be flexible. Officials from other oil producers that do not belong to OPEC+ have indicated willingness to help. Canada's Alberta province, home to the world's third-largest oil reserves, is open to joining any potential global pact The International Energy Agency warned on Friday that a cut of 10 million bpd would not be enough to counter the huge fall in oil demand. Even with such a cut, inventories would increase by 15 million bpd in the second quarter.

OPEC+ meeting delayed as Saudi Arabia and Russia row over price collapse

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reported its first death from the new coronavirus as the total number of infections spiked to 767, according to the health ministry. 
 
An Afghan resident in the western city of Medina died from the virus, the ministry said, while reporting 205 new infections -– the biggest jump in the kingdom in a single day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-coronavirus-cases-seen-10-times-higher-than-official-tally-288283" hreflang="en">Italian coronavirus cases seen '10 times higher' than official tally</a> 
 
Saudi Arabia, which has reported the highest number of infections in the Gulf, began implementing a nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew on Monday to limit the spread of the deadly COVID-19. 
 
The Arab world's biggest economy has also closed down cinemas, malls and restaurants, halted flights and suspended the year-round umrah pilgrimage as it steps up efforts to contain the virus. 
 
King Salman warned on Thursday of a "more difficult" fight ahead against the virus, as the kingdom faces the double blow of virus-led shutdowns and crashing oil prices.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271" hreflang="en">New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase</a> 
 
Last week, the kingdom unveiled stimulus measures amounting to 120 billion riyals ($32 billion) to support businesses and said it plans to raise borrowing to 50 percent of GDP. 
 
Similar restrictions and stimulus measures have been reported by other countries in the Gulf, where more than 2,100 coronavirus infections have been reported so far. 
 
Bahrain recorded its third death from the virus on Tuesday, while Oman said it would from March 29 suspend all passenger flights -- except to and from Musandam bordering the United Arab Emirates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iceland-confirms-first-death-from-coronavirus-288268" hreflang="en">Iceland confirms first death from coronavirus</a> 
 
Meanwhile, Kuwait's cabinet on Tuesday said anyone caught intentionally spreading the virus could face up to 10 years in jail, according to state media. 
 
Kuwait -- which has recorded 191 cases so far -- has taken the strictest measures in the Gulf by largely locking down the country to combat the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reported its first death from the new coronavirus as the total number of infections spiked to 767, according to the health ministry. An Afghan resident in the western city of Medina died from the virus, the ministry said, while reporting 205 new infections -– the biggest jump in the kingdom in a single day.

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reported its first death from the new coronavirus as the total number of infections spiked to 767, according to the health ministry. An Afghan resident in the western city of Medina died from the virus, the ministry said, while reporting 205 new infections -– the biggest jump in the kingdom in a single day. Also read: Italian coronavirus cases seen '10 times higher' than official tally Saudi Arabia, which has reported the highest number of infections in the Gulf, began implementing a nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew on Monday to limit the spread of the deadly COVID-19. The Arab world's biggest economy has also closed down cinemas, malls and restaurants, halted flights and suspended the year-round umrah pilgrimage as it steps up efforts to contain the virus. King Salman warned on Thursday of a "more difficult" fight ahead against the virus, as the kingdom faces the double blow of virus-led shutdowns and crashing oil prices. Also read: New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase Last week, the kingdom unveiled stimulus measures amounting to 120 billion riyals ($32 billion) to support businesses and said it plans to raise borrowing to 50 percent of GDP. Similar restrictions and stimulus measures have been reported by other countries in the Gulf, where more than 2,100 coronavirus infections have been reported so far. Bahrain recorded its third death from the virus on Tuesday, while Oman said it would from March 29 suspend all passenger flights -- except to and from Musandam bordering the United Arab Emirates. Also read: Iceland confirms first death from coronavirus Meanwhile, Kuwait's cabinet on Tuesday said anyone caught intentionally spreading the virus could face up to 10 years in jail, according to state media. Kuwait -- which has recorded 191 cases so far -- has taken the strictest measures in the Gulf by largely locking down the country to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Saudi reports first coronavirus death as infections spike

Saudi Arabia’s oil spat with Russia throws a spanner into the works of the Kingdom’s long-standing effort to hedge its bets, a strategy that has taken on added significance as the Gulf comes to grips with the likelihood that the region’s security architecture will fundamentally change.

Saudi Arabia, despite a primary focus on close ties to the United States, has increasingly sought to put its eggs in multiple baskets by initially forging closer military and economic relations with Britain, France, and Germany, and more recently with Russia and China.

Saudi Arabia has increasingly sought to put its eggs in multiple baskets, forging closer military and economic relations with Russia and China.

The Saudi strategy, stemming from mounting doubts about the reliability of the United States as an ally and protector of last resort, was showcased when China opened its first overseas defence production facility in Saudi Arabia for the manufacturing of the CH-4 Caihong or Rainbow drone, as well as associated equipment.

