Saudi's Aramco has assured India that Indian refiners won't face shortage of supplies. Watch this video to know more.

Aramco to India: Indian refiners won't face shortage of supplies

In this video watch, The long series of rocket and drone strikes against Saudi Arabian oil facilities.

Long series of rocket and drone strikes against Saudi Arabian oil facilities

The U.S. blamed on Iran after Yemen's drone attack on Saudi oil facilities. . President Donald Trump calls Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman to offer his support for defence.

U.S. blamed on Iran after Yemen's drone attack on Saudi oil facilities

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif said on Sunday that the United States and its allies were "stuck in Yemen" and that blaming Tehran "won't end the disaster".

 
"Having failed at "max pressure", @SecPompeo's turning to "max deceit". The US &amp; its clients are stuck in Yemen because of the illusion that weapon superiority will lead to military victory. Blaming Iran won't end disaster," Zarif said on Twitter.

Javad Zarif Tweet:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Having failed at "max pressure", <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a>'s turning to "max deceit" 
 
US &amp; its clients are stuck in Yemen because of illusion that weapon superiority will lead to military victory. 
 
Blaming Iran won't end disaster. Accepting our April '15 proposal to end war &amp; begin talks may.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1173162202926333952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday blamed Iran for the drone attacks which hit two of Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil installations and were claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group, saying that "Iran has now launched an unprecedented attack on the world's energy supply."

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif said on Sunday that the United States and its allies were "stuck in Yemen" and that blaming Tehran "won't end the disaster".

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif said on Sunday that the United States and its allies were "stuck in Yemen" and that blaming Tehran "won't end the disaster". "Having failed at "max pressure", @SecPompeo's turning to "max deceit". The US & its clients are stuck in Yemen because of the illusion that weapon superiority will lead to military victory. Blaming Iran won't end disaster," Zarif said on Twitter. Javad Zarif Tweet: Having failed at "max pressure", @SecPompeo's turning to "max deceit" US & its clients are stuck in Yemen because of illusion that weapon superiority will lead to military victory. Blaming Iran won't end disaster. Accepting our April '15 proposal to end war & begin talks may. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) September 15, 2019 × The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday blamed Iran for the drone attacks which hit two of Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil installations and were claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group, saying that "Iran has now launched an unprecedented attack on the world's energy supply."

Iran Foreign Minister Zarif says the US, allies are 'stuck in Yemen'

Saudi King Salman on Sunday promoted one of his sons to the pivotal role of energy minister, strengthening his family's grip on the levers of power from oil to finance and defence.

The appointment of Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman as the new energy minister mirrors the ascent of his half-brother Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler.&nbsp;

Prince Khalid bin Salman, their younger brother, is effectively in charge of the defence ministry.

Here are profiles of the king's three powerful sons:

Prince Mohammed bin Salman

The meteoric rise of the 34-year-old, known as MBS, has seemed almost Shakespearean.

In June 2017, he edged out a 58-year-old cousin, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, to become heir to the throne.&nbsp;

He was previously his deputy.

If he succeeds as king, foreign diplomats predict the prince could well be in control of Saudi Arabia for at least half a century.

He has already amassed powers unseen by previous Saudi rulers.

Prince Mohammed is also the kingdom's defence minister and chairman of the vast Public Investment Fund, which is spearheading efforts to diversify the oil-reliant economy.

He has undertaken unprecedented social reforms, such as allowing women to drive and reopening cinemas, but has also elicited widespread criticism for cracking down on dissent.

Prince Mohammed has developed close ties with the White House under US President Donald Trump, especially with his son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner.&nbsp;

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman

&nbsp;The 59-year-old prince, the older half-brother to the crown prince, is the first royal family member to be named energy minister, a key post in the oil-rich kingdom.

A veteran energy official, he has decades of experience working in the ministry.

After joining the ministry in the 1980s, Prince Abdulaziz served in a variety of roles, including deputy oil minister and minister of state for energy affairs, according to Saudi media.

A graduate of the kingdom's King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, the prince worked closely with the three previous oil ministers.

"(He) has attended virtually every OPEC meeting since then (and) brings a wealth of institutional experience," said Ali Shihabi, founder of the now-shuttered pro-Saudi think-tank Arabia Foundation.

The prince takes over the ministry at a time when the kingdom is reeling from low oil prices, which could impede ambitious plans to diversify its economy.

He also takes charge as the world's top crude exporter accelerates preparations for a much-anticipated stock listing of state-owned oil giant Aramco, expected to be the world's biggest.

Prince Khalid bin Salman

The 31-year-old, a younger full brother to the crown prince, was appointed deputy defence minister in February this year.

Saudi officials say he is effectively in charge of defence affairs -- at a time when the kingdom is sliding into a military quagmire in neighbouring Yemen following its intervention against Iran-linked Huthi rebels in 2015.

He is also said to be overseeing a multi-billion dollar effort to boost arms imports despite misgivings by several Western nations over the kingdom's human rights record.

A trained fighter pilot, the prince was previously the Saudi ambassador to Washington, a key ally of Riyadh.

The prince is said to be one of the most trusted members of the crown prince's inner circle.

Saudi King Salman on Sunday promoted one of his sons to the pivotal role of energy minister, strengthening his family's grip on the levers of power from oil to finance and defence.

