After the verdict over the 2018 murder of journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-murder-saudi-arabia-court-hands-death-penalty-to-five-24-years-imprisonment-to-three-269717">Jamal Khashoggi</a> was announced, Turkey criticised it for falling short of being able to decrypt the killing and motive of the crime. For Turkey, the Saudi court failed to deliver justice.

The decision announced by the Saudi court "is far from meeting the expectations of both our country and the international community to shed light on the murder with all its dimensions and deliver justice," the foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

A Saudi Arabian court&nbsp;on Monday sentenced five people to death for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018.

The criminal court of Riyadh has sentenced five people to death for committing and directly participating in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

The court sentenced 24 years of imprisonment to three individuals for their role in covering up the crime and violating the law.

And charges against three individuals have been dismissed.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and US resident, was killed in October 2018 by Saudi agents while at Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul to obtain paperwork ahead of his wedding to Hatice Cengiz.

For decades, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggis-killers-will-pay-the-price-says-turkish-president-228875">Khashoggi was close to the Saudi royal family</a> and also served as an adviser to the government.

(With inputs from agencies)

After the verdict over the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was announced, Turkey criticised it for falling short of being able to decrypt the killing and motive of the crime.

After the verdict over the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was announced, Turkey criticised it for falling short of being able to decrypt the killing and motive of the crime. For Turkey, the Saudi court failed to deliver justice. The decision announced by the Saudi court "is far from meeting the expectations of both our country and the international community to shed light on the murder with all its dimensions and deliver justice," the foreign ministry said in a statement. A Saudi Arabian court on Monday sentenced five people to death for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018. The criminal court of Riyadh has sentenced five people to death for committing and directly participating in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. The court sentenced 24 years of imprisonment to three individuals for their role in covering up the crime and violating the law. And charges against three individuals have been dismissed. Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and US resident, was killed in October 2018 by Saudi agents while at Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul to obtain paperwork ahead of his wedding to Hatice Cengiz. For decades, Khashoggi was close to the Saudi royal family and also served as an adviser to the government. (With inputs from agencies)

Khashoggi verdict 'far from justice': Turkey

The Riyadh criminal court has ordered the death penalty for 5 out of the 11 people guilty of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-murder-saudi-arabia-court-hands-death-penalty-to-five-24-years-imprisonment-to-three-269717">murdering the staunch critic</a> of the Saudi government.

However, the top aide of the Saudi Arabia government was exonerated of all charges.

In what is considered as one of the most urgent cases of threat to press, Jamal Khashoggi's murder put the spotlight on the questionable attitude of the Saudi administration towards dissidents.

The verdict by a Saudi Arabia court makes it clear that 5 will be executed and 3 will be given 24-year long imprisonment.

But a total of 11 persons have been found guilty in the murder of the US-based journalist.

However, many eyebrows have been raised on the acquittal of the Saudi Arabian consultant- Saud al-Qahtani from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-want-to-know-what-happened-to-kahshoggis-body-says-finacee-hatice-cengiz-253368">Khashoggi murder case</a>.

He was only investigated but was not charged.

Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor in a public statement said that the Saudi Prince's top aide was acquitted because of the lack of evidence against him.

He also said that the former deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al-Asiri was also released due to insufficient evidence.

Remember, Jamal Khashoggi was slain at the Saudi Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul last year.&nbsp;

His killing continues to strain Saudi's relations with key allies and has also rattled some top investors in the country.

But Riyadh has repeatedly and always denied allegations of involvement of any members of the royal family in Khashoggi's murder.

The Riyadh criminal court has ordered the death penalty for 5 out of the 11 people guilty of murdering the staunch critic of the Saudi government. However, the top aide of the Saudi Arabia government was exonerated of all charges.

The Riyadh criminal court has ordered the death penalty for 5 out of the 11 people guilty of murdering the staunch critic of the Saudi government. However, the top aide of the Saudi Arabia government was exonerated of all charges. In what is considered as one of the most urgent cases of threat to press, Jamal Khashoggi's murder put the spotlight on the questionable attitude of the Saudi administration towards dissidents. The verdict by a Saudi Arabia court makes it clear that 5 will be executed and 3 will be given 24-year long imprisonment. But a total of 11 persons have been found guilty in the murder of the US-based journalist. However, many eyebrows have been raised on the acquittal of the Saudi Arabian consultant- Saud al-Qahtani from the Khashoggi murder case. He was only investigated but was not charged. Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor in a public statement said that the Saudi Prince's top aide was acquitted because of the lack of evidence against him. He also said that the former deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al-Asiri was also released due to insufficient evidence. Remember, Jamal Khashoggi was slain at the Saudi Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul last year. His killing continues to strain Saudi's relations with key allies and has also rattled some top investors in the country. But Riyadh has repeatedly and always denied allegations of involvement of any members of the royal family in Khashoggi's murder.

Jamal Khashoggi murder case: Acquittals raise eyebrows

Saudi Arabia on December 23 sentenced five people to death and three more to jail terms totalling 24 years over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul in October last year. #SaudiArabia #Khashoggi #KhashoggiMurderCase

Saudi sentences five to death, three to jail in Khashoggi murder case

A court of Saudi Arabia on Monday sentenced five people to death for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018.

A court of Saudi Arabia on Monday sentenced five people to death for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018. The criminal court of Riyadh has sentenced five people to death for committing and directly participating in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. The court sentenced 24 years of imprisonment to 3 individuals for their role in covering up the crime and violating the law. And charges against three individuals have been dismissed. #STATEMENT | The Public Prosecutor: The initial hearing for the (11) individuals indicted in the case of the murder of Jamal Khashoggi was held in the Criminal Court of #Riyadh pic.twitter.com/MvgBhO5fHN — Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) January 3, 2019 × As journalists face increasing danger worldwide in a polarised political climate, the murder of government critic Jamal Khashoggi had triggered global outrage over the last 13 months. Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and US resident, was killed in October 2018 by Saudi agents while at Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul to obtain paperwork ahead of his wedding to Hatice Cengiz. For decades Khashoggi was close to the Saudi royal family and also served as an adviser to the government. (With inputs from AFP)

Jamal Khashoggi murder: Saudi Arabia court hands death penalty to five,  24 years imprisonment to three

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Pakistan avoided the Islamic summit held in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-says-muslim-nations-considering-trade-through-gold-barter-system-to-avoid-sanctions-269452">Malaysia </a>as it was pressurised by Saudi Arabia.

It was "unfortunate" that Saudi Arabia "pressures" Pakistan, Erdogan said quoted a Turkish daily.

“Unfortunately, we see that Saudi Arabia pressures Pakistan. Now, there are promises that the country has given to Pakistan regarding the central bank. However, more than that, there are four million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia. They (&nbsp;threaten by saying that they )would send (Pakistani workers)&nbsp;back and re-employ Bangladeshis instead,” the Turkish president said.&nbsp;

The four-day Islamic summit hosted by Malaysia was concluded today and the countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt skipped it. Saudi Arabia claimed that the summit undermined the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an association of 47 Muslim-majority nations.&nbsp;

Pakistan PM Imran Khan was slated to speak at the summit but pulled out from the event at the last minute.

Erdogan also said that Pakistan succumbed to Saudi's wishes "due to its economic difficulties".

"This is not a first for the countries since they have the tendency to put pressure on other countries in doing or not doing things," Erdogan added.&nbsp;

Erdogan also boasted that Turkey will continue its efforts to help other Muslim nations and will cooperate with Malaysia, Qatar, and Iran on regional and global issues. &nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Pakistan avoided the Islamic summit held in Malaysia as it was pressurised by Saudi Arabia. It was "unfortunate" that Saudi Arabia "pressures" Pakistan, Erdogan said quoted a Turkish daily.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Pakistan avoided the Islamic summit held in Malaysia as it was pressurised by Saudi Arabia. It was "unfortunate" that Saudi Arabia "pressures" Pakistan, Erdogan said quoted a Turkish daily. “Unfortunately, we see that Saudi Arabia pressures Pakistan. Now, there are promises that the country has given to Pakistan regarding the central bank. However, more than that, there are four million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia. They ( threaten by saying that they )would send (Pakistani workers) back and re-employ Bangladeshis instead,” the Turkish president said. The four-day Islamic summit hosted by Malaysia was concluded today and the countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt skipped it. Saudi Arabia claimed that the summit undermined the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an association of 47 Muslim-majority nations. Pakistan PM Imran Khan was slated to speak at the summit but pulled out from the event at the last minute. Erdogan also said that Pakistan succumbed to Saudi's wishes "due to its economic difficulties". "This is not a first for the countries since they have the tendency to put pressure on other countries in doing or not doing things," Erdogan added. Erdogan also boasted that Turkey will continue its efforts to help other Muslim nations and will cooperate with Malaysia, Qatar, and Iran on regional and global issues.

Saudi pressured Pakistan to withdraw from Malaysia summit: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

In a crackdown against state-sponsored propaganda, social-media giants Facebook and Twitter said that they had blocked multiple government-backed manipulation operations around the world.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-blocks-group-spreading-pro-trump-posts-from-fake-accounts-269435">Facebook </a>said that it had blocked a network in Vietnam and the United States which posted pro-Trump messages targetting US citizens.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-thousands-of-accounts-that-were-linked-to-saudi-arabia-269402">Twitter</a>, on the other hand, claimed that it had blocked nearly 88,000 accounts linked to Saudi state-backed "information operations", in violation of its manipulation rules.

The Twitter safety team said that their analysis found that the network targetted discussions related to Saudi Arabia and was promoting Riyadh's geopolitical interests at an international level.&nbsp;

"Our internal analysis shows the network was involved in various forms of platform manipulation, targetting discussions related to Saudi Arabia and advancing their geopolitical interests on the world stage," the Twitter team said.&nbsp;

Twitter's investigations revealed Saudi-based social media marketing firm Smaat behind this campaign of manipulation. Smaat has been permanently blocked by the platform.&nbsp;

The Saudi-based firm was working for "high-profile individuals" and for several government departments in Saudi Arabia, Twitter said. Some of the tweets were of 2016 and were supporting&nbsp;the presidential campaign of US President Donald Trump.

Facebook said that the Vietnam network was traced to the multi-language media group Epoch Times, which is linked to the Falun Gong spiritual movement, and a US media outlet called BL, which has been uploading pro-Trump posts.&nbsp;

Facebook also said that it has removed more than 600 accounts on Facebook and Instagram.&nbsp;

"The people behind this activity made widespread use of fake accounts -- many of which had been automatically removed by our systems -- to manage pages and groups, automate posting at very high frequencies and direct traffic to off-platform sites," Facebook security chief Nathaniel Gleicher said.

"The BL-focused network repeatedly violated a number of our policies, including our policies against coordinated inauthentic behavior, spam and misrepresentation, to name just a few."

The Facebook security chief said that the fake accounts shared memes and content focussing on conservative ideology and US political issues such as Trump's impeachment, trade, family values, freedom of religion, among others.

(with inputs from AFP)

In a crackdown against state-sponsored propaganda, social-media giants Facebook and Twitter said that they had blocked multiple government-backed manipulation operations around the world.

In a crackdown against state-sponsored propaganda, social-media giants Facebook and Twitter said that they had blocked multiple government-backed manipulation operations around the world. Facebook said that it had blocked a network in Vietnam and the United States which posted pro-Trump messages targetting US citizens. Twitter, on the other hand, claimed that it had blocked nearly 88,000 accounts linked to Saudi state-backed "information operations", in violation of its manipulation rules. The Twitter safety team said that their analysis found that the network targetted discussions related to Saudi Arabia and was promoting Riyadh's geopolitical interests at an international level. "Our internal analysis shows the network was involved in various forms of platform manipulation, targetting discussions related to Saudi Arabia and advancing their geopolitical interests on the world stage," the Twitter team said. Twitter's investigations revealed Saudi-based social media marketing firm Smaat behind this campaign of manipulation. Smaat has been permanently blocked by the platform. The Saudi-based firm was working for "high-profile individuals" and for several government departments in Saudi Arabia, Twitter said. Some of the tweets were of 2016 and were supporting the presidential campaign of US President Donald Trump. Facebook said that the Vietnam network was traced to the multi-language media group Epoch Times, which is linked to the Falun Gong spiritual movement, and a US media outlet called BL, which has been uploading pro-Trump posts. Facebook also said that it has removed more than 600 accounts on Facebook and Instagram. "The people behind this activity made widespread use of fake accounts -- many of which had been automatically removed by our systems -- to manage pages and groups, automate posting at very high frequencies and direct traffic to off-platform sites," Facebook security chief Nathaniel Gleicher said. "The BL-focused network repeatedly violated a number of our policies, including our policies against coordinated inauthentic behavior, spam and misrepresentation, to name just a few." The Facebook security chief said that the fake accounts shared memes and content focussing on conservative ideology and US political issues such as Trump's impeachment, trade, family values, freedom of religion, among others. (with inputs from AFP)

Facebook, Twitter block state-sponsored manipulation accounts in latest crackdown

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-fallout-member-of-malaysian-central-government-coalition-says-pm-mahathir-has-overreacted-269450">Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohama</a>d said on Saturday that Iran, Malaysia, Turkey and Qatar are considering trading amongst themselves through gold and barter system in a bid to prevent any future sanctions on them.