The CH-4 is comparable to the US armed MQ-9 Reaper drone that Washington has refused to sell to the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia’s willingness to undermine its hedging strategy by challenging Russia’s refusal to continue to align its production levels with that of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) follows the Kingdom’s bowing to US pressure to acquire Lockheed Martin’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system rather than Russia’s S-400 anti-aircraft and anti-missile weapon.

Putin made a last-ditch sales pitch last September after the Kingdom’s six battalions of US-made Patriot batteries failed to detect drone and missile attacks on two of the country’s key oil facilities that knocked out half of its production capacity.

The decision by Mohammed bin Salman, known by his initials MBS, to confront Russia stemmed from a stark choice confronting the Crown Prince: endanger relations with the only power to have put forward a regional security plan that would have allowed the Kingdom to hedge its bets while maintaining close ties to the United States, or drive oil prices down in a bid to force Russia to coordinate production levels that would ensure a higher price.

Ultimately, the Crown Prince’s choice was driven by economics rather than long-term security.

Low oil prices have already forced the Kingdom to borrow from international financial markets. $80 per barrel is the price it needs to balance its budget. It is also the price MBS needs for his ambitious plans to diversify and streamline the Saudi economy and turn it into a cutting edge 21st-century knowledge hub.

MBS may in some respects have shot himself in the foot even if his assumption proves correct that the Kingdom could win a price and production war and that Russian President Vladimir Putin would see a longer-term move from a unipolar to a multilateral security arrangement in the Gulf as too big a prize to lose.

Last year’s limited initial public offering (IPO) on the Saudi stock exchange by Aramco, the Kingdom’s national oil company, that constituted a crown jewel in MBS’ economic reform plans, failed to convincingly address fears that it was subject to the whims of the Kingdom’s ruling elite.

The oil war with Russia may have convinced investors’ worst fears with Aramco raising capacity and production to help MBS with his gamble.

“This has proved to investors that their worst fears about Aramco were a reality. The company’s plans and its output decisions are based on MBS’ erratic behaviour,” said a Saudi official familiar with Aramco’s offering.

MBS may not be the only one to suffer consequences of the oil war, but his&nbsp;may be a tougher struggle because it involves restoration of trust.

The setback for US Shale oil companies that need a relatively high oil price to break even, the reason Russia was willing to go to war with Saudi Arabia, is likely to be temporary as was evident in 2014 when Saudi Arabia gunned for market share rather than price to drive American producers out of business.

“A protracted crude oil price war on the supply side, combined with the simultaneous demand shock caused by Covid-19’s impact on economic activity, will hurt oil producers everywhere,” said Tilak K Doshi, an energy scholar at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute.

If the Crown Prince’s decision was driven by domestic considerations, so was Putin’s.

Yet, despite believing that OPEC had outlived its utility, Putin was taken aback by the ferocity of Saudi Arabia’s response to the Russian cancellation of its earlier production level agreement with OPEC, prompting Moscow to call for a return to the agreed levels for the first quarter of this year.

“OPEC is finished, so is any attempt to ‘manage’ the oil market. US shale (as a fully privately owned industry) operates on aggressive free-market principals. The Russians understand that and so does Saudi. The energy game (including alternatives) is now a survival of the fittest,” tweeted Ali Shihabi, a banker-turned-pro-Saudi-political commentator.

In Russia, MBS is up against an opponent that could prove to have a long breath.

Saudi Arabia’s oil spat with Russia throws a spanner into the works of the Kingdom’s long-standing effort to hedge its bets, a strategy that has taken on added significance as the Gulf comes to grips with the likelihood that the region’s security architecture will fundamentally change.