Saudi King Salman on Sunday promoted one of his sons to the pivotal role of energy minister, strengthening his family's grip on the levers of power from oil to finance and defence. The appointment of Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman as the new energy minister mirrors the ascent of his half-brother Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler. Prince Khalid bin Salman, their younger brother, is effectively in charge of the defence ministry. Here are profiles of the king's three powerful sons: Prince Mohammed bin Salman The meteoric rise of the 34-year-old, known as MBS, has seemed almost Shakespearean. In June 2017, he edged out a 58-year-old cousin, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, to become heir to the throne. He was previously his deputy. If he succeeds as king, foreign diplomats predict the prince could well be in control of Saudi Arabia for at least half a century. He has already amassed powers unseen by previous Saudi rulers. Prince Mohammed is also the kingdom's defence minister and chairman of the vast Public Investment Fund, which is spearheading efforts to diversify the oil-reliant economy. He has undertaken unprecedented social reforms, such as allowing women to drive and reopening cinemas, but has also elicited widespread criticism for cracking down on dissent. Prince Mohammed has developed close ties with the White House under US President Donald Trump, especially with his son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman The 59-year-old prince, the older half-brother to the crown prince, is the first royal family member to be named energy minister, a key post in the oil-rich kingdom. A veteran energy official, he has decades of experience working in the ministry. After joining the ministry in the 1980s, Prince Abdulaziz served in a variety of roles, including deputy oil minister and minister of state for energy affairs, according to Saudi media. A graduate of the kingdom's King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, the prince worked closely with the three previous oil ministers. "(He) has attended virtually every OPEC meeting since then (and) brings a wealth of institutional experience," said Ali Shihabi, founder of the now-shuttered pro-Saudi think-tank Arabia Foundation. The prince takes over the ministry at a time when the kingdom is reeling from low oil prices, which could impede ambitious plans to diversify its economy. He also takes charge as the world's top crude exporter accelerates preparations for a much-anticipated stock listing of state-owned oil giant Aramco, expected to be the world's biggest. Prince Khalid bin Salman The 31-year-old, a younger full brother to the crown prince, was appointed deputy defence minister in February this year. Saudi officials say he is effectively in charge of defence affairs -- at a time when the kingdom is sliding into a military quagmire in neighbouring Yemen following its intervention against Iran-linked Huthi rebels in 2015. He is also said to be overseeing a multi-billion dollar effort to boost arms imports despite misgivings by several Western nations over the kingdom's human rights record. A trained fighter pilot, the prince was previously the Saudi ambassador to Washington, a key ally of Riyadh. The prince is said to be one of the most trusted members of the crown prince's inner circle.

Saudi king tightens grip with promotion of another son

By David Mednicoff

While the connection of Jews to Israel is frequently in the news, the changing nature of Jewish and Israeli links to Arab countries is a story that has shown up less frequently.

Yet that change is significant and noteworthy.

A new synagogue recently open in Dubai, the first in decades.

Jared Kushner, an observant Jew and a top adviser to his father-in-law, President Donald Trump, is close friends with the acting ruler of Saudi Arabia.

The foreign minister of Bahrain, a Gulf Arab country, gave an interview to Israeli media, highlighting the important role that Israel has in the contemporary Middle East.

This is a shift in official Arab postures towards Jews and Israel.

Since Israeli independence in 1948, the country’s presence in the region and dominion over Palestinian Arabs have fostered four major wars with Arab neighbouring countries. Israel has only slowly achieved formal peace and diplomatic relations with Egypt, in 1979, and Jordan in 1994.

Why do more Arab states suddenly seem much warmer toward Israel, and, perhaps, by extension, to Jews and Judaism more generally?

There is both a simple and a complex answer here. The simple answer is Iran. The more complex one is that Israel, Arab states and the US have found increasing common priorities of national security and strong authority.

A brief history of Arab-Israeli relations

From the advent of Islam into the 20th century, Jewish communities existed and often thrived across the Arab world.

The founding of the state of Israel changed this quickly. Viewed by most Arabs as an unjust post-colonial incursion of Europeans into a newly decolonised Middle East, Israel found itself attacked when its statehood began. It didn’t help that the emerging country’s military forces, and Arab leaders as well, pushed many Palestinian Arabs to leave their homes for other Arab states.

Given Arab states’ hostility to Israel, Jews in these countries mostly fled to Europe, Israel and the U.S. The influence of strong regional Arab identity and support for Palestinian Arabs in a charged Cold War global climate encouraged further Arab-Israeli wars in 1956, 1967 and 1973.

The 1967 war gave Israel direct control of Palestinian territories, further angering Arab leaders. In 1973, Arab oil producers used the “oil weapon,” stopping oil sales to the US&nbsp;to pressure it to decrease its consistent support of Israel.

To be sure, the depth of Arab enmity towards Israel varied by country. Complex, cooperative links have nevertheless existed unofficially, such as economic ties between Arab Gulf states and Israel.

Still, after Egypt signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, it took another 15 years until a second Arab state, Jordan, established diplomatic relations with Israel. While Israel’s peace treaties with both Egypt and Jordan have remained intact for decades, relations have been mostly chilly, and no other Arab state has followed their lead.

Changing times and Saudi power

Now there are growing signs of at least informal relations between Israel and many other Arab states.

The driver for much of this is Saudi Arabia, and its enmity toward Iran.

In recent years, the Saudi government has attempted to become the Arab world’s major power by using its economic clout, in a reaction to its own and neighbouring states’ insecurity in the wake of the 2011 uprisings around the Arab world.

As part of this strategy, the Saudi government has intensified its long-term enmity toward Iran. Since its 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has been a vocal political force for Shi’i Islam, the major form of Islam distinct from Sunni Islam. Sunni Islam is the majority form of Islam which most Arabs embrace and the Saudis aspire to lead.

Under its crown prince and actual day-to-day ruler, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has pursued its efforts to be the dominant Sunni Arab power more aggressively. This includes its military engagement in Yemen, where it has tried with limited success to eradicate local Shi’i forces that have some ties to Iran.

Forceful Saudi foreign policy under Salman has also included isolating rival Qatar, allying closely with Egypt’s military ruler Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and increasing its already huge advanced weapons purchases.