"I have suggested that we re-visit the idea of trading using the gold dinar and barter trade among us," Mahathir said, at the end of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-defends-muslim-summit-shunned-by-saudi-slammed-by-oic-269055">Islamic summit </a>in Malaysia.&nbsp;

"We are seriously looking into this and we hope that we will be able to find a mechanism to put it into effect."

It should be noted that Iran has been badly affected by the US-imposed sanctions that were put in place last year. The US allies: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have also cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar nearly two and a half years ago over allegations that the country backs terrorism.

The leaders attending the summit agreed that they need to push trade amongst themselves and transact in each other's currencies.&nbsp;

The Malaysian PM praised Iran and Qatar for withstanding economic embargoes and asked the Muslim world to be self-reliant to face future threats.&nbsp;

Mahathir also said that there was concern of Muslims undergoing assimilation in non-Muslim countries.&nbsp;

"We support integration but assimilation to the extent of shedding our religion is unacceptable," the Malaysian prime minister said.

The four-day summit was boycotted by Saudi Arabia, who slammed the event for undermining the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which represents 57 Muslim-majority nations. Malaysia responded to Saudi's claims by saying that it had invited all the OIC members to the summit but only about 20 nations showed up.

In the last day of the event, no joint statement from the members who attended the summit was released.&nbsp;

(with inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Saturday that Iran, Malaysia, Turkey and Qatar are considering trading amongst themselves through gold and barter system in a bid to prevent any future sanctions on them.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Saturday that Iran, Malaysia, Turkey and Qatar are considering trading amongst themselves through gold and barter system in a bid to prevent any future sanctions on them. "I have suggested that we re-visit the idea of trading using the gold dinar and barter trade among us," Mahathir said, at the end of the Islamic summit in Malaysia. "We are seriously looking into this and we hope that we will be able to find a mechanism to put it into effect." It should be noted that Iran has been badly affected by the US-imposed sanctions that were put in place last year. The US allies: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have also cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar nearly two and a half years ago over allegations that the country backs terrorism. The leaders attending the summit agreed that they need to push trade amongst themselves and transact in each other's currencies. The Malaysian PM praised Iran and Qatar for withstanding economic embargoes and asked the Muslim world to be self-reliant to face future threats. Mahathir also said that there was concern of Muslims undergoing assimilation in non-Muslim countries. "We support integration but assimilation to the extent of shedding our religion is unacceptable," the Malaysian prime minister said. The four-day summit was boycotted by Saudi Arabia, who slammed the event for undermining the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which represents 57 Muslim-majority nations. Malaysia responded to Saudi's claims by saying that it had invited all the OIC members to the summit but only about 20 nations showed up. In the last day of the event, no joint statement from the members who attended the summit was released. (with inputs from Reuters)

Malaysian PM says Muslim nations considering trade through gold, barter system to avoid sanctions

Twitter on Friday suspended thousands of accounts which it said were linked "to a significant state-backed information operation" originated in Saudi Arabia.

"We are sharing comprehensive data about 5,929 accounts which we have removed for violating our platform manipulation policies," the micro-blogging site said on its public blog post.

"Rigorous investigations by our site Integrity team have allowed us to attribute these accounts to a significant state-backed information operation on Twitter originating in Saudi Arabia," Twitter stated.

The company also said that these accounts represented the "the core position of a larger network of more than 88,000 accounts engaged in spammy behaviour across a wide range of topics".

"Primarily, accounts were amplifying messages favourable to Saudi authorities, mainly through inauthentic engagement tactics such as aggressive liking, retweeting and replying," Twitter said.

"While the majority of the content from this network was in Arabic, a portion of it related to events relevant to Western audiences, including amplification of discussion around sanctions in Iran and appearances by Saudi government officials in Western media, " the company also said.

The company's investigations have "traced the source of the coordinated activity to Smaat," a social media marketing and management company based in Saudi Arabia.

"Our in-house technical indicators show that Smaat appears to have created, purchased, and/or managed these accounts on behalf of, but not necessarily with the knowledge of, their clients."

The company further informed that it has permanently suspended Smaat and its executives' access to the site. &nbsp;

"We have permanently suspended Smaat’s access to our service as a result, as well as the Twitter accounts of Smaat’s senior executives. Smaat managed a range of Twitter accounts for high-profile individuals, as well as many government departments in Saudi Arabia."

In September, Twitter suspended the account of former Saudi royal court adviser Saud al-Qahtani.

Without disclosing the specific reason behind the account suspension, Twitter has said he had violated the company’s "platform manipulation" policies.

The social network has also separately removed accounts linked to Saudi Arabia's "state-run media apparatus" and others in the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, all of them amplifying pro-Saudi messages.

&nbsp;

Twitter on Friday suspended thousands of accounts which it said were linked "to a significant state-backed information operation" originated in Saudi Arabia. "We are sharing comprehensive data about 5,929 accounts which we have removed for violating our platform manipulation policies," the micro-blogging site said on its public blog post.

Twitter on Friday suspended thousands of accounts which it said were linked "to a significant state-backed information operation" originated in Saudi Arabia. "We are sharing comprehensive data about 5,929 accounts which we have removed for violating our platform manipulation policies," the micro-blogging site said on its public blog post. "Rigorous investigations by our site Integrity team have allowed us to attribute these accounts to a significant state-backed information operation on Twitter originating in Saudi Arabia," Twitter stated. The company also said that these accounts represented the "the core position of a larger network of more than 88,000 accounts engaged in spammy behaviour across a wide range of topics". "Primarily, accounts were amplifying messages favourable to Saudi authorities, mainly through inauthentic engagement tactics such as aggressive liking, retweeting and replying," Twitter said. "While the majority of the content from this network was in Arabic, a portion of it related to events relevant to Western audiences, including amplification of discussion around sanctions in Iran and appearances by Saudi government officials in Western media, " the company also said. The company's investigations have "traced the source of the coordinated activity to Smaat," a social media marketing and management company based in Saudi Arabia. "Our in-house technical indicators show that Smaat appears to have created, purchased, and/or managed these accounts on behalf of, but not necessarily with the knowledge of, their clients." The company further informed that it has permanently suspended Smaat and its executives' access to the site. "We have permanently suspended Smaat’s access to our service as a result, as well as the Twitter accounts of Smaat’s senior executives. Smaat managed a range of Twitter accounts for high-profile individuals, as well as many government departments in Saudi Arabia." In September, Twitter suspended the account of former Saudi royal court adviser Saud al-Qahtani. Without disclosing the specific reason behind the account suspension, Twitter has said he had violated the company’s "platform manipulation" policies. The social network has also separately removed accounts linked to Saudi Arabia's "state-run media apparatus" and others in the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, all of them amplifying pro-Saudi messages.

Twitter suspends thousands of accounts that were 'linked to Saudi Arabia'

A first-ever joint Chinese-Russian-Iranian naval exercise signals that closer Chinese military ties with a host of Middle Eastern nations does not translate into Chinese aspirations for a greater role in regional security any time soon.

If anything, the exercise, coupled with notional Chinese support for proposals for a multilateral security approach in the Gulf, suggests that China envisions a continued US lead in Gulf security despite the mounting rivalry between the world’s two largest economies.

That is the message China is sending by playing down the significance of the exercise and hinting that it would only contribute non-combat forces.

China’s participation is expected to involve its anti-piracy fleet that is already in Somali waters to protect commercial vessels as well as peacekeeping and humanitarian relief personnel rather than specially dispatched units of the People’s Liberation Army.

China’s preference for a continued US lead in maintaining Gulf security, even if it favours a more multilateral approach, was evident earlier this year in its willingness to consider participating in the US-led maritime alliance that escorts commercial vessels in the Gulf and seeks to secure shipping lanes and was created in response to several attacks on tankers in the Gulf of Oman.

So far, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Britain and Australia have joined the alliance that started operations last month.

Despite favouring a continued US lead, China sees a broadening of security arrangements that would embed rather than replace the US defence umbrella in the Gulf as a way to reduce regional tensions.

China also believes that a multilateral arrangement would allow it to continue steering clear of being sucked into conflicts and disputes in the Middle East, particularly the Saudi-Iranian rivalry.

A multilateral arrangement in which the US would remain the key military player would fit the pattern of China’s gradual projection beyond the borders of its growing military power.

With the exception of a military facility in Djibouti, China’s projection becomes less hardcore the further away one gets from the People’s Republic borders.

Proposals for a multilateral security architecture could also cater to US President Donald J Trump’s transactionalism as well as his insistence on burden-sharing.

Getting from A to B is, however, easier said than done.

If the US security umbrella was geared towards defence again Iran, a multi-lateral approach would have to involve Iran.

Such involvement could be based on some kind of agreement on non-aggression, a proposal put forward by Iran and implicit in Russia’s call for a regional security conference along the lines of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the OSCE.

To get there, however, the United States and Saudi Arabia would have to reduce tensions with Iran, credibly signal that they have no intention of toppling or destabilising the Iranian regime, and resolve the crisis stemming from the US withdrawal from the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program.

That would seem a tall order even if Saudi Arabia and Iran have not closed the door on stalled contacts aimed at dialling down tensions.

Chinese support has, moreover, so far lacked enthusiasm for a Russian proposal that calls the United States, Russia, China and India to be involved in a multilateral approach.

While backing Russia’s proposal in general terms, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang stopped short of specifically endorsing it. Geng welcomed, “All proposals and diplomatic efforts conducive to de-escalating the situation in the Gulf region.”

China’s refraining to more wholeheartedly endorse the Russian proposal is rooted in differing approaches towards multilateralism in general and alliances in particular. China shies away from alliances emphasising geo-economics rather than geopolitics while Russia still operates in terms of alliances.

Looming in the background is the fact that in the ultimate analysis China is likely to view security in South and Central Asia as interlinked with security in the Gulf, which in turn raises questions about the sustainability of the Chinese security approach.

The geographic layering of China’s approach is evident not only in China’s robust posture in the South China Sea, but also in countries like Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

China has recently made progress on the construction of a road through Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor. The road serves multiple geo-political goals.

It will facilitate the movement of troops, together with a military base in Tajikistan and Chinese cross border operations in the corridor.

The question is whether the Chinese moves will jeopardise the presumed division of labour between Russia and China under which Russia shoulders responsibility for security in Central Asia while China concentrates on economic development and if it does what impact that would have on Chinese reliance on a potential Russian role in the Gulf.

There is little doubt that the Gulf is gradually moving from a unilateral security arrangement to a multilateral one driven by Gulf concerns following the September attacks on Saudi oil facilities and a US response that has reinforced nagging doubts about the reliability of US security guarantees.

The doubts are further fed by the direction of US policy starting with the Obama administration and now with the Trump administration that suggests a re-evaluation of US national security interests in the Middle East.

China’s belief that economics rather than geopolitics is the key to solving disputes has so far allowed it to remain above the breach but has yet to prove its sustainability.

China’s approach is unlikely to shield it from the Middle East’s penchant of ensuring that it is at the heart of concerns of major external parties.

Said Jiang Xudong, a Middle East scholar at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences: “Economic investment will not solve all other problems when there are religious and ethnic conflicts.” 
 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A first-ever joint Chinese-Russian-Iranian naval exercise signals that closer Chinese military ties with a host of Middle Eastern nations does not translate into Chinese aspirations for a greater role in regional security any time soon.