Saudi Arabia’s oil spat with Russia throws a spanner into the works of the Kingdom’s long-standing effort to hedge its bets, a strategy that has taken on added significance as the Gulf comes to grips with the likelihood that the region’s security architecture will fundamentally change. Saudi Arabia, despite a primary focus on close ties to the United States, has increasingly sought to put its eggs in multiple baskets by initially forging closer military and economic relations with Britain, France, and Germany, and more recently with Russia and China. Saudi Arabia has increasingly sought to put its eggs in multiple baskets, forging closer military and economic relations with Russia and China. The Saudi strategy, stemming from mounting doubts about the reliability of the United States as an ally and protector of last resort, was showcased when China opened its first overseas defence production facility in Saudi Arabia for the manufacturing of the CH-4 Caihong or Rainbow drone, as well as associated equipment. The CH-4 is comparable to the US armed MQ-9 Reaper drone that Washington has refused to sell to the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia’s willingness to undermine its hedging strategy by challenging Russia’s refusal to continue to align its production levels with that of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) follows the Kingdom’s bowing to US pressure to acquire Lockheed Martin’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system rather than Russia’s S-400 anti-aircraft and anti-missile weapon. Putin made a last-ditch sales pitch last September after the Kingdom’s six battalions of US-made Patriot batteries failed to detect drone and missile attacks on two of the country’s key oil facilities that knocked out half of its production capacity. The decision by Mohammed bin Salman, known by his initials MBS, to confront Russia stemmed from a stark choice confronting the Crown Prince: endanger relations with the only power to have put forward a regional security plan that would have allowed the Kingdom to hedge its bets while maintaining close ties to the United States, or drive oil prices down in a bid to force Russia to coordinate production levels that would ensure a higher price. Ultimately, the Crown Prince’s choice was driven by economics rather than long-term security. Low oil prices have already forced the Kingdom to borrow from international financial markets. $80 per barrel is the price it needs to balance its budget. It is also the price MBS needs for his ambitious plans to diversify and streamline the Saudi economy and turn it into a cutting edge 21st-century knowledge hub. MBS may in some respects have shot himself in the foot even if his assumption proves correct that the Kingdom could win a price and production war and that Russian President Vladimir Putin would see a longer-term move from a unipolar to a multilateral security arrangement in the Gulf as too big a prize to lose. Last year’s limited initial public offering (IPO) on the Saudi stock exchange by Aramco, the Kingdom’s national oil company, that constituted a crown jewel in MBS’ economic reform plans, failed to convincingly address fears that it was subject to the whims of the Kingdom’s ruling elite. The oil war with Russia may have convinced investors’ worst fears with Aramco raising capacity and production to help MBS with his gamble. “This has proved to investors that their worst fears about Aramco were a reality. The company’s plans and its output decisions are based on MBS’ erratic behaviour,” said a Saudi official familiar with Aramco’s offering. MBS may not be the only one to suffer consequences of the oil war, but his may be a tougher struggle because it involves restoration of trust. The setback for US Shale oil companies that need a relatively high oil price to break even, the reason Russia was willing to go to war with Saudi Arabia, is likely to be temporary as was evident in 2014 when Saudi Arabia gunned for market share rather than price to drive American producers out of business. “A protracted crude oil price war on the supply side, combined with the simultaneous demand shock caused by Covid-19’s impact on economic activity, will hurt oil producers everywhere,” said Tilak K Doshi, an energy scholar at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute. If the Crown Prince’s decision was driven by domestic considerations, so was Putin’s. Yet, despite believing that OPEC had outlived its utility, Putin was taken aback by the ferocity of Saudi Arabia’s response to the Russian cancellation of its earlier production level agreement with OPEC, prompting Moscow to call for a return to the agreed levels for the first quarter of this year. “OPEC is finished, so is any attempt to ‘manage’ the oil market. US shale (as a fully privately owned industry) operates on aggressive free-market principals. The Russians understand that and so does Saudi. The energy game (including alternatives) is now a survival of the fittest,” tweeted Ali Shihabi, a banker-turned-pro-Saudi-political commentator. In Russia, MBS is up against an opponent that could prove to have a long breath.

Playing for higher stakes: Saudi Arabia gambles on oil war with Russia

Saudi Arabia like the rest of the world is fighting Covid-19. Even as it increases the shutdowns of public places across the country.&nbsp;

The regime is busy with a crackdown. A wave of arrrests, from senior royals to military officers and judges.

All happening within two weeks and serving as deja vu of a similar crackdown in 2017. Saudi Arabia is in the middle of an unprecedented crackdown.

Hundreds of government officials, military and security officers have been detained.

Charges against them include bribery and exploiting public office.The kingdom’s anti-corruption body, National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha), said that 674 people had been investigated.

And 298 faced charges related to embezzlement worth about $100 million.Among those implicated were 8 defence ministry officers suspected of money laundering.

And 29 interior ministry officials including three colonels, a major general and a brigadier general.Two judges have also been detained for receiving bribes. Just last week, at least two senior princes were detained.

King Salman's brother, Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz and Prince Muhammad bin Nayef, &nbsp;a former crown prince and interior minister.Both were considered potential rivals to crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Some reports say as many as 20 princes in total have been arrested so far. And all of them were allegedly part of a coup to overthrow MBS.Their arrests were designed to send a message to other members of the royal family. Any hints of disloyalty would not be tolerated.&nbsp;

And now these latest anti-corruption arrests appear to be targeting civil servants. This is the second time in the last 4 years.In 2017, scores of the kingdom's economic and political elite were detained.

They were held as royal prisoners at Riyadh's Ritz-Carlton hotel.The fact of the matter is Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is anxious to take over his father's legacy. He is next-in-line for the throne of King Salman.

But frustration among Saudi Arabia's ruling elite with his leadership has been rising.Especially after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom’s oil infrastructure in November 2019.

It sparked concerns among several prominent branches of the ruling al Saud family which has around 10,000 members.The crown prince’s ability to defend and lead the world’s largest oil exporter has been questioned.

He has been criticised for pursuing an overly aggressive stance towards Iran.But MBS doesn't want any disruption to his best-laid plans.

And so he is tightening the noose around anybody who dares to dissent.The latest crackdown is the boldest act yet in his quest for power.