All of this is meant to both cement Saudi influence and cripple Iran. But the Saudi strategy has had mixed success.

The war in Yemen has bogged down, forcing Saudi ally, the United Arab Emirates, to pull back. Salman faces blowback from civil rights advocates for increasing Saudi crackdowns on political dissidents.

His limited success has given Salman all the more reason to stress alliances with like-minded rulers in the region. In addition to stalwart allies the UAE and Egypt, this definitely includes Israel. Indeed, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Salman rival one another in their public enmity toward Iran.

New security alliance

Saudi Arabia’s increasing efforts to be the dominant Arab power in the Middle East are part of another trend in the region: the consolidation of states that focus on security at the expense of democratic rights.

The lesson many Arab governments seem to have drawn from 2011’s Arab Spring unrest is that dissent, and even open political expression, can mushroom into political collapse and chaos. Determined to avoid the political challenge, most Arab political systems have amplified their already strong investment in internal security and cracked down on political speech.

At the same time, many Arab societies, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have made efforts to be more open to social diversity. There has been modest progress in gender rights in Saudi Arabia and increased tolerance of religious pluralism in Dubai, for example.

Strong security, limited official acceptance of political dissent and social pluralism also help align electoral democracies under stress with non-democratic governments. This is a current trend evident in the closeness of leaders like Trump and more repressive rulers like Vladimir Putin of Russia or Viktor Orban of Hungary.

It is no less of a trend in the Middle East. The approach of boosting military and police power and decreasing tolerance towards political opposition brings countries like Saudi Arabia and Israel naturally together.

Indeed, if Arab governments stress security to stave off fears of political uprising, they are likely to see Palestinians with little power under direct or indirect Israeli control as a problem to sidestep, rather than a priority to resolve.

In short, the threat of Iran and the prevalence of anti-democratic politics is solidifying a long-standing political affinity, and a growing behind-the-scenes alliance, between Israel, Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia’s Arab allies.

Arab-Israeli increasing collaboration may be good news for some Jews wishing to be more secure as visitors or residents in Arab countries. Yet the news is likely less good for people hoping for greater political rights for Palestinians, Yemenis and other beleaguered populations in the Middle East.

(David Mednicoff is Chair, Department of Judaic and Near Eastern Studies, and Associate Professor of Middle Eastern Studies and Public Policy, University of Massachusetts Amherst) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-increasing-arab-israeli-closeness-matters-119691">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By David Mednicoff While the connection of Jews to Israel is frequently in the news, the changing nature of Jewish and Israeli links to Arab countries is a story that has shown up less frequently.

By David Mednicoff While the connection of Jews to Israel is frequently in the news, the changing nature of Jewish and Israeli links to Arab countries is a story that has shown up less frequently. Yet that change is significant and noteworthy. A new synagogue recently open in Dubai, the first in decades. Jared Kushner, an observant Jew and a top adviser to his father-in-law, President Donald Trump, is close friends with the acting ruler of Saudi Arabia. The foreign minister of Bahrain, a Gulf Arab country, gave an interview to Israeli media, highlighting the important role that Israel has in the contemporary Middle East. This is a shift in official Arab postures towards Jews and Israel. Since Israeli independence in 1948, the country’s presence in the region and dominion over Palestinian Arabs have fostered four major wars with Arab neighbouring countries. Israel has only slowly achieved formal peace and diplomatic relations with Egypt, in 1979, and Jordan in 1994. Why do more Arab states suddenly seem much warmer toward Israel, and, perhaps, by extension, to Jews and Judaism more generally? There is both a simple and a complex answer here. The simple answer is Iran. The more complex one is that Israel, Arab states and the US have found increasing common priorities of national security and strong authority. A brief history of Arab-Israeli relations From the advent of Islam into the 20th century, Jewish communities existed and often thrived across the Arab world. The founding of the state of Israel changed this quickly. Viewed by most Arabs as an unjust post-colonial incursion of Europeans into a newly decolonised Middle East, Israel found itself attacked when its statehood began. It didn’t help that the emerging country’s military forces, and Arab leaders as well, pushed many Palestinian Arabs to leave their homes for other Arab states. Given Arab states’ hostility to Israel, Jews in these countries mostly fled to Europe, Israel and the U.S. The influence of strong regional Arab identity and support for Palestinian Arabs in a charged Cold War global climate encouraged further Arab-Israeli wars in 1956, 1967 and 1973. The 1967 war gave Israel direct control of Palestinian territories, further angering Arab leaders. In 1973, Arab oil producers used the “oil weapon,” stopping oil sales to the US to pressure it to decrease its consistent support of Israel. To be sure, the depth of Arab enmity towards Israel varied by country. Complex, cooperative links have nevertheless existed unofficially, such as economic ties between Arab Gulf states and Israel. Still, after Egypt signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, it took another 15 years until a second Arab state, Jordan, established diplomatic relations with Israel. While Israel’s peace treaties with both Egypt and Jordan have remained intact for decades, relations have been mostly chilly, and no other Arab state has followed their lead. Changing times and Saudi power Now there are growing signs of at least informal relations between Israel and many other Arab states. The driver for much of this is Saudi Arabia, and its enmity toward Iran. In recent years, the Saudi government has attempted to become the Arab world’s major power by using its economic clout, in a reaction to its own and neighbouring states’ insecurity in the wake of the 2011 uprisings around the Arab world. As part of this strategy, the Saudi government has intensified its long-term enmity toward Iran. Since its 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has been a vocal political force for Shi’i Islam, the major form of Islam distinct from Sunni Islam. Sunni Islam is the majority form of Islam which most Arabs embrace and the Saudis aspire to lead. Under its crown prince and actual day-to-day ruler, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has pursued its efforts to be the dominant Sunni Arab power more aggressively. This includes its military engagement in Yemen, where it has tried with limited success to eradicate local Shi’i forces that have some ties to Iran. Forceful Saudi foreign policy under Salman has also included isolating rival Qatar, allying closely with Egypt’s military ruler Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and increasing its already huge advanced weapons purchases. All of this is meant to both cement Saudi influence and cripple Iran. But the Saudi strategy has had mixed success. The war in Yemen has bogged down, forcing Saudi ally, the United Arab Emirates, to pull back. Salman faces blowback from civil rights advocates for increasing Saudi crackdowns on political dissidents. His limited success has given Salman all the more reason to stress alliances with like-minded rulers in the region. In addition to stalwart allies the UAE and Egypt, this definitely includes Israel. Indeed, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Salman rival one another in their public enmity toward Iran. New security alliance Saudi Arabia’s increasing efforts to be the dominant Arab power in the Middle East are part of another trend in the region: the consolidation of states that focus on security at the expense of democratic rights. The lesson many Arab governments seem to have drawn from 2011’s Arab Spring unrest is that dissent, and even open political expression, can mushroom into political collapse and chaos. Determined to avoid the political challenge, most Arab political systems have amplified their already strong investment in internal security and cracked down on political speech. At the same time, many Arab societies, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have made efforts to be more open to social diversity. There has been modest progress in gender rights in Saudi Arabia and increased tolerance of religious pluralism in Dubai, for example. Strong security, limited official acceptance of political dissent and social pluralism also help align electoral democracies under stress with non-democratic governments. This is a current trend evident in the closeness of leaders like Trump and more repressive rulers like Vladimir Putin of Russia or Viktor Orban of Hungary. It is no less of a trend in the Middle East. The approach of boosting military and police power and decreasing tolerance towards political opposition brings countries like Saudi Arabia and Israel naturally together. Indeed, if Arab governments stress security to stave off fears of political uprising, they are likely to see Palestinians with little power under direct or indirect Israeli control as a problem to sidestep, rather than a priority to resolve. In short, the threat of Iran and the prevalence of anti-democratic politics is solidifying a long-standing political affinity, and a growing behind-the-scenes alliance, between Israel, Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia’s Arab allies. Arab-Israeli increasing collaboration may be good news for some Jews wishing to be more secure as visitors or residents in Arab countries. Yet the news is likely less good for people hoping for greater political rights for Palestinians, Yemenis and other beleaguered populations in the Middle East. (David Mednicoff is Chair, Department of Judaic and Near Eastern Studies, and Associate Professor of Middle Eastern Studies and Public Policy, University of Massachusetts Amherst) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Why increasing Arab-Israeli closeness matter