A first-ever joint Chinese-Russian-Iranian naval exercise signals that closer Chinese military ties with a host of Middle Eastern nations does not translate into Chinese aspirations for a greater role in regional security any time soon. If anything, the exercise, coupled with notional Chinese support for proposals for a multilateral security approach in the Gulf, suggests that China envisions a continued US lead in Gulf security despite the mounting rivalry between the world’s two largest economies. That is the message China is sending by playing down the significance of the exercise and hinting that it would only contribute non-combat forces. China’s participation is expected to involve its anti-piracy fleet that is already in Somali waters to protect commercial vessels as well as peacekeeping and humanitarian relief personnel rather than specially dispatched units of the People’s Liberation Army. China’s preference for a continued US lead in maintaining Gulf security, even if it favours a more multilateral approach, was evident earlier this year in its willingness to consider participating in the US-led maritime alliance that escorts commercial vessels in the Gulf and seeks to secure shipping lanes and was created in response to several attacks on tankers in the Gulf of Oman. So far, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Britain and Australia have joined the alliance that started operations last month. Despite favouring a continued US lead, China sees a broadening of security arrangements that would embed rather than replace the US defence umbrella in the Gulf as a way to reduce regional tensions. China also believes that a multilateral arrangement would allow it to continue steering clear of being sucked into conflicts and disputes in the Middle East, particularly the Saudi-Iranian rivalry. A multilateral arrangement in which the US would remain the key military player would fit the pattern of China’s gradual projection beyond the borders of its growing military power. With the exception of a military facility in Djibouti, China’s projection becomes less hardcore the further away one gets from the People’s Republic borders. Proposals for a multilateral security architecture could also cater to US President Donald J Trump’s transactionalism as well as his insistence on burden-sharing. Getting from A to B is, however, easier said than done. If the US security umbrella was geared towards defence again Iran, a multi-lateral approach would have to involve Iran. Such involvement could be based on some kind of agreement on non-aggression, a proposal put forward by Iran and implicit in Russia’s call for a regional security conference along the lines of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the OSCE. To get there, however, the United States and Saudi Arabia would have to reduce tensions with Iran, credibly signal that they have no intention of toppling or destabilising the Iranian regime, and resolve the crisis stemming from the US withdrawal from the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program. That would seem a tall order even if Saudi Arabia and Iran have not closed the door on stalled contacts aimed at dialling down tensions. Chinese support has, moreover, so far lacked enthusiasm for a Russian proposal that calls the United States, Russia, China and India to be involved in a multilateral approach. While backing Russia’s proposal in general terms, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang stopped short of specifically endorsing it. Geng welcomed, “All proposals and diplomatic efforts conducive to de-escalating the situation in the Gulf region.” China’s refraining to more wholeheartedly endorse the Russian proposal is rooted in differing approaches towards multilateralism in general and alliances in particular. China shies away from alliances emphasising geo-economics rather than geopolitics while Russia still operates in terms of alliances. Looming in the background is the fact that in the ultimate analysis China is likely to view security in South and Central Asia as interlinked with security in the Gulf, which in turn raises questions about the sustainability of the Chinese security approach. The geographic layering of China’s approach is evident not only in China’s robust posture in the South China Sea, but also in countries like Tajikistan and Afghanistan. China has recently made progress on the construction of a road through Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor. The road serves multiple geo-political goals. It will facilitate the movement of troops, together with a military base in Tajikistan and Chinese cross border operations in the corridor. The question is whether the Chinese moves will jeopardise the presumed division of labour between Russia and China under which Russia shoulders responsibility for security in Central Asia while China concentrates on economic development and if it does what impact that would have on Chinese reliance on a potential Russian role in the Gulf. There is little doubt that the Gulf is gradually moving from a unilateral security arrangement to a multilateral one driven by Gulf concerns following the September attacks on Saudi oil facilities and a US response that has reinforced nagging doubts about the reliability of US security guarantees. The doubts are further fed by the direction of US policy starting with the Obama administration and now with the Trump administration that suggests a re-evaluation of US national security interests in the Middle East. China’s belief that economics rather than geopolitics is the key to solving disputes has so far allowed it to remain above the breach but has yet to prove its sustainability. China’s approach is unlikely to shield it from the Middle East’s penchant of ensuring that it is at the heart of concerns of major external parties. Said Jiang Xudong, a Middle East scholar at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences: “Economic investment will not solve all other problems when there are religious and ethnic conflicts.” (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Gulf security: Here's why China wants the US to remain the key military player

Hosting a&nbsp;summit&nbsp;of&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;leaders,&nbsp;Malaysia's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-mahathir-mohamad-suggests-he-could-stay-in-office-beyond-2020-268284/amp">Mahathir Mohamad</a> bemoaned the state of Islam and defended the meeting that has been&nbsp;shunned&nbsp;by&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia and criticised for undermining the bigger Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Divisions in the&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;world were self-evident as only about 20 countries sent leaders, or delegations to the Kuala Lumpur&nbsp;summit, though all 57 members of the&nbsp;OIC&nbsp;had been invited.

The&nbsp;Saudi King's refusal to attend and the late <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-imran-khan-cancels-malaysia-summit-under-saudi-diplomatic-pressure-268893">withdrawal of Pakistan</a> from the event had left the hosts scrambling to soothe sensitive relations.

In welcoming remarks, Mahathir said the Kuala Lumpur&nbsp;Summit&nbsp;was meant to understand why Islam, the&nbsp;Muslims and their countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion".

It was unclear to what extent the leaders would discuss major geopolitical crises afflicting the&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;world, ranging from the age-old disputes in the Middle East and Kashmir to the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, through to the plight of Rohingya&nbsp;Muslims in Myanmar and the alleged persecution of Uighur&nbsp;Muslims in China's Xinjiang region.

Mahathir said the&nbsp;summit, which will end on Saturday, should address the world's perceptions of Islam, the rise of Islamophobia, the decline of the Islamic civilisation and reforms in governance needed by&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;nations.

"We are not discriminating or isolating anyone," he said in his welcome speech, watched on by leaders including Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamid Al-Thani.

"We are attempting to start small and if these ideas, proposals and solutions are acceptable and proved workable, then we hope to take it up to the larger platform for consideration."

Turkey's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-to-boost-cooperation-with-libya-reports-268975">Tayyip Erdogan</a> struck a similar tone.

"We will have the opportunity to talk freely about our issues, from Islamophobia to terrorism, divisions, internal fights ravaging our region, and sectarian and ethnic conflicts,” Erdogan told the&nbsp;summit.

The&nbsp;OIC&nbsp;had said it was against the interests of the Islamic community to convene meetings outside the&nbsp;Saudi-based organisation, which has for decades acted as the collective voice of the&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;world.

Both Mahathir and Erdogan have been frustrated by the&nbsp;OIC's past record of hand-wringing and failure to take firm action in support of&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;causes.

Without mentioning the&nbsp;OIC&nbsp;by name, Erdogan said the biggest problem that platforms bringing the Islamic world together faced was a lack of implementation.

"If we still haven't made any progress regarding the Palestinian cause, if we still can't stop the exploitation of our resources, if we still can't say "stop" to the fragmentation of the&nbsp;Muslim&nbsp;world over sectarianism, that's why.”

Some analysts also suspected that&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's reluctance to attend stemmed from the fear of being diplomatically isolated by regional rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey, all of whom are attending the&nbsp;summit.

Worried about taking sides, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan opted to stay away from the Kuala Lumpur&nbsp;summit.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Kuala Lumpur Summit &amp; The Race For Supremacy In Muslim World

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"Pakistan wants to become part of the solution and not part of the problem," Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan told reporters in Islamabad.

Hosting a summit of Muslim leaders, Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad bemoaned the state of Islam and defended the meeting that has been shunned by Saudi Arabia and criticised for undermining the bigger Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Hosting a summit of Muslim leaders, Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad bemoaned the state of Islam and defended the meeting that has been shunned by Saudi Arabia and criticised for undermining the bigger Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Divisions in the Muslim world were self-evident as only about 20 countries sent leaders, or delegations to the Kuala Lumpur summit, though all 57 members of the OIC had been invited. The Saudi King's refusal to attend and the late withdrawal of Pakistan from the event had left the hosts scrambling to soothe sensitive relations. In welcoming remarks, Mahathir said the Kuala Lumpur Summit was meant to understand why Islam, the Muslims and their countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion". It was unclear to what extent the leaders would discuss major geopolitical crises afflicting the Muslim world, ranging from the age-old disputes in the Middle East and Kashmir to the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, through to the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and the alleged persecution of Uighur Muslims in China's Xinjiang region. Mahathir said the summit, which will end on Saturday, should address the world's perceptions of Islam, the rise of Islamophobia, the decline of the Islamic civilisation and reforms in governance needed by Muslim nations. "We are not discriminating or isolating anyone," he said in his welcome speech, watched on by leaders including Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamid Al-Thani. "We are attempting to start small and if these ideas, proposals and solutions are acceptable and proved workable, then we hope to take it up to the larger platform for consideration." Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan struck a similar tone. "We will have the opportunity to talk freely about our issues, from Islamophobia to terrorism, divisions, internal fights ravaging our region, and sectarian and ethnic conflicts,” Erdogan told the summit. The OIC had said it was against the interests of the Islamic community to convene meetings outside the Saudi-based organisation, which has for decades acted as the collective voice of the Muslim world. Both Mahathir and Erdogan have been frustrated by the OIC's past record of hand-wringing and failure to take firm action in support of Muslim causes. Without mentioning the OIC by name, Erdogan said the biggest problem that platforms bringing the Islamic world together faced was a lack of implementation. "If we still haven't made any progress regarding the Palestinian cause, if we still can't stop the exploitation of our resources, if we still can't say "stop" to the fragmentation of the Muslim world over sectarianism, that's why.” Some analysts also suspected that Saudi Arabia's reluctance to attend stemmed from the fear of being diplomatically isolated by regional rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey, all of whom are attending the summit. Worried about taking sides, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan opted to stay away from the Kuala Lumpur summit. Also Watch: Kuala Lumpur Summit & The Race For Supremacy In Muslim World × "Pakistan wants to become part of the solution and not part of the problem," Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan told reporters in Islamabad.

Malaysia defends Muslim summit shunned by Saudi, slammed by OIC

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes.

Hundreds of delegates are attending the gathering in Malaysia&nbsp;including heads of state and religious leaders but the meeting has been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-defends-muslim-summit-shunned-by-saudi-slammed-by-oic-269055">snubbed by Saudi Arabia</a>, home to Islam's holiest shrines.

The summit has also been criticised for undermining the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Saudi-based global body representing Muslim nations and organisations.

Issues including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-rohingya-worlds-fastest-growing-refugee-crisis-267598">plight of Myanmar's Rohingya</a> and China's mostly Muslim Uighur minority could be discussed, although, with massive Chinese infrastructure in many Islamic nations, criticism may be muted.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Plight of Rohingyas is world's fastest-growing refugee crisis

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In opening remarks, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani&nbsp;slammed Washington's global clout.

"American economic regime, and dollarisation of national and global economies, have provided the United States with the possibility of advancing its hegemony under the threat of sanctions and economic terrorism," he said.

The Muslim world needs to be saved "from the domination of the United States dollar, and the American financial regime", he added, calling for greater financial cooperation between Islamic countries.

The United States re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from an international deal aimed at tackling the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-parties-meet-as-accord-nears-collapse-266694">Islamic republic's nuclear programme</a>.

In his welcome address at the Kuala Lumpur event, Malaysian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-mahathir-mohamad-suggests-he-could-stay-in-office-beyond-2020-268284/amp">Mahathir Mohamad</a> said that Muslim countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion which is meant to be good for mankind".

He also insisted summit organisers were "not discriminating (against) or isolating anyone" after the absence of Saudi Arabia triggered speculation the meeting was aimed at countering the kingdom's influence.

We have "invited almost all Muslim nations to participate in this summit, albeit at different levels", he said.

With Saudi rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey in attendance, analysts had suggested the meeting could be aimed at forming a rival bloc to the OIC.&nbsp;

There were signs Riyadh was worried, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-imran-khan-cancels-malaysia-summit-under-saudi-diplomatic-pressure-268893">withdrawing from the gathering</a> reportedly after Saudi pressure.

Mahathir dismissed such concerns in a phone call this week with Saudi Arabia's King Salman.&nbsp;

But the OIC, which has 57 members, launched a veiled attack Wednesday on the event, saying such gatherings would weaken Islam.

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes.