Saudi Arabia like the rest of the world is fighting Covid-19. Even as it increases the shutdowns of public places across the country. The regime is busy with a crackdown.

Saudi Arabia like the rest of the world is fighting Covid-19. Even as it increases the shutdowns of public places across the country. The regime is busy with a crackdown. A wave of arrrests, from senior royals to military officers and judges. All happening within two weeks and serving as deja vu of a similar crackdown in 2017. Saudi Arabia is in the middle of an unprecedented crackdown. Hundreds of government officials, military and security officers have been detained. Charges against them include bribery and exploiting public office.The kingdom’s anti-corruption body, National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha), said that 674 people had been investigated. And 298 faced charges related to embezzlement worth about $100 million.Among those implicated were 8 defence ministry officers suspected of money laundering. And 29 interior ministry officials including three colonels, a major general and a brigadier general.Two judges have also been detained for receiving bribes. Just last week, at least two senior princes were detained. King Salman's brother, Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz and Prince Muhammad bin Nayef, a former crown prince and interior minister.Both were considered potential rivals to crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. Some reports say as many as 20 princes in total have been arrested so far. And all of them were allegedly part of a coup to overthrow MBS.Their arrests were designed to send a message to other members of the royal family. Any hints of disloyalty would not be tolerated. And now these latest anti-corruption arrests appear to be targeting civil servants. This is the second time in the last 4 years.In 2017, scores of the kingdom's economic and political elite were detained. They were held as royal prisoners at Riyadh's Ritz-Carlton hotel.The fact of the matter is Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is anxious to take over his father's legacy. He is next-in-line for the throne of King Salman. But frustration among Saudi Arabia's ruling elite with his leadership has been rising.Especially after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom’s oil infrastructure in November 2019. It sparked concerns among several prominent branches of the ruling al Saud family which has around 10,000 members.The crown prince’s ability to defend and lead the world’s largest oil exporter has been questioned. He has been criticised for pursuing an overly aggressive stance towards Iran.But MBS doesn't want any disruption to his best-laid plans. And so he is tightening the noose around anybody who dares to dissent.The latest crackdown is the boldest act yet in his quest for power.

Wave of arrests in Saudi Arabia: Nearly 300 civil servants detained

Spanish King Felipe VI of Spain has renounced the wealth of his father King Emerit Juan Carlos I.

He has also distanced himself from his father&nbsp;over the alleged financial irregularities involving the former monarch.&nbsp;

The announcement came after reports earlier this month that the former monarch Juan Carlos had received 100 million dollars from Saudi Arabia’s late King Abdullah in 2008 through an offshore account.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-in-last-chance-bid-to-avoid-fresh-elections-249587">Spain in last-chance bid to avoid fresh elections</a>

A later report stated that 52-year-old King Felipe was also a beneficiary of the fund, which it said had been set up when Juan Carlos was still on the throne.

In the palace statement released Sunday, the reigning king said that in April he had made it clear to a notary that he would accept no money from the foundation in question.

Watch: Art or show? 228,000 dollar to burn down a statue of Spain's king

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/art-or-show-228000-dollar-to-burn-down-a-statue-of-spains-king-200480/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Felipe denied any knowledge of the fund in Sunday’s statement.

The royal house said in a statement that in addition to renouncing his inheritance, Felipe is stripping Juan Carlos of his annual stipend.&nbsp;

The statement said King Felipe was renouncing any assets, shares or investments that might be either illegal or compromise the royal family's integrity.

According to the national media reports say Juan Carlos has until now received an annual allowance from the state of more than 194,000 euros.

Juan Carlos, 82, became king in November 1975 and reigned until his abdication in June 2014.

Spanish King Felipe VI of Spain has renounced the wealth of his father King Emerit Juan Carlos I. He has also distanced himself from his father over the alleged financial irregularities involving the former monarch.

Spanish King Felipe VI of Spain has renounced the wealth of his father King Emerit Juan Carlos I. He has also distanced himself from his father over the alleged financial irregularities involving the former monarch. The announcement came after reports earlier this month that the former monarch Juan Carlos had received 100 million dollars from Saudi Arabia’s late King Abdullah in 2008 through an offshore account. Also read: Spain in last-chance bid to avoid fresh elections A later report stated that 52-year-old King Felipe was also a beneficiary of the fund, which it said had been set up when Juan Carlos was still on the throne. In the palace statement released Sunday, the reigning king said that in April he had made it clear to a notary that he would accept no money from the foundation in question. Watch: Art or show? 228,000 dollar to burn down a statue of Spain's king Felipe denied any knowledge of the fund in Sunday’s statement. The royal house said in a statement that in addition to renouncing his inheritance, Felipe is stripping Juan Carlos of his annual stipend. The statement said King Felipe was renouncing any assets, shares or investments that might be either illegal or compromise the royal family's integrity. According to the national media reports say Juan Carlos has until now received an annual allowance from the state of more than 194,000 euros. Juan Carlos, 82, became king in November 1975 and reigned until his abdication in June 2014.