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen moved on Monday to work out a ceasefire as nominal allies in the south of the country turned on each other in a power struggle that has fractured the military alliance.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen moved on Monday to work out a ceasefire as nominal allies in the south of the country turned on each other in a power struggle that has fractured the military alliance. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the main powers in Yemen's Sunni Muslim coalition, formed a joint committee to oversee a ceasefire between UAE-backed southern separatists and Saudi-backed government forces in the provinces of Abyan and Shabwa, said a joint statement carried on state media. "Internal dialogue, and not fighting, is the only way to resolve internal Yemeni differences," Saudi vice minister of defence, Khalid bin Salman, tweeted on Monday. "We are working with the UAE for security and stability in Aden, Shabwa, and Abyan and ... to unify ranks and voices to combat terrorist threats, whether from the Iran-backed Houthis or from al Qaeda and Daesh (Islamic State)," Khalid, a son of the Saudi king, said. Separatists forces early this month took over the southern port of Aden, the interim seat of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government, and last week extended their reach to the capital of nearby Abyan. Southern fighters and government forces have also clashed in the oil-producing Shabwa province. Both sides are part of the Saudi-led, Western-backed coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 against the Houthis, who ousted Hadi's government from power in the capital Sanaa in late 2014. But the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), which seeks self-rule in the south, seized control of Aden after accusing a party allied to Hadi of being complicit in a Houthi attack on southern forces. The standoff has exposed a rift between regional allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which in June scaled down its presence in Yemen under Western pressure to end the devastating war but continues to support thousands of southern separatist forces. The violence in the south complicated UN efforts to implement peace deals elsewhere in the Arabian Peninsula state and pave the way for negotiations to end a war that has killed tens of thousands and pushed Yemen to the brink of famine. The Saudi-UAE statement urged all parties to cooperate with the joint committee to disengage and redeploy troops and reiterated a Saudi call for a summit in the kingdom to resolve the standoff. It also stressed the need to preserve "the interests, security, stability, independence and territorial integrity of the Yemeni people under the leadership of the legitimate president of Yemen". Hadi’s government has said it would not participate until separatists ceded control of sites they had seized. The separatist STC has said it would not hand over control of government military camps in Aden and other areas until the Islamist Islah party, a backbone of Hadi's government, and northerners are removed from positions of power in the south. The Houthis, who have recently stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities, point to Aden as proof that Hadi, who resides in Riyadh, is unfit to rule. The movement denies being a puppet of Iran and says it is fighting a corrupt system.

Saudi-led coalition moves to stabilise south Yemen as allies face-off

The RBI on August 7, 2019, reduced the repo rate by 35 bps from 5.75 per cent to 5.40 per cent. This is the fourth consecutive cut in a row this year. It also tempered the GDP growth estimates to 6.9 per cent in line with CRISIL.

While the rate cut is 10 bps more than street estimates, it highlights that the central bank recognises the severity of the current slowdown. Including this rate cut, RBI has reduced repo rate (the rate at which it lends to banks) by 110 bps this year (1.10 per cent), and it is at its lowest level in the last nine years.