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes. Hundreds of delegates are attending the gathering in Malaysia including heads of state and religious leaders but the meeting has been snubbed by Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest shrines. The summit has also been criticised for undermining the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Saudi-based global body representing Muslim nations and organisations. Issues including the plight of Myanmar's Rohingya and China's mostly Muslim Uighur minority could be discussed, although, with massive Chinese infrastructure in many Islamic nations, criticism may be muted. Also Watch: Plight of Rohingyas is world's fastest-growing refugee crisis × In opening remarks, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani slammed Washington's global clout. "American economic regime, and dollarisation of national and global economies, have provided the United States with the possibility of advancing its hegemony under the threat of sanctions and economic terrorism," he said. The Muslim world needs to be saved "from the domination of the United States dollar, and the American financial regime", he added, calling for greater financial cooperation between Islamic countries. The United States re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from an international deal aimed at tackling the Islamic republic's nuclear programme. In his welcome address at the Kuala Lumpur event, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that Muslim countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion which is meant to be good for mankind". He also insisted summit organisers were "not discriminating (against) or isolating anyone" after the absence of Saudi Arabia triggered speculation the meeting was aimed at countering the kingdom's influence. We have "invited almost all Muslim nations to participate in this summit, albeit at different levels", he said. With Saudi rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey in attendance, analysts had suggested the meeting could be aimed at forming a rival bloc to the OIC. There were signs Riyadh was worried, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan withdrawing from the gathering reportedly after Saudi pressure. Mahathir dismissed such concerns in a phone call this week with Saudi Arabia's King Salman. But the OIC, which has 57 members, launched a veiled attack Wednesday on the event, saying such gatherings would weaken Islam.

Iran urges to fight against US 'economic terrorism' at Muslim summit

Did Saudi Arabia Force Imran Khan's Decision To Pull Out Of The New Islamic Front 3 months ago at the #UNGA, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan hinted at a new islamic front comprising of Pakistan, Malaysia & Turkey.

Gravitas: Pakistan Pulls Out Of New Islamic Front

Watch in Your Story: Saudi ranked number 1 for wasting food, basically the oil rich nations fight the food waste. Watch this video to know more.

Your Story: Saudi ranked number 1 for wasting food

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday departed for a one-day trip to Saudi Arabia. According to reports, Khan's one-day visit to the Saudi kingdom comes after Riyadh expressed its displeasure over Pakistan Prime Minister's decision to attend the Kuala Lumpur Summit that will be held in Malaysia from December 18 to 20.

Saudi Arabia's primary concern with the summit is that it sees the event as an attempt to provide an alternative to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).&nbsp;

During his visit, Khan is expected to discuss bilateral matters and recent developments in the region with the Saudi leadership.

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Radio Pakistan reported that Khan had left for Saudi Arabia on a one-day visit where he will hold talks with the Saudi leadership on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as the regional situation, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The Summit in Malaysia is expected to see world leaders like Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Iranian President Hasan Rouhani in attendance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday departed for a one-day trip to Saudi Arabia. According to reports, Khan's one-day visit to the Saudi kingdom comes after Riyadh expressed its displeasure over Pakistan Prime Minister's decision to attend the Kuala Lumpur Summit that will be held in Malaysia from December 18 to 20.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday departed for a one-day trip to Saudi Arabia. According to reports, Khan's one-day visit to the Saudi kingdom comes after Riyadh expressed its displeasure over Pakistan Prime Minister's decision to attend the Kuala Lumpur Summit that will be held in Malaysia from December 18 to 20. Saudi Arabia's primary concern with the summit is that it sees the event as an attempt to provide an alternative to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). During his visit, Khan is expected to discuss bilateral matters and recent developments in the region with the Saudi leadership. × Radio Pakistan reported that Khan had left for Saudi Arabia on a one-day visit where he will hold talks with the Saudi leadership on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as the regional situation, news agency ANI reported. The Summit in Malaysia is expected to see world leaders like Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Iranian President Hasan Rouhani in attendance. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan on one-day trip to Saudi Arabia 

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan departed for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a one-day visit to appease the Saudi Kingdom.

Imran Khan rushes to Riyadh after unhappy signals from Kingdom

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-aramco-shares-surge-maximum-10-on-market-debut-267696">Saudi Aramco</a> hit the $2 trillion target sought by Saudi leader Crown Prince <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/are-saudi-arabia-and-crown-prince-becoming-a-liability-for-the-white-house-185302">Mohammed bin Salman</a> on Thursday as its shares clocked up a second day of gains, defying some scepticism about the state-owned oil firm's long-term value.

The Saudi Crown Prince has made Aramco's initial public offering (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/aramco-ipo-how-saudi-arabia-caught-between-united-states-and-china-245687">IPO</a>) the centerpiece of his vision of diversifying the Kingdom's economy away from its dependence on oil by using the $25.6 billion raised to develop other sectors.

But that is well below his plan in 2016 to raise as much as $100 billion via a blockbuster international and domestic IPO.

Riyadh scaled back its plans after overseas investors balked at the proposed valuation and only 1.5 per cent of Saudi Arabian Oil Co (Aramco) shares were listed on the Riyadh stock exchange on Wednesday, a tiny free float for such a large company.

While a 10&nbsp;per cent jump in the stock on its Wednesday market debut was hailed by the Saudi government as a vindication of it long-sought valuation, support was largely from loyal Saudi and Gulf investors, with some analysts saying it is worthless.

Aramco's listing was front-page news for almost all Saudi Arabia's mainstream media on Thursday, with headlines such as "Aramco at the top of the world" and "A dream come true".

But Bernstein analysts put Aramco's value at around $1.36 trillion, which compares with US&nbsp;energy giant Exxon Mobil's market capitalisation of less than $300 billion.

"Saudi Aramco is the largest, most profitable oil company in the world but the size is not everything," they wrote, flagging the risk of slow net income growth if oil prices stay flat.

An International Energy Agency (IEA) report on Thursday pointed to pressure on oil prices, predicting a sharp rise in global inventories despite an agreement by OPEC and its allies to deepen output cuts as well as lower expected production by the US&nbsp;and other non-OPEC countries.

Bernstein said Aramco should trade at a discount rather than a premium to international oil majors, with corporate governance "the key risk" as the Saudi government owns more than 98% of it.

"For actively managed funds, one of the key considerations aside from valuation will be ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) criteria," said Tim Love, Investment Director for emerging markets equities at GAM.

"The main concerns here are lagging corporate governance standards as well as environmental issues since an investment in Aramco would obviously have a significant impact on a portfolio’s CO2 emissions," Love added.

Aramco, whose shares gained the maximum 10&nbsp;per cent allowed by the Riyadh exchange on their first day of trading, hit 38.7 riyals ($10.32) on Thursday, lifting its market value above $2 trillion. The shares were trading at 37.10 riyals at 1026 GMT, a rise of 5.5&nbsp;per cent from Wednesday's close.

Some 13.7 billion riyal worth of Aramco shares were traded by 1018 GMT, with around 370 million shares exchanging hands, Refinitiv data showed. This made up most of the total turnover of the whole Riyadh market which was 15.3 billion riyals.

"Initial price action has validated our thesis that Aramco discounted its IPO price to leave upside on the table and allow regional investors to benefit from the listing of its crown jewel," Zachary Cefaratti, CEO of Dubai-based Dalma Capital, which invested in the IPO, said in a note on Thursday.

"The average institutional investor received less than 1/6th of the shares they bid for in the IPO, and have had to buy shares on the open market," Cefaratti said of the Aramco deal, which became the world's largest, topping the $25 billion 2014 listing of China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hong-kongs-future-is-bright-says-alibaba-262275">Alibaba</a>.

Because Aramco opted to sell a smaller proportion of shares and rely mainly on domestic and regional buyers, some analysts predict a lag before its price settles.

A trader in Riyadh, who asked not to be identified, said that most of the early trading was small scale, of 1,000-1,500 shares, "signaling that some retail investors opted to make quick gains" as they were "happy with a 6 riyal per share gain".

"We shouldn’t be reading too much into intraday dips. Let’s not forget that more than 93&nbsp;per cent of the market is still dominated by retail investors, and like in any IPO issuance flippers will exist," said Aarthi Chandrasekaran, portfolio manager at Abu Dhabi-based Shuaa Capital.

Aramco shares will also join the Tadawul index and global benchmarks such as MSCI and FTSE next week, which analysts said should fuel further demand, particularly from "passive" investors who track such indexes.

A Gulf analyst, who asked not to be identified, said trading by investors in the region could be driven by Saudi Arabia's own view of the value of Aramco.

"Investors will debate: why should it go higher while its owners value it at $2 trillion?" the analyst said, adding that when National Commercial Bank listed in 2014 its shares rose by the maximum limit for 10 days before swelling set in.

Saudi Aramco hit the $2 trillion target sought by Saudi leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday as its shares clocked up a second day of gains, defying some scepticism about the state-owned oil firm's long-term value.

Saudi Aramco hit the $2 trillion target sought by Saudi leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday as its shares clocked up a second day of gains, defying some scepticism about the state-owned oil firm's long-term value. The Saudi Crown Prince has made Aramco's initial public offering (IPO) the centerpiece of his vision of diversifying the Kingdom's economy away from its dependence on oil by using the $25.6 billion raised to develop other sectors. But that is well below his plan in 2016 to raise as much as $100 billion via a blockbuster international and domestic IPO. Riyadh scaled back its plans after overseas investors balked at the proposed valuation and only 1.5 per cent of Saudi Arabian Oil Co (Aramco) shares were listed on the Riyadh stock exchange on Wednesday, a tiny free float for such a large company. While a 10 per cent jump in the stock on its Wednesday market debut was hailed by the Saudi government as a vindication of it long-sought valuation, support was largely from loyal Saudi and Gulf investors, with some analysts saying it is worthless. Aramco's listing was front-page news for almost all Saudi Arabia's mainstream media on Thursday, with headlines such as "Aramco at the top of the world" and "A dream come true". But Bernstein analysts put Aramco's value at around $1.36 trillion, which compares with US energy giant Exxon Mobil's market capitalisation of less than $300 billion. "Saudi Aramco is the largest, most profitable oil company in the world but the size is not everything," they wrote, flagging the risk of slow net income growth if oil prices stay flat. An International Energy Agency (IEA) report on Thursday pointed to pressure on oil prices, predicting a sharp rise in global inventories despite an agreement by OPEC and its allies to deepen output cuts as well as lower expected production by the US and other non-OPEC countries. Bernstein said Aramco should trade at a discount rather than a premium to international oil majors, with corporate governance "the key risk" as the Saudi government owns more than 98% of it. "For actively managed funds, one of the key considerations aside from valuation will be ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) criteria," said Tim Love, Investment Director for emerging markets equities at GAM. "The main concerns here are lagging corporate governance standards as well as environmental issues since an investment in Aramco would obviously have a significant impact on a portfolio’s CO2 emissions," Love added. Aramco, whose shares gained the maximum 10 per cent allowed by the Riyadh exchange on their first day of trading, hit 38.7 riyals ($10.32) on Thursday, lifting its market value above $2 trillion. The shares were trading at 37.10 riyals at 1026 GMT, a rise of 5.5 per cent from Wednesday's close. Some 13.7 billion riyal worth of Aramco shares were traded by 1018 GMT, with around 370 million shares exchanging hands, Refinitiv data showed. This made up most of the total turnover of the whole Riyadh market which was 15.3 billion riyals. "Initial price action has validated our thesis that Aramco discounted its IPO price to leave upside on the table and allow regional investors to benefit from the listing of its crown jewel," Zachary Cefaratti, CEO of Dubai-based Dalma Capital, which invested in the IPO, said in a note on Thursday. "The average institutional investor received less than 1/6th of the shares they bid for in the IPO, and have had to buy shares on the open market," Cefaratti said of the Aramco deal, which became the world's largest, topping the $25 billion 2014 listing of China's Alibaba. Because Aramco opted to sell a smaller proportion of shares and rely mainly on domestic and regional buyers, some analysts predict a lag before its price settles. A trader in Riyadh, who asked not to be identified, said that most of the early trading was small scale, of 1,000-1,500 shares, "signaling that some retail investors opted to make quick gains" as they were "happy with a 6 riyal per share gain". "We shouldn’t be reading too much into intraday dips. Let’s not forget that more than 93 per cent of the market is still dominated by retail investors, and like in any IPO issuance flippers will exist," said Aarthi Chandrasekaran, portfolio manager at Abu Dhabi-based Shuaa Capital. Aramco shares will also join the Tadawul index and global benchmarks such as MSCI and FTSE next week, which analysts said should fuel further demand, particularly from "passive" investors who track such indexes. A Gulf analyst, who asked not to be identified, said trading by investors in the region could be driven by Saudi Arabia's own view of the value of Aramco. "Investors will debate: why should it go higher while its owners value it at $2 trillion?" the analyst said, adding that when National Commercial Bank listed in 2014 its shares rose by the maximum limit for 10 days before swelling set in.