Spanish King renounces inheritance and distances himself from father amid scandal

There is little indication that Middle-Eastern rulers are learning the lessons of the Coronavirus’ devastating effect.

Nor is there any suggestion that they are willing to see the pandemic as an opportunity to negotiate new social contracts at a time that the virus has temporarily taken the sails out of mass anti-government protests in various countries and discontent continues to simmer in others.

On the contrary, Iran has become the poster child of what happens when the public distrusts a government that has a track record of being untransparent from the outset of a crisis, limits freedom of expression that often creates early warning systems that could enable authorities to take timely, pre-emptive measures to avert or limit the damage, and is perceived as corrupt.

Iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saw himself forced last week to bring in the military to clear the streets after Iranians, already struggling under the impact of harsh US economic sanctions, refused to adhere to public health warnings regarding large gatherings, social distancing and advice to stay at home.

Khamenei assigned the task to the regular armed forces after the Revolutionary Guards Corps failed to persuade Iranians to heed government advice regarding the epidemic that as of this writing has infected some 14,000 people and caused 724 deaths and turned Iran into one of the world’s hardest-hit countries.

The distrust has fuelled reports and rumours that casualties exceed by far government figures and that mass graves were being prepared to cope with a much higher than stated death toll.

The Coronavirus-hit Iran, that was slow to acknowledge the severity of the crisis, only weeks after large numbers took to the streets of Iranian cities denouncing Khamenei and the Guards in protest against the government’s initial reluctance to live up to its responsibility for the mistaken downing of a Ukrainian airliner that killed 176 people.

Multiple Middle-Eastern states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and Israel have ordered closures of educational facilities, quarantines and taken steps to curtail, if not halt travel to and from Asian and European nations badly affected by the virus or temporarily interrupt all travel to their countries.

Nonetheless, an exponential spread of the virus could stress test the national health systems in both energy-rich countries that have invested in state-of-the-art medical facilities as well as war-ravaged nations like Syria, Yemen and Libya where hospitals have been prime targets of devastating airstrikes.

Potential stress tests that fail could prove risky.

Countries like Iraq, which is particularly exposed with its close ties to neighbouring Iran, Algeria and Lebanon, where many like in Iran defy advice to stay at home, have witnessed months of sustained mass anti-government protests demanding a complete overhaul of a political system perceived as corrupt and incapable of delivering public goods such as jobs, proper healthcare and other services.

Governments have, however, shown little incentive to capitalise on the temporary dwindling of protests to forge new social contracts using the need to confront the virus threat nationally as a wedge.

Fear of the virus coupled with government repression has seen the numbers of protesters in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, where demonstrators initially insisted that Iraq’s political elite was a virus worse than Corona, drop from the thousands to several hundred at best.

The same is true for Algeria and Lebanon, hit not only by the virus but also a financial crisis that is forcing it to default on its ballooning debt.

"You won't be of much help to Algeria if you're dead," quipped one person on Twitter.

Embattled governments see opportunity in the virus, just not one that will prevent the temporary lid on what is a boiling pot from exploding again once the crisis is over, possibly with a greater vengeance if Corona exposes the authorities’ and the health system’s inability to cope.

"In Algeria, the government's calls for cancelling the protests are not motivated by sanitary concerns as it is the case in France, the US or elsewhere,” said Riad Kaced, a US-based activist who flew to Algiers almost every second week to take part in the protests.

“The Algerian regime wants to seize this opportunity to strangle the Hirak and kill it off," Kaced said, referring to the protest movement by its Arabic name.

In that mould, the virus, which has so far infected 62 people in Saudi Arabia did not stop Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from rounding up potential opponents whom he suspected of plotting against him and launching an oil war with Russia that has wreaked havoc at a time that the global economy can least afford it.

Another clear indication that Middle Eastern autocrats and discredited elites see no reason to use the virus crisis as a monkey wrench to reduce regional tensions and create political and social structures that would make their societies more resilient is their failure to crack down on opinion makers, influencers and rumour mongers that seek to weaponise Corona on tightly controlled mainstream and new media.

The Saudi and United Arab Emirates governments remained silent while pro-government voices came to the defence of Saudi-based journalist Noura al-Moteari who tweeted that the virus and its spread had been funded by Qatar in order to undermine Prince Mohammed’s plans for social and economic reform and the UAE's upcoming Expo 2020.

They also looked the other way, despite a Saudi government warning that rumour-mongers could face jail terms of up to five years and a fine of up to $800,000, after analyst Zayed al-Amri claimed on Saudi television that Turkey and Iran were using the virus to target Arab tourists and attack countries across the globe.

Said social media scholar Marc Owen Jones: 'Coronavirus is being opportunistically weaponised through disinformation and propaganda tactics aimed at demonising political opponents while exposing latent prejudices.”