The RBI governor in a press briefing expressed confidence that this cut would give a boost to investment, consumption and growth. While decline in rate cuts are likely to reduce EMIs for individuals and cost of borrowing for corporates, it alone is not likely to spur growth.

Firstly, the banks do not pass on the full benefits of rate cuts to consumers. Out of the 75-bps rate cut before the August announcement, banks have passed on only 29 bps benefit to end consumers, less than 40 per cent.

Generally, it takes two to three months for transmission, some could argue. Even by this logic, banks have passed on only 60 per cent&nbsp;benefit. Private banks have been laggards compared to public sector banks. Also, lenders generally pass on more benefits on new loans rather than existing ones.

Just because the EMIs have come down, people would not be tempted to invest in two-wheelers, cars and real estate as consumption depends a lot on sentiment. Consumer confidence declined in July 2019 due to deterioration in sentiments on jobs, price levels and the general economic situation, according to RBI’s own survey.

For the first time in the last decade, FMCG companies are witnessing a decline in their volumes, 5.5 per cent in Q1 FY20 versus 12 per cent in Q1 FY19, according to a Prabhudas Liladhar report. Rural demand has been badly hit due to low farm incomes and wage growth.

The real estate sector is sitting on an all-time high inventory of 12.76 lakh houses in the top 30 cities. The entire auto industry is witnessing a slowdown as never before. Maruti Suzuki reported its sixth consecutive monthly sales decline with numbers falling 33 per cent in July 2019 while TVS Motors reported a decline of 13 per cent.

Maruti for the sixth month in a row has announced production cuts of 25 per cent. As per reports, 2.3 lakh workers have been laid off. This has had a knock-on effect on OEM and auto ancillary sectors, which employ significant number of contractual workers.

Since auto and real estate sectors contribute 15 per cent-17 per cent to India’s GDP, their slowdown has had a direct impact on other sectors like metals and mining, cement and tyre manufacturing, among others.&nbsp;

The manufacturing industry is operating at a capacity utilisation of 75 per cent. Growth in eight core sectors fell to four-year low of 0.2 per cent in June 2019.&nbsp;

Until and unless the manufacturing industry sees a permanent revival in demand and reduction in idle capacity utilisations, it may not think of fresh investments.

Banks, on the other hand, are still reeling from high NPAs. The delay in IBC insolvency cases is hurting the banks, which continue to adopt a selective and cautious approach to lending. Even the retail portfolio of banks is showing signs of stress. The liquidity crunch, post the IL&amp;FS default and the NBFC crisis has not helped matters.

The Indian economy is facing an acute demand side issue and RBI cannot fix it alone. The government missed the opportunity to leave more money in the hands of people through tax cuts in Budget 2019. Instead, the finance minister increased taxes on the super-rich, which has acted as a dampener.

Since tight fiscal math prevents the government from increasing its spending, like it did, post the global financial crisis, India will need to fall back on private consumption expenditure to boost demand and growth. The new Direct Tax Code, which is expected to propose sweeping changes in tax rates should be implemented next year without fail. Till then, all eyes on the festive season! 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-are-the-rate-cuts-enough-to-boost-growth-2782948">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

The RBI on August 7, 2019, reduced the repo rate by 35 bps from 5.75 per cent to 5.40 per cent. This is the fourth consecutive cut in a row this year. It also tempered the GDP growth estimates to 6.

The RBI on August 7, 2019, reduced the repo rate by 35 bps from 5.75 per cent to 5.40 per cent. This is the fourth consecutive cut in a row this year. It also tempered the GDP growth estimates to 6.9 per cent in line with CRISIL. While the rate cut is 10 bps more than street estimates, it highlights that the central bank recognises the severity of the current slowdown. Including this rate cut, RBI has reduced repo rate (the rate at which it lends to banks) by 110 bps this year (1.10 per cent), and it is at its lowest level in the last nine years. The RBI governor in a press briefing expressed confidence that this cut would give a boost to investment, consumption and growth. While decline in rate cuts are likely to reduce EMIs for individuals and cost of borrowing for corporates, it alone is not likely to spur growth. Firstly, the banks do not pass on the full benefits of rate cuts to consumers. Out of the 75-bps rate cut before the August announcement, banks have passed on only 29 bps benefit to end consumers, less than 40 per cent. Generally, it takes two to three months for transmission, some could argue. Even by this logic, banks have passed on only 60 per cent benefit. Private banks have been laggards compared to public sector banks. Also, lenders generally pass on more benefits on new loans rather than existing ones. Just because the EMIs have come down, people would not be tempted to invest in two-wheelers, cars and real estate as consumption depends a lot on sentiment. Consumer confidence declined in July 2019 due to deterioration in sentiments on jobs, price levels and the general economic situation, according to RBI’s own survey. For the first time in the last decade, FMCG companies are witnessing a decline in their volumes, 5.5 per cent in Q1 FY20 versus 12 per cent in Q1 FY19, according to a Prabhudas Liladhar report. Rural demand has been badly hit due to low farm incomes and wage growth. The real estate sector is sitting on an all-time high inventory of 12.76 lakh houses in the top 30 cities. The entire auto industry is witnessing a slowdown as never before. Maruti Suzuki reported its sixth consecutive monthly sales decline with numbers falling 33 per cent in July 2019 while TVS Motors reported a decline of 13 per cent. Maruti for the sixth month in a row has announced production cuts of 25 per cent. As per reports, 2.3 lakh workers have been laid off. This has had a knock-on effect on OEM and auto ancillary sectors, which employ significant number of contractual workers. Since auto and real estate sectors contribute 15 per cent-17 per cent to India’s GDP, their slowdown has had a direct impact on other sectors like metals and mining, cement and tyre manufacturing, among others. The manufacturing industry is operating at a capacity utilisation of 75 per cent. Growth in eight core sectors fell to four-year low of 0.2 per cent in June 2019. Until and unless the manufacturing industry sees a permanent revival in demand and reduction in idle capacity utilisations, it may not think of fresh investments. Banks, on the other hand, are still reeling from high NPAs. The delay in IBC insolvency cases is hurting the banks, which continue to adopt a selective and cautious approach to lending. Even the retail portfolio of banks is showing signs of stress. The liquidity crunch, post the IL&FS default and the NBFC crisis has not helped matters. The Indian economy is facing an acute demand side issue and RBI cannot fix it alone. The government missed the opportunity to leave more money in the hands of people through tax cuts in Budget 2019. Instead, the finance minister increased taxes on the super-rich, which has acted as a dampener. Since tight fiscal math prevents the government from increasing its spending, like it did, post the global financial crisis, India will need to fall back on private consumption expenditure to boost demand and growth. The new Direct Tax Code, which is expected to propose sweeping changes in tax rates should be implemented next year without fail. Till then, all eyes on the festive season! (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Oil rises more than 1% after a drone attack on Saudi field