Saudi Aramco tops Crown Prince's $2 trillion goal on share surge

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-jump-to-61-over-opec-supply-cut-reports-265782">Oil prices</a> fell on Monday after data showing China's overall exports of goods and services shrank for a fourth straight month, sending shivers through a market already concerned about damage being down to global demand by the Sino-US&nbsp;trade war.

Brent futures were down 21 cents, or 0.3 per cent, at $64.18 per barrel by 0220 GMT, after gaining about 3&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;last week on the news that OPEC and its allies would deepen output cuts.

West Texas Intermediate oil futures were down 28 cents, or 0.47&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to $58.92 a barrel, having risen about 7&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;last week on the prospects for lower production from '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-energy-minister-talks-opec-unity-backs-aramco-to-soar-266793">OPEC+</a>', which is made up of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/opec-gearing-up-for-deeper-oil-cuts-russia-yet-to-agree-266198">OPEC</a>) and associated producers including Russia.

Monday's sudden chill came after customs data released on Sunday showed exports from the world's second-biggest economy in November fell 1.1&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;from a year earlier - a sharp reversal from expectations for a 1per cent&nbsp;rise in a Reuters poll.

The weak start to the week came despite data showing China's crude imports jumped to a record, revealing just how deep jitters are embedded in the market over the US-China trade row that has stymied global growth and oil demand.

The sagging export data is "a casualty again of the protracted trade war," said Stephen Innes chief&nbsp;Asia market strategist at AxiTrader.

Washington and Beijing have been trying to agree on a trade deal that will end tit-for-tat tariffs, but talks have dragged on for months as they wrangle over key details.

Monday's declines also went against signs on Friday that China was easing its stance on resolving its trade dispute with the United States, confirming on Friday that it was waiving import tariffs for some soybean and pork shipments.

The price drops also put an end to a strong run in previous sessions fuelled by hopes for the OPEC+ production curb deal.

On Friday, those producers agreed to deepen their output cuts from 1.2 million barrels per day (BPD) to 1.7 million BPD, representing about 1.7 per cent&nbsp;of global production.

"What made the announcement constructive was the fact that Saudi Arabia said it will produce around 400,000 BPD below its new quota level," ING Economics said in a note.

"This would effectively take OPEC+ cuts to 2.1 million BPD," ING said.

Still, US&nbsp;production has surged since the OPEC+ cuts were first introduced in 2017 in an attempt to drain a supply glut that had long weighed on prices. American output has risen even as the drill count has fallen, reflecting more efficient well extraction.

Energy services firm Baker Hughes said in its closely watched weekly drilling report on Friday that the US&nbsp;drill count fell in the week to December&nbsp;6 a seventh week of decline.

Drilling companies cut five oil rigs, leaving a total of 661, the lowest since April 2017.

Oil prices fell on Monday after data showing China's overall exports of goods and services shrank for a fourth straight month, sending shivers through a market already concerned about damage being down to global demand by the Sino-US trade war.

Oil prices fell on Monday after data showing China's overall exports of goods and services shrank for a fourth straight month, sending shivers through a market already concerned about damage being down to global demand by the Sino-US trade war. Brent futures were down 21 cents, or 0.3 per cent, at $64.18 per barrel by 0220 GMT, after gaining about 3 per cent last week on the news that OPEC and its allies would deepen output cuts. West Texas Intermediate oil futures were down 28 cents, or 0.47 per cent to $58.92 a barrel, having risen about 7 per cent last week on the prospects for lower production from 'OPEC+', which is made up of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and associated producers including Russia. Monday's sudden chill came after customs data released on Sunday showed exports from the world's second-biggest economy in November fell 1.1 per cent from a year earlier - a sharp reversal from expectations for a 1per cent rise in a Reuters poll. The weak start to the week came despite data showing China's crude imports jumped to a record, revealing just how deep jitters are embedded in the market over the US-China trade row that has stymied global growth and oil demand. The sagging export data is "a casualty again of the protracted trade war," said Stephen Innes chief Asia market strategist at AxiTrader. Washington and Beijing have been trying to agree on a trade deal that will end tit-for-tat tariffs, but talks have dragged on for months as they wrangle over key details. Monday's declines also went against signs on Friday that China was easing its stance on resolving its trade dispute with the United States, confirming on Friday that it was waiving import tariffs for some soybean and pork shipments. The price drops also put an end to a strong run in previous sessions fuelled by hopes for the OPEC+ production curb deal. On Friday, those producers agreed to deepen their output cuts from 1.2 million barrels per day (BPD) to 1.7 million BPD, representing about 1.7 per cent of global production. "What made the announcement constructive was the fact that Saudi Arabia said it will produce around 400,000 BPD below its new quota level," ING Economics said in a note. "This would effectively take OPEC+ cuts to 2.1 million BPD," ING said. Still, US production has surged since the OPEC+ cuts were first introduced in 2017 in an attempt to drain a supply glut that had long weighed on prices. American output has risen even as the drill count has fallen, reflecting more efficient well extraction. Energy services firm Baker Hughes said in its closely watched weekly drilling report on Friday that the US drill count fell in the week to December 6 a seventh week of decline. Drilling companies cut five oil rigs, leaving a total of 661, the lowest since April 2017.

Oil prices slip as weak China exports highlights trade war impact

Restaurants in Saudi Arabia will no longer need to maintain entrances segregated by sex, the authorities said on Sunday, further eroding some of the world's strictest social rules as sweeping reforms take hold.

Previously, Saudi Arabia required all restaurants to have one entrance for families and women, and another for men on their own. The ministry of municipalities and rural affairs announced on Twitter this would no longer be mandatory.

Unrelated men and women have for decades been barred from mixing in public places under strict social rules once enforced by hardline clerics and the religious police.

But Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has brought the religious establishment to heel -- partly by arresting critics -- and eased other restrictions, including bans on women driving and public entertainment.

Segregation has quietly eased over the past year or so, as eateries, cafes, conference centres and concert halls stopped strictly enforcing it.

A spokesman for the ministry contacted by Reuters did not specify whether segregated seating areas inside restaurants would also be eliminated. The new rules are not compulsory, meaning restaurants could still maintain separate entrances if owners choose to do so, he said.

There was no announcement of changes to other public establishments, such as schools and hospitals, which appear likely to remain segregated for now.

Saudi Arabia, one of the world's most gender-segregated nations, has also been chipping away at a guardianship system which requires all women have a male relative's approval for important decisions, though some key restrictions remain.

Social openness has been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent that has seen the arrests of dozens of clerics, intellectuals and activists, including women who had campaigned for some of the freedoms that have lately been granted.

It has also raised concerns about a possible backlash by conservatives, though there has so far been little concrete pushback.

The crown prince, 34, is the heir to the Saudi throne and de facto ruler. If and when he replaces his father, King Salman, he would be the first Saudi monarch from a new generation after a succession of six brothers that have ruled since 1953.

Prince Mohammed's reputation in the West as a bold reformer suffered after the murder of US-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed by Saudi agents last year inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

Restaurants in Saudi Arabia will no longer need to maintain entrances segregated by sex, the authorities said on Sunday, further eroding some of the world's strictest social rules as sweeping reforms take hold.

Restaurants in Saudi Arabia will no longer need to maintain entrances segregated by sex, the authorities said on Sunday, further eroding some of the world's strictest social rules as sweeping reforms take hold. Previously, Saudi Arabia required all restaurants to have one entrance for families and women, and another for men on their own. The ministry of municipalities and rural affairs announced on Twitter this would no longer be mandatory. Unrelated men and women have for decades been barred from mixing in public places under strict social rules once enforced by hardline clerics and the religious police. But Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has brought the religious establishment to heel -- partly by arresting critics -- and eased other restrictions, including bans on women driving and public entertainment. Segregation has quietly eased over the past year or so, as eateries, cafes, conference centres and concert halls stopped strictly enforcing it. A spokesman for the ministry contacted by Reuters did not specify whether segregated seating areas inside restaurants would also be eliminated. The new rules are not compulsory, meaning restaurants could still maintain separate entrances if owners choose to do so, he said. There was no announcement of changes to other public establishments, such as schools and hospitals, which appear likely to remain segregated for now. Saudi Arabia, one of the world's most gender-segregated nations, has also been chipping away at a guardianship system which requires all women have a male relative's approval for important decisions, though some key restrictions remain. Social openness has been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent that has seen the arrests of dozens of clerics, intellectuals and activists, including women who had campaigned for some of the freedoms that have lately been granted. It has also raised concerns about a possible backlash by conservatives, though there has so far been little concrete pushback. The crown prince, 34, is the heir to the Saudi throne and de facto ruler. If and when he replaces his father, King Salman, he would be the first Saudi monarch from a new generation after a succession of six brothers that have ruled since 1953. Prince Mohammed's reputation in the West as a bold reformer suffered after the murder of US-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed by Saudi agents last year inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

Saudi Arabia ends gender-segregated entrances for restaurants

&nbsp;Non-Saudi&nbsp;investors were allocated&nbsp;23 per cent&nbsp;of the&nbsp;institutional&nbsp;tranche&nbsp;of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-energy-minister-talks-opec-unity-backs-aramco-to-soar-266793">Aramco's initial public offering</a> (IPO), an executive at one of the lead banks on the deal told the Al Arabiya news channel on Monday.

Wassim Al Khatib, head of investment banking at National Commercial Bank&nbsp;also said the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Public Pension Agency received an allocation equivalent to 11.5 per cent&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Aramco&nbsp;IPO&nbsp;institutional&nbsp;tranche.

State-owned&nbsp;Aramco&nbsp;is expected to list 1.5 per cent&nbsp;of its shares on the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;exchange later this week in a deal worth $25.6 billion.

Non-Saudi investors were allocated 23 per cent of the institutional tranche of Saudi Aramco's initial public offering (IPO), an executive at one of the lead banks on the deal told the Al Arabiya news channel on Monday.

Non-Saudi investors were allocated 23 per cent of the institutional tranche of Saudi Aramco's initial public offering (IPO), an executive at one of the lead banks on the deal told the Al Arabiya news channel on Monday. Wassim Al Khatib, head of investment banking at National Commercial Bank also said the Saudi Public Pension Agency received an allocation equivalent to 11.5 per cent of the Aramco IPO institutional tranche. State-owned Aramco is expected to list 1.5 per cent of its shares on the Saudi exchange later this week in a deal worth $25.6 billion.

Non-Saudi buyers got 23% of Aramco IPO institutional tranche

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tells-jewish-americans-he-is-israels-best-friend-266897">Donald Trump</a> and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday discussed last week's Florida naval base shooting and vowed to work together on the investigation of the attack, which left three people dead and injured eight others.

"The Crown Prince reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to working with the United States to prevent a horrific attack like the Pensacola shooting from ever happening again," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement.

Trump thanked "the Crown Prince for Saudi Arabia’s assistance with the investigation and continued partnership," Deere added in the statement released Sunday night.

Watch:&nbsp;Florida Naval Base shooting accused photograph released

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/florida-naval-base-shooting-accused-photograph-released-266931/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Saudi Arabia's state news agency on Sunday also said the crown prince had called Trump to express his condolences and support for the families of the victims of the shooting and assure the Republican US&nbsp;president that Saudi authorities would offer their absolute cooperation with US&nbsp;investigators.

The FBI has said US&nbsp;investigators believe Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, 21, acted alone when he attacked a US&nbsp;Navy base in Pensacola, Florida on Friday, before he was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff.

US investigators are facing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-thinks-saudi-shooter-acted-alone-florida-governor-decries-deep-seated-hatred-267095">mounting pressure</a> to discover his motives in the attack.

US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday discussed last week's Florida naval base shooting and vowed to work together on the investigation of the attack, which left three people dead and injured eight others.

US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday discussed last week's Florida naval base shooting and vowed to work together on the investigation of the attack, which left three people dead and injured eight others. "The Crown Prince reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to working with the United States to prevent a horrific attack like the Pensacola shooting from ever happening again," White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement. Trump thanked "the Crown Prince for Saudi Arabia’s assistance with the investigation and continued partnership," Deere added in the statement released Sunday night. Watch: Florida Naval Base shooting accused photograph released Saudi Arabia's state news agency on Sunday also said the crown prince had called Trump to express his condolences and support for the families of the victims of the shooting and assure the Republican US president that Saudi authorities would offer their absolute cooperation with US investigators. The FBI has said US investigators believe Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, 21, acted alone when he attacked a US Navy base in Pensacola, Florida on Friday, before he was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff. US investigators are facing mounting pressure to discover his motives in the attack.

Florida base shooting probe: Trump, Saudi crown prince vow to cooperate

Florida government says Saudi Arabia owes a debt to victims.