The Coronavirus crisis is taking its toll, including the lives of many that good and transparent governance possibly could have saved. Ultimately, authorities will get a grip on it.

However, Corona wasn’t the first such crisis and won’t be the last. The risk is that weaponisation serves rulers’ short-term interests but contributes little to building the kind of national and regional resilience and cohesion needed to confront the next one. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

There is little indication that Middle-Eastern rulers are learning the lessons of the Coronavirus’ devastating effect. Nor is there any suggestion that they are willing to see the pandemic as an opportunity to negotiate new social contracts at a time that the virus has temporarily taken the sails out of mass anti-government protests in various countries and discontent continues to simmer in others.

There is little indication that Middle-Eastern rulers are learning the lessons of the Coronavirus’ devastating effect. Nor is there any suggestion that they are willing to see the pandemic as an opportunity to negotiate new social contracts at a time that the virus has temporarily taken the sails out of mass anti-government protests in various countries and discontent continues to simmer in others. On the contrary, Iran has become the poster child of what happens when the public distrusts a government that has a track record of being untransparent from the outset of a crisis, limits freedom of expression that often creates early warning systems that could enable authorities to take timely, pre-emptive measures to avert or limit the damage, and is perceived as corrupt. Iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saw himself forced last week to bring in the military to clear the streets after Iranians, already struggling under the impact of harsh US economic sanctions, refused to adhere to public health warnings regarding large gatherings, social distancing and advice to stay at home. Khamenei assigned the task to the regular armed forces after the Revolutionary Guards Corps failed to persuade Iranians to heed government advice regarding the epidemic that as of this writing has infected some 14,000 people and caused 724 deaths and turned Iran into one of the world’s hardest-hit countries. The distrust has fuelled reports and rumours that casualties exceed by far government figures and that mass graves were being prepared to cope with a much higher than stated death toll. The Coronavirus-hit Iran, that was slow to acknowledge the severity of the crisis, only weeks after large numbers took to the streets of Iranian cities denouncing Khamenei and the Guards in protest against the government’s initial reluctance to live up to its responsibility for the mistaken downing of a Ukrainian airliner that killed 176 people. Multiple Middle-Eastern states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and Israel have ordered closures of educational facilities, quarantines and taken steps to curtail, if not halt travel to and from Asian and European nations badly affected by the virus or temporarily interrupt all travel to their countries. Nonetheless, an exponential spread of the virus could stress test the national health systems in both energy-rich countries that have invested in state-of-the-art medical facilities as well as war-ravaged nations like Syria, Yemen and Libya where hospitals have been prime targets of devastating airstrikes. Potential stress tests that fail could prove risky. Countries like Iraq, which is particularly exposed with its close ties to neighbouring Iran, Algeria and Lebanon, where many like in Iran defy advice to stay at home, have witnessed months of sustained mass anti-government protests demanding a complete overhaul of a political system perceived as corrupt and incapable of delivering public goods such as jobs, proper healthcare and other services. Governments have, however, shown little incentive to capitalise on the temporary dwindling of protests to forge new social contracts using the need to confront the virus threat nationally as a wedge. Fear of the virus coupled with government repression has seen the numbers of protesters in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, where demonstrators initially insisted that Iraq’s political elite was a virus worse than Corona, drop from the thousands to several hundred at best. The same is true for Algeria and Lebanon, hit not only by the virus but also a financial crisis that is forcing it to default on its ballooning debt. "You won't be of much help to Algeria if you're dead," quipped one person on Twitter. Embattled governments see opportunity in the virus, just not one that will prevent the temporary lid on what is a boiling pot from exploding again once the crisis is over, possibly with a greater vengeance if Corona exposes the authorities’ and the health system’s inability to cope. "In Algeria, the government's calls for cancelling the protests are not motivated by sanitary concerns as it is the case in France, the US or elsewhere,” said Riad Kaced, a US-based activist who flew to Algiers almost every second week to take part in the protests. “The Algerian regime wants to seize this opportunity to strangle the Hirak and kill it off," Kaced said, referring to the protest movement by its Arabic name. In that mould, the virus, which has so far infected 62 people in Saudi Arabia did not stop Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from rounding up potential opponents whom he suspected of plotting against him and launching an oil war with Russia that has wreaked havoc at a time that the global economy can least afford it. Another clear indication that Middle Eastern autocrats and discredited elites see no reason to use the virus crisis as a monkey wrench to reduce regional tensions and create political and social structures that would make their societies more resilient is their failure to crack down on opinion makers, influencers and rumour mongers that seek to weaponise Corona on tightly controlled mainstream and new media. The Saudi and United Arab Emirates governments remained silent while pro-government voices came to the defence of Saudi-based journalist Noura al-Moteari who tweeted that the virus and its spread had been funded by Qatar in order to undermine Prince Mohammed’s plans for social and economic reform and the UAE's upcoming Expo 2020. They also looked the other way, despite a Saudi government warning that rumour-mongers could face jail terms of up to five years and a fine of up to $800,000, after analyst Zayed al-Amri claimed on Saudi television that Turkey and Iran were using the virus to target Arab tourists and attack countries across the globe. Said social media scholar Marc Owen Jones: 'Coronavirus is being opportunistically weaponised through disinformation and propaganda tactics aimed at demonising political opponents while exposing latent prejudices.” The Coronavirus crisis is taking its toll, including the lives of many that good and transparent governance possibly could have saved. Ultimately, authorities will get a grip on it. However, Corona wasn’t the first such crisis and won’t be the last. The risk is that weaponisation serves rulers’ short-term interests but contributes little to building the kind of national and regional resilience and cohesion needed to confront the next one. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Coronavirus outbreak: How Middle-East is dealing with the global pandemic