Saudi-led coalition warplanes fired flares over Yemen's Aden at dawn on Saturday near camps occupied by southern separatist fighters who last week seized control of the port city which had been the interim seat of the government.

The coalition overnight on Saturday renewed a call for the separatist forces to withdraw from all sites they have recently captured in Aden.

The seizure of government military bases by separatist fighters a week ago has complicated United Nations <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/separatist-takeover-of-yemens-aden-leaves-saudi-arabia-in-a-bind-242232">efforts to end Yemen's war as violence escalates on other fronts</a>.

The Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which a Saudi-led coalition has been battling for more than four years, said on Saturday it launched drone attacks on oil installations at Shaybah in Saudi Arabia. There was no immediate confirmation from Saudi authorities.

The Aden crisis has also exposed strains in the Sunni Muslim coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to try to restore Yemen's Saudi-backed government after it was ousted from power in the capital Sanna by the Houthis in late 2014.

The separatists, backed by coalition member the United Arab Emirates, are a major component in the anti-Houthi alliance. But the war has rekindled old strains between north and south Yemen - formerly separate countries until 1990.

The coalition statement called for dialogue and said all forces in the south should unite under the coalition to fight the Houthis.

Southern Transitional Council (STC) sources told Reuters their forces, which had already moved away from the nearly empty presidential palace and central bank, were vacating government institutions under the supervision of a Saudi-UAE delegation.

They said the forces would not quit the government military camps that give them effective control of the city.

"We will not retreat, we will not budge and planes will not scare us," a statement from one of the brigades fighting as part of the southern separatists said, in response to Saturday's flares and low-flying warplanes.

The Saudi-backed government's information minister, Muammar al-Iryani, welcomed the STC withdrawal from state institutions which he said included the central bank, Aden hospital and the cabinet secretariat.

"Measures are being completed to hand over the interior ministry and Aden refinery to presidential guard units under the supervision of the coalition," he tweeted.

An STC spokesman told Reuters last week they would not cede control unless the Islamist Islah party, a backbone of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government, and northerners were removed from positions of power in the south.

The Yemen war has been in military stalemate for years. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have come under pressure from Western allies, including those that supply them with arms, to end a conflict that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine.

The UAE in June scaled down its presence in Yemen, leaving behind thousands of southern forces it has built and trained.

Saudi-led coalition warplanes fired flares over Yemen's Aden at dawn on Saturday near camps occupied by southern separatist fighters who last week seized control of the port city which had been the interim seat of the government.

Saudi-led coalition warplanes fired flares over Yemen's Aden at dawn on Saturday near camps occupied by southern separatist fighters who last week seized control of the port city which had been the interim seat of the government. The coalition overnight on Saturday renewed a call for the separatist forces to withdraw from all sites they have recently captured in Aden. The seizure of government military bases by separatist fighters a week ago has complicated United Nations efforts to end Yemen's war as violence escalates on other fronts. The Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which a Saudi-led coalition has been battling for more than four years, said on Saturday it launched drone attacks on oil installations at Shaybah in Saudi Arabia. There was no immediate confirmation from Saudi authorities. The Aden crisis has also exposed strains in the Sunni Muslim coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to try to restore Yemen's Saudi-backed government after it was ousted from power in the capital Sanna by the Houthis in late 2014. The separatists, backed by coalition member the United Arab Emirates, are a major component in the anti-Houthi alliance. But the war has rekindled old strains between north and south Yemen - formerly separate countries until 1990. The coalition statement called for dialogue and said all forces in the south should unite under the coalition to fight the Houthis. Southern Transitional Council (STC) sources told Reuters their forces, which had already moved away from the nearly empty presidential palace and central bank, were vacating government institutions under the supervision of a Saudi-UAE delegation. They said the forces would not quit the government military camps that give them effective control of the city. "We will not retreat, we will not budge and planes will not scare us," a statement from one of the brigades fighting as part of the southern separatists said, in response to Saturday's flares and low-flying warplanes. The Saudi-backed government's information minister, Muammar al-Iryani, welcomed the STC withdrawal from state institutions which he said included the central bank, Aden hospital and the cabinet secretariat. "Measures are being completed to hand over the interior ministry and Aden refinery to presidential guard units under the supervision of the coalition," he tweeted. An STC spokesman told Reuters last week they would not cede control unless the Islamist Islah party, a backbone of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government, and northerners were removed from positions of power in the south. The Yemen war has been in military stalemate for years. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have come under pressure from Western allies, including those that supply them with arms, to end a conflict that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine. The UAE in June scaled down its presence in Yemen, leaving behind thousands of southern forces it has built and trained.