Florida Naval Base Shooting: Saudi King reaches out to Donald Trump

Saudi Arabia became the first Arab nation Sunday to take over the G20 presidency as it seeks to bounce back onto the world stage following global uproar over its human rights record.

The oil-rich kingdom has promoted a liberalisation drive, including granting greater rights to women, but faced strong criticism over a crackdown on dissent and the murder last year of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The G20 presidency, which Saudi Arabia takes over from Japan, will see it host world leaders for a global summit in its capital next November 21-22.

"The kingdom of Saudi Arabia assumes the G20 Presidency today, leading up to the summit in Riyadh" in 2020, the official Saudi Press Agency said.

"The Saudi G20 presidency is committed to continuing the work from Osaka and promoting multilateral consensus."

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, hailed it as a "unique opportunity" to shape international consensus, SPA added.

Saudi Arabia will host more than 100 events and conferences in the run-up to the summit, including ministerial meetings, the agency said.

"When Saudi Arabia assumes the G20 presidency, it will become the first (Arab) nation to lead this intergovernmental body," Dennis Snower, president of the think-tank Global Solutions Initiative, said in a statement.

"This presidency... will be challenged by a central paradox: global risks like climate change, demographic developments, such as low birth rates, rising life expectancy and aging societies… but rising populism and nationalism are preventing progress at the multilateral level."

Rights groups have urged G20 member states to exert pressure on the kingdom over its intensifying crackdown on dissent, which has seen several women activists, journalists and political dissidents jailed.

Campaigners reported on Monday that Saudi Arabia had detained at least nine academics, writers and activists, the latest in a series of crackdowns on intellectuals over the past two years.

Activists say that some were subsequently released, but the detention of liberals -- in the midst of the much-hyped liberalisation drive -- underscores what observers call increasing repression and authoritarianism.

"Saudi Arabia steps up to the G20 presidency amid a new wave of arbitrary arrests of peaceful critics, with many human rights defenders still languishing behind bars, and just over a year since the horrifying killing of Jamal Khashoggi," Heba Morayef, Amnesty International's director for the Middle East and North Africa, said in a statement.

"World leaders in the G20 must pressure Prince Mohammed to ensure the enjoyment of all human rights including freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly."

Saudi Arabia became the first Arab nation Sunday to take over the G20 presidency as it seeks to bounce back onto the world stage following global uproar over its human rights record.

Saudi Arabia became the first Arab nation Sunday to take over the G20 presidency as it seeks to bounce back onto the world stage following global uproar over its human rights record. The oil-rich kingdom has promoted a liberalisation drive, including granting greater rights to women, but faced strong criticism over a crackdown on dissent and the murder last year of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The G20 presidency, which Saudi Arabia takes over from Japan, will see it host world leaders for a global summit in its capital next November 21-22. "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia assumes the G20 Presidency today, leading up to the summit in Riyadh" in 2020, the official Saudi Press Agency said. "The Saudi G20 presidency is committed to continuing the work from Osaka and promoting multilateral consensus." Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, hailed it as a "unique opportunity" to shape international consensus, SPA added. Saudi Arabia will host more than 100 events and conferences in the run-up to the summit, including ministerial meetings, the agency said. "When Saudi Arabia assumes the G20 presidency, it will become the first (Arab) nation to lead this intergovernmental body," Dennis Snower, president of the think-tank Global Solutions Initiative, said in a statement. "This presidency... will be challenged by a central paradox: global risks like climate change, demographic developments, such as low birth rates, rising life expectancy and aging societies… but rising populism and nationalism are preventing progress at the multilateral level." Rights groups have urged G20 member states to exert pressure on the kingdom over its intensifying crackdown on dissent, which has seen several women activists, journalists and political dissidents jailed. Campaigners reported on Monday that Saudi Arabia had detained at least nine academics, writers and activists, the latest in a series of crackdowns on intellectuals over the past two years. Activists say that some were subsequently released, but the detention of liberals -- in the midst of the much-hyped liberalisation drive -- underscores what observers call increasing repression and authoritarianism. "Saudi Arabia steps up to the G20 presidency amid a new wave of arbitrary arrests of peaceful critics, with many human rights defenders still languishing behind bars, and just over a year since the horrifying killing of Jamal Khashoggi," Heba Morayef, Amnesty International's director for the Middle East and North Africa, said in a statement. "World leaders in the G20 must pressure Prince Mohammed to ensure the enjoyment of all human rights including freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly."

Saudi Arabia takes over G20 presidency from Japan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../cabinet-approves-india-saudi-arabia-mous-in- smuggling-drug-trafficking-264902">Saudi Arabia</a> has released three people swept up in the latest wave of arrests in a crackdown on free expression, London-based Saudi rights group ALQST said on Thursday, but several more remain in detention.

Those freed are banker and publisher Suleiman al-Saikhan, former blogger Fuad al-Farhan, who later started a small business, and Bader al-Rashed, a journalist who had worked on one of the government's reform initiatives, ALQST tweeted.

Reuters was unable to reach them directly.

The men were among at least eight people taken from their homes earlier this month by plainclothes police. The reason was unclear as they are not considered frontline activists, though some had written previously about the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings.

The Saudi government communications office has not responded to a request for comment on the arrests.

ALQST is an independent non-governmental organisation that monitors and documents human rights violations it says occur in Saudi Arabia at the hands of the authorities.

Riyadh denies having political prisoners, but senior officials have said monitoring of activists, and potentially detaining them, is needed to maintain social stability.

As Saudi Arabia takes over the presidency of the Group of 20 countries, it is struggling to overcome intense international criticism over its human rights record, including last year's killing of journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../i-hope-news-is-real-brother-of-saudi-womens- rights-activist-on-her-being-contender-for-nobel-peace-prize-25398...">Jamal Khashoggi</a>, the arrest of women's rights activists and the devastating Yemen war.

A verdict in the trial of prominent Islamist preacher Salman al-Awdah, who was arrested more than two years ago on terrorism-related charges, was postponed on Wednesday for the fourth time, his son said on Twitter.

The public prosecutor is seeking the death penalty against Awdah, who was detained in September 2017 as a crackdown on dissent under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gathered pace. Scores of intellectuals, activists, businessmen and government officials have been arrested.

Public protests, political parties and labour unions are banned in Saudi Arabia, where the media are controlled and criticism of the royal family can lead to prison.

Saudi Arabia has released three people swept up in the latest wave of arrests in a crackdown on free expression, London-based Saudi rights group ALQST said on Thursday, but several more remain in detention.

Saudi Arabia has released three people swept up in the latest wave of arrests in a crackdown on free expression, London-based Saudi rights group ALQST said on Thursday, but several more remain in detention. Those freed are banker and publisher Suleiman al-Saikhan, former blogger Fuad al-Farhan, who later started a small business, and Bader al-Rashed, a journalist who had worked on one of the government's reform initiatives, ALQST tweeted. Reuters was unable to reach them directly. The men were among at least eight people taken from their homes earlier this month by plainclothes police. The reason was unclear as they are not considered frontline activists, though some had written previously about the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings. The Saudi government communications office has not responded to a request for comment on the arrests. ALQST is an independent non-governmental organisation that monitors and documents human rights violations it says occur in Saudi Arabia at the hands of the authorities. Riyadh denies having political prisoners, but senior officials have said monitoring of activists, and potentially detaining them, is needed to maintain social stability. As Saudi Arabia takes over the presidency of the Group of 20 countries, it is struggling to overcome intense international criticism over its human rights record, including last year's killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the arrest of women's rights activists and the devastating Yemen war. A verdict in the trial of prominent Islamist preacher Salman al-Awdah, who was arrested more than two years ago on terrorism-related charges, was postponed on Wednesday for the fourth time, his son said on Twitter. The public prosecutor is seeking the death penalty against Awdah, who was detained in September 2017 as a crackdown on dissent under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gathered pace. Scores of intellectuals, activists, businessmen and government officials have been arrested. Public protests, political parties and labour unions are banned in Saudi Arabia, where the media are controlled and criticism of the royal family can lead to prison.

Three detained Saudi writers freed, others still held: Rights group

A&nbsp;Saudi-led&nbsp;military&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;said Tuesday it will release&nbsp;200&nbsp;Yemeni&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;and permit some flights from the insurgent-held capital Sanaa, as efforts to end the nearly five-year conflict gain momentum.

The initiatives coincide with a lull in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-led-coalition-says-yemens-houthis-seize-ship-in-red-sea-263056">Huthi attacks</a> on Saudi Arabia and come after a senior official in Riyadh this month said it had an "open channel" with the Iran-aligned&nbsp;rebels.

Patients needing medical care will be allowed to be flown out of Sanaa airport, which has been closed to commercial flights since 2016,&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;spokesman Turki al-Maliki said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency.

The&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;has decided "to release&nbsp;200&nbsp;prisoners of the Huthi militia" and will facilitate flights from Sanaa for "people in need of medical care" in cooperation with the World Health Organisation, the statement added.

The decision was hailed by the Huthis, with senior leader Mohammed Ali al-Huthi calling for a "mass reception" to welcome the released&nbsp;rebels. &nbsp;

"We welcome the&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;decision... (and) call for them to end torture and abuse until all detainees and prisoners are freed," al-Huthi, a senior figure in the&nbsp;rebels' political leadership, said on Twitter.

The&nbsp;Saudi-led&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;launched a military intervention in&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;in 2015 in support of the country's internationally recognised government.&nbsp;

It reportedly hoped for a quick win against the&nbsp;Huthis, but instead waded into a quagmire that has cost it billions of dollars and sparked a humanitarian catastrophe that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Riyadh now appears buoyed by a power-sharing agreement it brokered earlier this month in a separate conflict between&nbsp;Yemen's internationally recognised government and southern separatists, which observers said could pave the way for a wider&nbsp;peace&nbsp;deal in the multi-faceted war.

Further raising hopes, a senior official in Riyadh subsequently said the Saudis have established an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-deceptive-over-najran-attack-claims-saudi-led-coalition-252901">"open channel" with the Huthi&nbsp;rebels</a>.

"We don't close our doors with the Huthis," the official, who declined to be named, told reporters.

'Something is changing'

Yemen, in the grip of what the UN has termed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attacked-saudi-border-frontline-captured-troops-houthis-252644">world's worst humanitarian crisis</a>, is widely seen as a proxy battlefront between Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia and its Shiite rival Iran.

Tuesday's development "is positive proof that the Saudi-Huthi talks are real and having at least a limited tangible impact," Hussein Ibish, a scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP.

"This is more bad news for the&nbsp;rebels' Iranian backers."

The development follows a lull in recent weeks after a spike in rebel missile and drone attacks over the summer launched from Yemeni territory on Saudi cities.

Last Friday, UN envoy Martin Griffiths said the rate of&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;airstrikes had sharply fallen over the past two weeks, in an apparent sign that "something is changing in&nbsp;Yemen".

In a sign of the limits to the new mood, however, air raids on Monday by the&nbsp;Saudi-led&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;killed eight Huthi&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;near the key western port of Hodeidah, according to local officials.

Yemen's warring parties agreed under a deal brokered in Sweden last December to exchange 15,000 prisoners, but the accord has not been fully implemented.

The&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;freed seven Huthi prisoners in January, and the&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;released 290&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;fighters in September.

The Huthis hold Sanaa while the&nbsp;Saudi led-military&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;controls&nbsp;Yemen's maritime borders and airspace.

Last year, wounded&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;were flown out of Sanaa for treatment, in what was seen as a key step ahead of the December&nbsp;peace&nbsp;talks.

A Saudi-led military coalition said Tuesday it will release 200 Yemeni rebels and permit some flights from the insurgent-held capital Sanaa, as efforts to end the nearly five-year conflict gain momentum.