Saudi Arabia's state oil giant Aramco said on Sunday its 2019 profit fell almost 21% due to lower crude oil prices and a drop in production volumes, reported news agency Reuters.

Saudi Arabia's state oil giant Aramco said on Sunday its 2019 profit fell almost 21% due to lower crude oil prices and a drop in production volumes, reported news agency Reuters. Aramco posted a net profit of 330.69 billion Saudi riyal ($88.11 billion) after zakat and tax in the period ended Dec. 31, down from 416.52 billion riyals a year earlier, the report added. Analysts expected Aramco to post a net profit of 346.6 billion riyals ($92.35 billion) in 2019, according to an estimate of 15 analysts polled by Refinitiv. Aramco, the world's top oil-producing company, raised $29.4 billion in a record initial public offering in December last year. (With inputs from Reuters)

Saudi Aramco reports 21 per cent drop in 2019 profits

Saudi Arabia said Saturday it would suspend international flights for two weeks in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-locks-down-province-bans-travel-with-9-nations-over-coronavirus-285199">Saudi Arabia locks down province, bans travel with 9 nations over coronavirus</a>

"The Kingdom's government decided to suspend international flights for two weeks (Starting from Sunday, March 15th) as part of its efforts to prevent the spread of #CoronaVirus," the foreign ministry tweeted.

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Precautionary Health Measures | 
 
- <a href="https://twitter.com/MOISaudiArabia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MOISaudiArabia</a>: The Kingdom’s government decided to suspend international flights for two weeks [Starting from Sunday March 15th] as part of its efforts to prevent the spread of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirus</a>
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1238671450372018178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Saudi Arabia has recorded 86 cases of the virus so far, but no deaths, according to the health ministry.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kuwait-asks-muslims-to-pray-at-home-to-halt-coronavirus-spread-286162">Kuwait asks Muslims to pray at home to halt coronavirus spread</a>

The kingdom had already halted flights to some countries and closed schools and universities as part of measures to contain the disease.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-reopens-mecca-medina-holy-sites-after-coronavirus-closure-report-284702">Saudi Arabia reopens Mecca, Medina holy sites after coronavirus closure: Report</a>

Authorities have also suspended the "umrah" year-round pilgrimage to the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina for fear of the virus spreading.

Saudi Arabia said Saturday it would suspend international flights for two weeks in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Saudi Arabia locks down province, bans travel with 9 nations over coronavirus "The Kingdom's government decided to suspend international flights for two weeks (Starting from Sunday, March 15th) as part of its efforts to prevent the spread of #CoronaVirus," the foreign ministry tweeted.

Saudi Arabia said Saturday it would suspend international flights for two weeks in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Saudi Arabia locks down province, bans travel with 9 nations over coronavirus "The Kingdom's government decided to suspend international flights for two weeks (Starting from Sunday, March 15th) as part of its efforts to prevent the spread of #CoronaVirus," the foreign ministry tweeted. Precautionary Health Measures | - @MOISaudiArabia: The Kingdom’s government decided to suspend international flights for two weeks [Starting from Sunday March 15th] as part of its efforts to prevent the spread of #CoronaVirus — Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) March 14, 2020 × Saudi Arabia has recorded 86 cases of the virus so far, but no deaths, according to the health ministry. Also see: Kuwait asks Muslims to pray at home to halt coronavirus spread The kingdom had already halted flights to some countries and closed schools and universities as part of measures to contain the disease. Also read: Saudi Arabia reopens Mecca, Medina holy sites after coronavirus closure: Report Authorities have also suspended the "umrah" year-round pilgrimage to the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina for fear of the virus spreading.

Saudi Arabia to suspend international flights over virus

Saudi Arabia has extended flight bans to the European Union and other countries and Kuwait tried to reassured citizens panicked by its own virtual lockdown, after the number of coronavirus infections shot up in the region.

Saudi Arabia, which had locked down its eastern Qatif region earlier this week, announced 24 new cases overnight, bringing its total to 45. It halted flights to the EU and 12 other countries, extending an earlier ban on 19 countries, including neighbouring Arab states, state media said on Thursday.

Saudi citizens and residents in the affected jurisdictions have 72 hours to return to the kingdom, sources said, citing an official source at the Interior Ministry.