Saudi-led coalition fires flares over Yemen's Aden, separatists quit some posts

&nbsp;India's&nbsp;Reliance&nbsp;Industries Ltd is set to&nbsp;sell&nbsp;a&nbsp;20%&nbsp;stake&nbsp;in its&nbsp;oil&nbsp;to&nbsp;chemicals&nbsp;business&nbsp;to&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Aramco&nbsp;in one of the largest foreign investments in the country, Reliance&nbsp;Chairman Mukesh Ambani said on Monday.

"(This is) the biggest foreign investment in the history of&nbsp;Reliance," Ambani said at the company's annual general meeting in India's financial capital Mumbai.

"It is also amongst the largest foreign investments ever in India."

The deal valued the&nbsp;business&nbsp;at $75 billion including debt, he said.

Saudi&nbsp;Aramco, the world's biggest&nbsp;oil&nbsp;producer, has been in talks with&nbsp;Reliance&nbsp;on the&nbsp;stake&nbsp;sale as it plans to secure new markets for its crude.

Saudi&nbsp;Aramco&nbsp;will also supply 500,000 barrels a day of crude&nbsp;oil&nbsp;on a long-term basis to RIL's Jamnagar refinery, Ambani said.

"This signifies perfect synergy between the world's largest&nbsp;oil&nbsp;producer and the world's largest integrated refinery and petrochemicals&nbsp;complex," he added.

The partnership will cover all of&nbsp;Reliance's refining and petrochemical assets, including its 51%&nbsp;stake&nbsp;in the petroleum retail joint venture, he said.

Last week,&nbsp;Reliance&nbsp;announced that it was forming a fuel retailing joint venture with global&nbsp;oil&nbsp;major BP in which&nbsp;Reliance&nbsp;would own a 51%&nbsp;stake.

India's Reliance Industries Ltd is set to sell a 20% stake in its oil to chemicals business to Saudi Aramco in one of the largest foreign investments in the country, Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani said on Monday.

India's Reliance Industries Ltd is set to sell a 20% stake in its oil to chemicals business to Saudi Aramco in one of the largest foreign investments in the country, Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani said on Monday. "(This is) the biggest foreign investment in the history of Reliance," Ambani said at the company's annual general meeting in India's financial capital Mumbai. "It is also amongst the largest foreign investments ever in India." The deal valued the business at $75 billion including debt, he said. Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest oil producer, has been in talks with Reliance on the stake sale as it plans to secure new markets for its crude. Saudi Aramco will also supply 500,000 barrels a day of crude oil on a long-term basis to RIL's Jamnagar refinery, Ambani said. "This signifies perfect synergy between the world's largest oil producer and the world's largest integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex," he added. The partnership will cover all of Reliance's refining and petrochemical assets, including its 51% stake in the petroleum retail joint venture, he said. Last week, Reliance announced that it was forming a fuel retailing joint venture with global oil major BP in which Reliance would own a 51% stake.

Reliance to sell 20% stake in oil-to-chemicals business to Saudi Aramco

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-led-airstrike-on-market-kill-13-in-northern-yemen-239413">Yemeni Houthi forces</a> launched drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's King Khalid airbase and Abha and Najran airports, the Houthis military spokesman said on Monday.

A spokesman for the Saudi led coalition fighting Iran aligned Houthis in Yemen said later that Houthi drones had been intercepted and downed heading in the direction of civilian airports.&nbsp;

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saria said the attack on Abha airport "hit its targets" and air traffic was disrupted at both Abha and Najran. All three locations are in southwest Saudi, near the border with Yemen.

The Houthis, who control the Yemeni capital Sanaa, have in the past few months stepped up their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-intercepts-five-yemen-rebel-drones-in-new-airport-attack-227225">attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia</a>. In response, the coalition has struck military sites belonging to the group, especially around Sanaa.

On Thursday the Houthis said they launched missile and drone attacks on a military parade in the southern port city of Aden, the seat of Yemen`s internationally recognized government and a stronghold of the coalition, killing dozens.&nbsp;

The escalation in violence threatens a UN sponsored deal for a ceasefire and troop withdrawal from the flashpoint coastal city of Hodeidah, which became the focus of the war last year when the coalition tried to seize its port, the Houthis` main supply line and a lifeline for millions of Yemenis.

Saudi's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Yemeni Houthi forces launched drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's King Khalid airbase and Abha and Najran airports, the Houthis military spokesman said on Monday. A spokesman for the Saudi led coalition fighting Iran aligned Houthis in Yemen said later that Houthi drones had been intercepted and downed heading in the direction of civilian airports.

Yemeni Houthi forces launched drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's King Khalid airbase and Abha and Najran airports, the Houthis military spokesman said on Monday. A spokesman for the Saudi led coalition fighting Iran aligned Houthis in Yemen said later that Houthi drones had been intercepted and downed heading in the direction of civilian airports. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saria said the attack on Abha airport "hit its targets" and air traffic was disrupted at both Abha and Najran. All three locations are in southwest Saudi, near the border with Yemen. The Houthis, who control the Yemeni capital Sanaa, have in the past few months stepped up their attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia. In response, the coalition has struck military sites belonging to the group, especially around Sanaa. On Thursday the Houthis said they launched missile and drone attacks on a military parade in the southern port city of Aden, the seat of Yemen`s internationally recognized government and a stronghold of the coalition, killing dozens. The escalation in violence threatens a UN sponsored deal for a ceasefire and troop withdrawal from the flashpoint coastal city of Hodeidah, which became the focus of the war last year when the coalition tried to seize its port, the Houthis` main supply line and a lifeline for millions of Yemenis. Saudi's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Yemeni Houthis launch drone attacks on Saudi airports, airbase

Saudi&nbsp;energy&nbsp;minister&nbsp;Khalid Al-Falih&nbsp;discussed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-saudi-says-ready-to-pump-more-oil-to-balance-market-148765/amp">&nbsp;oil&nbsp;markets</a>&nbsp;with his&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;counterpart&nbsp;and stressed that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-allow-women-to-travel-abroad-without-male-guardian-approval-240033">Saudi&nbsp;Arabia</a> would continue to comply with production cuts until the&nbsp;end of Q1 2020,&nbsp;he&nbsp;said in a tweet on Saturday.