A Saudi-led military coalition said Tuesday it will release 200 Yemeni rebels and permit some flights from the insurgent-held capital Sanaa, as efforts to end the nearly five-year conflict gain momentum. The initiatives coincide with a lull in Huthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and come after a senior official in Riyadh this month said it had an "open channel" with the Iran-aligned rebels. Patients needing medical care will be allowed to be flown out of Sanaa airport, which has been closed to commercial flights since 2016, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency. The coalition has decided "to release 200 prisoners of the Huthi militia" and will facilitate flights from Sanaa for "people in need of medical care" in cooperation with the World Health Organisation, the statement added. The decision was hailed by the Huthis, with senior leader Mohammed Ali al-Huthi calling for a "mass reception" to welcome the released rebels. "We welcome the coalition decision... (and) call for them to end torture and abuse until all detainees and prisoners are freed," al-Huthi, a senior figure in the rebels' political leadership, said on Twitter. The Saudi-led coalition launched a military intervention in Yemen in 2015 in support of the country's internationally recognised government. It reportedly hoped for a quick win against the Huthis, but instead waded into a quagmire that has cost it billions of dollars and sparked a humanitarian catastrophe that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. Riyadh now appears buoyed by a power-sharing agreement it brokered earlier this month in a separate conflict between Yemen's internationally recognised government and southern separatists, which observers said could pave the way for a wider peace deal in the multi-faceted war. Further raising hopes, a senior official in Riyadh subsequently said the Saudis have established an "open channel" with the Huthi rebels. "We don't close our doors with the Huthis," the official, who declined to be named, told reporters. 'Something is changing' Yemen, in the grip of what the UN has termed the world's worst humanitarian crisis, is widely seen as a proxy battlefront between Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia and its Shiite rival Iran. Tuesday's development "is positive proof that the Saudi-Huthi talks are real and having at least a limited tangible impact," Hussein Ibish, a scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP. "This is more bad news for the rebels' Iranian backers." The development follows a lull in recent weeks after a spike in rebel missile and drone attacks over the summer launched from Yemeni territory on Saudi cities. Last Friday, UN envoy Martin Griffiths said the rate of coalition airstrikes had sharply fallen over the past two weeks, in an apparent sign that "something is changing in Yemen". In a sign of the limits to the new mood, however, air raids on Monday by the Saudi-led coalition killed eight Huthi rebels near the key western port of Hodeidah, according to local officials. Yemen's warring parties agreed under a deal brokered in Sweden last December to exchange 15,000 prisoners, but the accord has not been fully implemented. The coalition freed seven Huthi prisoners in January, and the rebels released 290 coalition fighters in September. The Huthis hold Sanaa while the Saudi led-military coalition controls Yemen's maritime borders and airspace. Last year, wounded rebels were flown out of Sanaa for treatment, in what was seen as a key step ahead of the December peace talks.

200 Yemen rebels to be freed amid peace push: Saudi-led coalition

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) inked between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors.

The MoUs shall facilitate and enhance the cooperation between the two countries in combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors, as defined by the United Nations International Drug Control Conventions.

The cooperation will also provide a provision for the exchange of relevant information as well as methods, identities and suspicious activities of producers, smugglers and traffickers of narcotic drugs, details of trafficking of NDPS and Precursors Chemicals on requisitions and financial details of the traffickers arrested on drug-related charges.

Illegal Drug trafficking is a global illicit trade. Massive production and circulation of drugs through various convenient routes especially through Afghanistan is paving ways for high consumption of drugs amongst youth thus creating a negative impact on public health and adding to the criminalisation of the society.

Drug trafficking has also provided funding for insurgency and terrorism in various regions throughout the world. Narco-terrorists and international criminal organizations that thrive on the illegal drug trade now threaten the security of many nations.&nbsp;

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) inked between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) inked between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors. The MoUs shall facilitate and enhance the cooperation between the two countries in combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors, as defined by the United Nations International Drug Control Conventions. The cooperation will also provide a provision for the exchange of relevant information as well as methods, identities and suspicious activities of producers, smugglers and traffickers of narcotic drugs, details of trafficking of NDPS and Precursors Chemicals on requisitions and financial details of the traffickers arrested on drug-related charges. Illegal Drug trafficking is a global illicit trade. Massive production and circulation of drugs through various convenient routes especially through Afghanistan is paving ways for high consumption of drugs amongst youth thus creating a negative impact on public health and adding to the criminalisation of the society. Drug trafficking has also provided funding for insurgency and terrorism in various regions throughout the world. Narco-terrorists and international criminal organizations that thrive on the illegal drug trade now threaten the security of many nations.

Cabinet approves India-Saudi Arabia MoUs in smuggling, drug trafficking

Saudi Arabia has detained at least nine academics, writers and activists, campaigners said Monday, the latest in a series of crackdowns on intellectuals over the past two years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gay-saudi-journalists-detained-in-australia-after-asylum-bid-263362">The detention of liberals</a>,&nbsp;in the midst of a much-hyped liberalisation drive,&nbsp;underscores what observers call increasing repression and authoritarianism under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's de facto rule as he consolidates his grip on power.

In a sweeping crackdown that began on November 16, authorities raided the homes of nine journalists, bloggers and activists across multiple cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Hail,&nbsp;and seized their laptops and mobiles, rights group ALQST said.

"Saudi authorities have carried out a new wave of arrests of journalists and activists, women and men, over the past few days, in a continuation of their previous crackdowns on civil society," ALQST said in a statement.

"At the same time, the authorities have stepped up their harassment of existing prisoners of conscience by means of continued torture, sexual harassment and other kinds of abuse."

Prisoners of Conscience, a Saudi group that tracks political prisoners, put the number of people detained at 10.

The charges against them were unclear and there was no immediate comment from Saudi authorities.&nbsp;

Prisoners of Conscience said writer Suleiman al-Nasser was among those detained on "the grounds of his intellectual opinions", as was blogger Fuad al-Farhan for his "intellectual activities".

Many of those held had given up writing or maintained a low public profile amid Prince Mohammed's widening crackdown on dissent that has seen dozens of activists, businessmen and clerics arrested since 2017.

Saudi Arabia, which has taken over the G-20 presidency as it prepares to host the gathering next year, has faced intense global criticism since the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018.

The killing sparked unprecedented scrutiny of the kingdom's human rights record, including its crackdown on women activists, many of whom have accused interrogators of sexual harassment and torture. Saudi prosecutors deny the accusations.

Riyadh has faced pressure from Western governments to release the women, most of whom were detained in summer last year in a wide-ranging crackdown just before the historic lifting of a decades-long ban on female motorists.

In April this year, Saudi Arabia mounted a fresh crackdown that sent shock waves through the kingdom.

Authorities arrested at least nine writers and academics, including two US citizens, in what appeared to be a targeted crackdown on supporters of the detained women activists, campaigners said.

Such arbitrary crackdowns are amplifying public fears as aggressive hyper-nationalism takes root that promotes veneration of the kingdom's rulers.

Prince Mohammed has eased social restrictions in the conservative kingdom, allowing mixed-gender concerts and sporting extravaganzas as he seeks to open up the country to foreign tourists while curtailing the freedom of expression.

Saudi Arabia has detained at least nine academics, writers and activists, campaigners said Monday, the latest in a series of crackdowns on intellectuals over the past two years.

Saudi Arabia has detained at least nine academics, writers and activists, campaigners said Monday, the latest in a series of crackdowns on intellectuals over the past two years. The detention of liberals, in the midst of a much-hyped liberalisation drive, underscores what observers call increasing repression and authoritarianism under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's de facto rule as he consolidates his grip on power. In a sweeping crackdown that began on November 16, authorities raided the homes of nine journalists, bloggers and activists across multiple cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Hail, and seized their laptops and mobiles, rights group ALQST said. "Saudi authorities have carried out a new wave of arrests of journalists and activists, women and men, over the past few days, in a continuation of their previous crackdowns on civil society," ALQST said in a statement. "At the same time, the authorities have stepped up their harassment of existing prisoners of conscience by means of continued torture, sexual harassment and other kinds of abuse." Prisoners of Conscience, a Saudi group that tracks political prisoners, put the number of people detained at 10. The charges against them were unclear and there was no immediate comment from Saudi authorities. Prisoners of Conscience said writer Suleiman al-Nasser was among those detained on "the grounds of his intellectual opinions", as was blogger Fuad al-Farhan for his "intellectual activities". Many of those held had given up writing or maintained a low public profile amid Prince Mohammed's widening crackdown on dissent that has seen dozens of activists, businessmen and clerics arrested since 2017. Saudi Arabia, which has taken over the G-20 presidency as it prepares to host the gathering next year, has faced intense global criticism since the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. The killing sparked unprecedented scrutiny of the kingdom's human rights record, including its crackdown on women activists, many of whom have accused interrogators of sexual harassment and torture. Saudi prosecutors deny the accusations. Riyadh has faced pressure from Western governments to release the women, most of whom were detained in summer last year in a wide-ranging crackdown just before the historic lifting of a decades-long ban on female motorists. In April this year, Saudi Arabia mounted a fresh crackdown that sent shock waves through the kingdom. Authorities arrested at least nine writers and academics, including two US citizens, in what appeared to be a targeted crackdown on supporters of the detained women activists, campaigners said. Such arbitrary crackdowns are amplifying public fears as aggressive hyper-nationalism takes root that promotes veneration of the kingdom's rulers. Prince Mohammed has eased social restrictions in the conservative kingdom, allowing mixed-gender concerts and sporting extravaganzas as he seeks to open up the country to foreign tourists while curtailing the freedom of expression.

Saudi Arabia: 9 academics, writers detained in new crackdown

Two facilities of the world's largest oil company Saudi Aramco were attacked by drones on September 14.

Saudi Arabia was forced to cut down its oil production by half. Over two months later, new details have emerged about the conspiracy behind the attack.

A special report by Reuters quotes four Iranian officials describing how Iran planned the attack against Saudi Aramco.

Since May, Iranian officials held about 5 meetings in a heavily guarded complex in Tehran.

The top brass of the Islamic revolutionary guard corps was also present including Major General Hossein Salami.

The whole purpose was to decide how to punish the United States for pulling out of the 2015 nuclear treaty.

They said: 'It's time to take out our swords and teach them a lesson'.

But, Iran realized that they would have devastating consequences and so, they decided to attack America's ally, Saudi Arabia.

They wanted to deliver a strong message to the United States.

Agreement on attacking Aramco was reached almost unanimously.

Officials wanted to display the might of Iran's military capabilities.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who attended one of the gatherings, approved the operation.

He only had one condition 'Don't hit any civilians or Americans.'

Iran ensured that its missiles and drone took different, circuitous paths to the oil facilities to hide its involvement.

But, the attack was launched from Iranian soil.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Two facilities of the world's largest oil company Saudi Aramco were attacked by drones on September 14. Saudi Arabia was forced to cut down its oil production by half.

Two facilities of the world's largest oil company Saudi Aramco were attacked by drones on September 14. Saudi Arabia was forced to cut down its oil production by half. Over two months later, new details have emerged about the conspiracy behind the attack. A special report by Reuters quotes four Iranian officials describing how Iran planned the attack against Saudi Aramco. Since May, Iranian officials held about 5 meetings in a heavily guarded complex in Tehran. The top brass of the Islamic revolutionary guard corps was also present including Major General Hossein Salami. The whole purpose was to decide how to punish the United States for pulling out of the 2015 nuclear treaty. They said: 'It's time to take out our swords and teach them a lesson'. But, Iran realized that they would have devastating consequences and so, they decided to attack America's ally, Saudi Arabia. They wanted to deliver a strong message to the United States. Agreement on attacking Aramco was reached almost unanimously. Officials wanted to display the might of Iran's military capabilities. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who attended one of the gatherings, approved the operation. He only had one condition 'Don't hit any civilians or Americans.' Iran ensured that its missiles and drone took different, circuitous paths to the oil facilities to hide its involvement. But, the attack was launched from Iranian soil. (With inputs from Reuters)

Officials describe how Iran planned the attack against Saudi Aramco: Report

Iranians have defeated the "enemy's conspiracy" and were celebrating their victory, President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday after deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-unblock-internet-once-abuse-stops-government-263177">nationwide protests</a> against a petrol price hike.

Demonstrations broke out in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-what-would-an-unstable-iran-mean-for-the-world-263349">Islamic republic</a> on Friday after it was announced the price of petrol would be immediately raised by as much as 200 per cent.

"Our people have been victorious against... the enemy's conspiracy," Rouhani said in remarks at a meeting of his cabinet aired on state television.

"Those anarchists who came out onto the streets were few in number," he said.

"They were organised, armed anarchists" who took to the streets "based on a plot that the region's reactionary, the Zionists and Americans had hatched," he said, referring to Saudi Arabia, Israel and the United States.

"You've seen in recent days huge spontaneous gatherings were held in various cities," including Zanjan, Shahr-e Kord and Zanjan among others, Rouhani said.

"This is the biggest display of the power of the nation of Iran.

"That is to say that the nation of Iran has shown the world its vigilance, awareness, unity and solidarity with the entire system" of the Islamic republic, he added.

The protests began with motorists blocking major roads in the capital Tehran and elsewhere.

They spread rapidly to at least 40 cities and towns, with petrol pumps torched, police stations attacked and shops looted.

Officials have confirmed five deaths, including three security personnel stabbed by "rioters".