Passenger traffic through all land crossings with Jordan was also suspended. Commercial and cargo traffic continued.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/china-shuts-down-mount-everest-due-to-coronavirus-fears-285841">China shuts down Mount Everest due to coronavirus fears</a>

Kuwait on Thursday reported eight new coronavirus infections, taking its total to 80, as the country started a two-week public holiday announced by the government as part of measures to contain the spread of infections.

Authorities on Wednesday also announced a ban on all commercial passenger flights to and from the country starting Friday. Its stock market was shut on Thursday.

Trade Minister Khalid Al Roudan, in an audio recording shared by the ministry, reassured citizens concerned about the availability of essential goods.

"There is no need for all this panic because shipping lanes are still open and cargo flights continue. There are sufficient strategic food stockpiles for several months," he said.

Also see:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-locks-down-province-bans-travel-with-9-nations-over-coronavirus-285199">&nbsp;Saudi Arabia locks down province, bans travel with 9 nations over coronavirus</a>

No Gulf Arab state has so far reported a coronavirus death. Many of the recorded infections are linked to travel to Iran, the epicentre of the disease in the Middle East.

Bahrain on Wednesday reported 77 new infections among citizens evacuated by plane from Iran. A second government-chartered repatriation flight is scheduled for Thursday.

Qatar on Wednesday announced 238 new cases among expatriates in a residential compound that had been placed under quarantine after three residents tested positive for the virus on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia's latest flight ban includes Switzerland, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti, and Somalia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-reopens-area-around-kaaba-amid-coronavirus-measures-284944">Saudi Arabia reopens area around Kaaba amid coronavirus measures</a>

Millions of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia come from many of those countries. The decision excludes health workers in the kingdom from the Philippines and India as well as evacuation, shipping and trade trips, sources said.

The kingdom has said it will impose a fine of up to 500,000 riyals ($133,000) on people who do not disclose health information and travel details at entry points.

Other preventive measures include locking down the oil-producing region of Qatif, where many of its cases are centred; suspending the Umrah pilgrimage; closing schools and cinemas nationwide; cancelling conferences and sporting events; and postponing a G20 ministerial meeting scheduled for next week.

Saudi Arabia has extended flight bans to the European Union and other countries and Kuwait tried to reassured citizens panicked by its own virtual lockdown, after the number of coronavirus infections shot up in the region.

Saudi Arabia has extended flight bans to the European Union and other countries and Kuwait tried to reassured citizens panicked by its own virtual lockdown, after the number of coronavirus infections shot up in the region. Saudi Arabia, which had locked down its eastern Qatif region earlier this week, announced 24 new cases overnight, bringing its total to 45. It halted flights to the EU and 12 other countries, extending an earlier ban on 19 countries, including neighbouring Arab states, state media said on Thursday. Saudi citizens and residents in the affected jurisdictions have 72 hours to return to the kingdom, sources said, citing an official source at the Interior Ministry. Passenger traffic through all land crossings with Jordan was also suspended. Commercial and cargo traffic continued. Also read: China shuts down Mount Everest due to coronavirus fears Kuwait on Thursday reported eight new coronavirus infections, taking its total to 80, as the country started a two-week public holiday announced by the government as part of measures to contain the spread of infections. Authorities on Wednesday also announced a ban on all commercial passenger flights to and from the country starting Friday. Its stock market was shut on Thursday. Trade Minister Khalid Al Roudan, in an audio recording shared by the ministry, reassured citizens concerned about the availability of essential goods. "There is no need for all this panic because shipping lanes are still open and cargo flights continue. There are sufficient strategic food stockpiles for several months," he said. Also see: Saudi Arabia locks down province, bans travel with 9 nations over coronavirus No Gulf Arab state has so far reported a coronavirus death. Many of the recorded infections are linked to travel to Iran, the epicentre of the disease in the Middle East. Bahrain on Wednesday reported 77 new infections among citizens evacuated by plane from Iran. A second government-chartered repatriation flight is scheduled for Thursday. Qatar on Wednesday announced 238 new cases among expatriates in a residential compound that had been placed under quarantine after three residents tested positive for the virus on Sunday. Saudi Arabia's latest flight ban includes Switzerland, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti, and Somalia. Also read: Saudi Arabia reopens area around Kaaba amid coronavirus measures Millions of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia come from many of those countries. The decision excludes health workers in the kingdom from the Philippines and India as well as evacuation, shipping and trade trips, sources said. The kingdom has said it will impose a fine of up to 500,000 riyals ($133,000) on people who do not disclose health information and travel details at entry points. Other preventive measures include locking down the oil-producing region of Qatif, where many of its cases are centred; suspending the Umrah pilgrimage; closing schools and cinemas nationwide; cancelling conferences and sporting events; and postponing a G20 ministerial meeting scheduled for next week.

Saudi Arabia widens travel ban; Kuwait reassures citizens

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