But London-based rights group <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100-protesters-believed-killed-in-iran-amnesty-263228">Amnesty International</a> said Tuesday that more than 100 demonstrators were believed to have been killed.

The full extent of the bloodshed is difficult to ascertain given a near-total internet blackout, now in its fourth day.

Iranians have defeated the "enemy's conspiracy" and were celebrating their victory, President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday after deadly nationwide protests against a petrol price hike.

Iranians have defeated the "enemy's conspiracy" and were celebrating their victory, President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday after deadly nationwide protests against a petrol price hike. Demonstrations broke out in the Islamic republic on Friday after it was announced the price of petrol would be immediately raised by as much as 200 per cent. "Our people have been victorious against... the enemy's conspiracy," Rouhani said in remarks at a meeting of his cabinet aired on state television. "Those anarchists who came out onto the streets were few in number," he said. "They were organised, armed anarchists" who took to the streets "based on a plot that the region's reactionary, the Zionists and Americans had hatched," he said, referring to Saudi Arabia, Israel and the United States. "You've seen in recent days huge spontaneous gatherings were held in various cities," including Zanjan, Shahr-e Kord and Zanjan among others, Rouhani said. "This is the biggest display of the power of the nation of Iran. "That is to say that the nation of Iran has shown the world its vigilance, awareness, unity and solidarity with the entire system" of the Islamic republic, he added. The protests began with motorists blocking major roads in the capital Tehran and elsewhere. They spread rapidly to at least 40 cities and towns, with petrol pumps torched, police stations attacked and shops looted. Officials have confirmed five deaths, including three security personnel stabbed by "rioters". But London-based rights group Amnesty International said Tuesday that more than 100 demonstrators were believed to have been killed. The full extent of the bloodshed is difficult to ascertain given a near-total internet blackout, now in its fourth day.

Rouhani says 'enemy conspiracy' defeated in protest-hit Iran

Two gay Saudi journalists who sought asylum in Australia after being threatened at home over their relationship have been held for weeks at an immigration detention centre, their lawyer said Wednesday.

The couple arrived in Australia in mid-October&nbsp;on tourist visas but was singled out by airport customs officials, then taken into detention, when they admitted plans to seek asylum, lawyer Alison Battisson told AFP.

"Australia being very well known for being... a safe place for LGBTI people, they were incredibly surprised and distressed," she said.

One of the men, who worked for Saudi Arabia's media ministry and regularly assisted visiting international news organisations, said they came under pressure from authorities after dissident leaked sensitive documents to foreign media.

"I was called into a prison on the outskirts of Riyadh by the state security," he told ABC, adding they "hinted that they realised I was in a relationship with my partner and that I should stop working with the foreign media".

Battisson said the men had not leaked any documents, but were swept up in a wider crackdown by Saudi authorities in the wake of Khashoggi's murder.

In August, one of the men received a phone call from a relative warning they knew of their gay relationship and if it it wasn't ended his partner would be killed.

Police followed that up with separate calls asking them to come in for questioning, which led to their decision to flee.

Homosexuality is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabias-state-security-categorises-feminism-homosexuality-atheism-as-extremist-ideas-261671">illegal in Saudi Arabia</a> and punishable by death.

Battisson says the two men have been separated in detention as one&nbsp;

Two gay Saudi journalists who sought asylum in Australia after being threatened at home over their relationship have been held for weeks at an immigration detention centre, their lawyer said Wednesday.

Two gay Saudi journalists who sought asylum in Australia after being threatened at home over their relationship have been held for weeks at an immigration detention centre, their lawyer said Wednesday. The couple arrived in Australia in mid-October on tourist visas but was singled out by airport customs officials, then taken into detention, when they admitted plans to seek asylum, lawyer Alison Battisson told AFP. "Australia being very well known for being... a safe place for LGBTI people, they were incredibly surprised and distressed," she said. One of the men, who worked for Saudi Arabia's media ministry and regularly assisted visiting international news organisations, said they came under pressure from authorities after dissident leaked sensitive documents to foreign media. "I was called into a prison on the outskirts of Riyadh by the state security," he told ABC, adding they "hinted that they realised I was in a relationship with my partner and that I should stop working with the foreign media". Battisson said the men had not leaked any documents, but were swept up in a wider crackdown by Saudi authorities in the wake of Khashoggi's murder. In August, one of the men received a phone call from a relative warning they knew of their gay relationship and if it it wasn't ended his partner would be killed. Police followed that up with separate calls asking them to come in for questioning, which led to their decision to flee. Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia and punishable by death. Battisson says the two men have been separated in detention as one

Gay Saudi journalists detained in Australia after asylum bid

We have seen the scale of the protest in Iran. We have brought you the responses. And we have also looked at the causes - both internal and external.

We have summarised the reasons why America targets Iran. On WION Edit, we look at what happens next.&nbsp;

What would an unstable Iran mean for the world?

Peace is already eroding. The erosion began when the US walked out of the nuclear deal despite Iran's compliance.

Then it imposed crippling sanctions. Saudi oil tankers were attacked, oil supplies were disrupted.

Then there's Lebanon - the home of Hezbollah - it's at boiling point. The number of Hezbollah fighters has doubled in the last decade.

If Iran's regime disintegrates, it will use the Hezbollah to bring down the whole region.

Pushed to the wall, an aggressive Iran will also target Israel. It openly backs Palestinian factions in the west bank.&nbsp;

It openly threatens the annihilation of Israel. On the other side, the situation is fragile in the strait of Hormuz. Since the month of May, six oil tankers and a spy drone of the US have been attacked.

Such attacks may escalate if Iran is pushed to the brink. In other words, political instability inside Iran affects peace outside. It has political clout and it has a lot of oil.

Iran holds 10 per cent of the world's proven oil reserves, 15 per cent of gas. Until a few months back, it was the world's second-largest oil exporter.

Today Iran is isolated and sanctioned, it cannot sell oil even to traditional importers like China and India. They have stopped buying under the US pressure.

But Iran's economic survival solely depends on oil exports. Iran is hoping that a cut in global oil production will force other countries to return to it.

Which is what explains the attacks on Saudi oil tankers, disrupt supply and attract buyers.

The rivalries are historic:&nbsp; 
Iran vs Israel 
Iran vs Saudi Arabia 
Iran vs US

It is important to not let them spill over, that would be bad news - both for regional peace and the global economy.

Iran failed to utilise the advantages of the nuclear agreement. It failed to diversify its economy.

It failed to meet the growth expectations of its people, and thus, is facing their anger.

Any external bids to stir this pot will only mean trouble for all. But an unstable Iran can be volatile and nothing good can come out of that. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

We have seen the scale of the protest in Iran. We have brought you the responses. And we have also looked at the causes - both internal and external. We have summarised the reasons why America targets Iran.

We have seen the scale of the protest in Iran. We have brought you the responses. And we have also looked at the causes - both internal and external. We have summarised the reasons why America targets Iran. On WION Edit, we look at what happens next. What would an unstable Iran mean for the world? Peace is already eroding. The erosion began when the US walked out of the nuclear deal despite Iran's compliance. Then it imposed crippling sanctions. Saudi oil tankers were attacked, oil supplies were disrupted. Then there's Lebanon - the home of Hezbollah - it's at boiling point. The number of Hezbollah fighters has doubled in the last decade. If Iran's regime disintegrates, it will use the Hezbollah to bring down the whole region. Pushed to the wall, an aggressive Iran will also target Israel. It openly backs Palestinian factions in the west bank. It openly threatens the annihilation of Israel. On the other side, the situation is fragile in the strait of Hormuz. Since the month of May, six oil tankers and a spy drone of the US have been attacked. Such attacks may escalate if Iran is pushed to the brink. In other words, political instability inside Iran affects peace outside. It has political clout and it has a lot of oil. Iran holds 10 per cent of the world's proven oil reserves, 15 per cent of gas. Until a few months back, it was the world's second-largest oil exporter. Today Iran is isolated and sanctioned, it cannot sell oil even to traditional importers like China and India. They have stopped buying under the US pressure. But Iran's economic survival solely depends on oil exports. Iran is hoping that a cut in global oil production will force other countries to return to it. Which is what explains the attacks on Saudi oil tankers, disrupt supply and attract buyers. The rivalries are historic: Iran vs Israel Iran vs Saudi Arabia Iran vs US It is important to not let them spill over, that would be bad news - both for regional peace and the global economy. Iran failed to utilise the advantages of the nuclear agreement. It failed to diversify its economy. It failed to meet the growth expectations of its people, and thus, is facing their anger. Any external bids to stir this pot will only mean trouble for all. But an unstable Iran can be volatile and nothing good can come out of that. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: What would an unstable Iran mean for the world?

Yemen's Iran-aligned rebels seized a Saudi-flagged tug and two South Korean vessels at the weekend, the insurgents and Seoul officials said on Tuesday.

The incident follows a lull in Huthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as one Riyadh official said the kingdom had established an "open channel" with the rebels in a bid to end the four-year conflict.

The Huthis acknowledged they had seized three ships, including a Saudi one, in the Red Sea a few miles off Uqban island, west of the rebel-held capital Sanaa.

Seoul's foreign ministry said a South Korean dredger was being towed by one Korean and one Saudi-flagged tug when they were seized by the Huthis.

It added that a total of 16 crew, two of them South Korean, had been taken to the Red Sea port of Saleef, where they were being held by the rebels.

"All of our citizens... are healthy and safe," ministry officials said in a statement.

"We are doing our very best for the early release of our citizens."

Seoul has sent the South Korean navy ship Cheonghae, which had been on anti-piracy standby off the coast of Oman, to waters near where the incident took place.

The Saudi-led military coalition backing Yemen's internationally recognised government accused the rebels of "hijacking" the Rabigh-3, which a global tracking website described as a Saudi-flagged vessel.

The rebels on Tuesday said the three ships were seized off Uqban island after they entered "territorial waters without prior notice", according to a statement carried by their Al-Masirah television channel.

The ships were taken to Saleef, it added, without disclosing the nationalities or number of crew members.

The Huthi rebels have been fighting the government and its allies for more than four years in a war that has pushed the country to the brink of famine.

A year after the Huthis seized Sanaa, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and their allies intervened in the conflict in support of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

Since 2015, tens of thousands of people,&nbsp;most of them civilians,&nbsp;have been killed in a conflict that has triggered what the United Nations has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Earlier this month, a senior Saudi official raised hopes of possible de-escalation after he said Riyadh had an "open channel" with the rebels with the goal of ending the conflict.

Yemen's Iran-aligned rebels seized a Saudi-flagged tug and two South Korean vessels at the weekend, the insurgents and Seoul officials said on Tuesday. The incident follows a lull in Huthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as one Riyadh official said the kingdom had established an "open channel" with the rebels in a bid to end the four-year conflict.

Yemen's Iran-aligned rebels seized a Saudi-flagged tug and two South Korean vessels at the weekend, the insurgents and Seoul officials said on Tuesday. The incident follows a lull in Huthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as one Riyadh official said the kingdom had established an "open channel" with the rebels in a bid to end the four-year conflict. The Huthis acknowledged they had seized three ships, including a Saudi one, in the Red Sea a few miles off Uqban island, west of the rebel-held capital Sanaa. Seoul's foreign ministry said a South Korean dredger was being towed by one Korean and one Saudi-flagged tug when they were seized by the Huthis. It added that a total of 16 crew, two of them South Korean, had been taken to the Red Sea port of Saleef, where they were being held by the rebels. "All of our citizens... are healthy and safe," ministry officials said in a statement. "We are doing our very best for the early release of our citizens." Seoul has sent the South Korean navy ship Cheonghae, which had been on anti-piracy standby off the coast of Oman, to waters near where the incident took place. The Saudi-led military coalition backing Yemen's internationally recognised government accused the rebels of "hijacking" the Rabigh-3, which a global tracking website described as a Saudi-flagged vessel. The rebels on Tuesday said the three ships were seized off Uqban island after they entered "territorial waters without prior notice", according to a statement carried by their Al-Masirah television channel. The ships were taken to Saleef, it added, without disclosing the nationalities or number of crew members. The Huthi rebels have been fighting the government and its allies for more than four years in a war that has pushed the country to the brink of famine. A year after the Huthis seized Sanaa, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and their allies intervened in the conflict in support of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. Since 2015, tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, have been killed in a conflict that has triggered what the United Nations has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Earlier this month, a senior Saudi official raised hopes of possible de-escalation after he said Riyadh had an "open channel" with the rebels with the goal of ending the conflict.

Yemen rebels seize two South Korean, one Saudi vessel

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