"We confirm that we will continue to hold such meetings and talks between our two countries to ensure further progress, partnership, investment development, and mutual trade," Al-Falih added during the&nbsp;meeting.

Saudi energy minister Khalid Al-Falih discussed oil markets with his Russian counterpart and stressed that Saudi Arabia would continue to comply with production cuts until the end of Q1 2020, he said in a tweet on Saturday.

Saudi energy minister Khalid Al-Falih discussed oil markets with his Russian counterpart and stressed that Saudi Arabia would continue to comply with production cuts until the end of Q1 2020, he said in a tweet on Saturday. "We confirm that we will continue to hold such meetings and talks between our two countries to ensure further progress, partnership, investment development, and mutual trade," Al-Falih added during the meeting.

Saudi energy minister says he discussed oil markets with Russian counterpart

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-led-forces-israel-among-states-rapped-by-un-for-killing-children-239735"> United Nations</a> and Yemen's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-led-airstrike-on-market-kill-13-in-northern-yemen-239413"> Huthi rebels</a> announced Sunday an agreement to resume delivery of food aid suspended for six weeks in areas controlled by the group.

The agreement was signed on Saturday in the rebel-held capital Sanaa, Huthi controlled media said.&nbsp;

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) "signed a high-level agreement that is an important step towards safeguards that guarantee the accountability of our humanitarian operation in Yemen", WFP spokesperson Herve Verhoosel said in an email to AFP.

"We are hopeful that technical details can be agreed in the coming days," he added.

The agreement includes a biometric database of civilians in need of aid to guarantee "effective and efficient distribution" and to "benefit the neediest", according to the Huthis' Alsyasiah website.

The agreement also stipulates "total transparency" in the registration of beneficiaries and distribution of aid, it added.&nbsp;

On July 18, WFP head David Beasley announced an agreement in principle was reached with the Huthis to resume food aid to the areas they control. 
&nbsp; 
The UN had suspended deliveries of food aid to rebel-held areas on June 20 following accusations of "diversion of food" meant for Yemeni civilians.&nbsp;

Fighting between Iran backed Huthis and government forces aided by a Saudi led coalition has killed tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, aid agencies say.

The conflict has also forced some 3.3 million people from their homes and 24.1 million, some 80 per cent of the population, needs aid, according to the UN.

The United Nations and Yemen's Huthi rebels announced Sunday an agreement to resume delivery of food aid suspended for six weeks in areas controlled by the group.

The United Nations and Yemen's Huthi rebels announced Sunday an agreement to resume delivery of food aid suspended for six weeks in areas controlled by the group. The agreement was signed on Saturday in the rebel-held capital Sanaa, Huthi controlled media said. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) "signed a high-level agreement that is an important step towards safeguards that guarantee the accountability of our humanitarian operation in Yemen", WFP spokesperson Herve Verhoosel said in an email to AFP. "We are hopeful that technical details can be agreed in the coming days," he added. The agreement includes a biometric database of civilians in need of aid to guarantee "effective and efficient distribution" and to "benefit the neediest", according to the Huthis' Alsyasiah website. The agreement also stipulates "total transparency" in the registration of beneficiaries and distribution of aid, it added. On July 18, WFP head David Beasley announced an agreement in principle was reached with the Huthis to resume food aid to the areas they control. The UN had suspended deliveries of food aid to rebel-held areas on June 20 following accusations of "diversion of food" meant for Yemeni civilians. Fighting between Iran backed Huthis and government forces aided by a Saudi led coalition has killed tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, aid agencies say. The conflict has also forced some 3.3 million people from their homes and 24.1 million, some 80 per cent of the population, needs aid, according to the UN.

United Nations finalises accord with Yemen rebels to resume food aid

Saudi Arabia announces new reforms in its governance. As last year Saudi women got allowed to travel, now they got to travel without the consent of any male.

Saudi women free to drive, now free to travel without male consent

The US Senate on Monday failed to override President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vetoes-measures-blocking-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia-uae-238285">Trump`s veto of legislation passed by Congress</a> that would have blocked the sale of certain weapons to Saudi Arabia.

By a vote of 45-40, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-senate-rebukes-us-arms-sale-to-saudi-arabia-229366">Senate </a>fell short of the two-thirds votes needed to overturn a presidential veto. Five of the chamber`s 53 Republicans voted to override the Republican president. Fifteen senators did not vote.&nbsp;

The Senate was also set to vote on Monday on two more veto overrides of legislation blocking weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries.

In May, the Trump administration announced that it would go ahead with more than $8 billion in military sales, sidestepping a congressional review process.&nbsp;

The legislation would have blocked the sale of Raytheon Co precision-guided munitions and related equipment.

Congress` effort was aimed at attempting to pressure the Saudi government to improve its human rights record and to do more to avoid civilian casualties in a war in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia and the UAE lead an air campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Congressional sentiment toward Saudi Arabia worsened after the murder of Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a US resident, at a Saudi consulate in Turkey last year.

Trump has argued that cutting off the Saudi weapons sales would weaken US relations with a longtime ally and hurt US competitiveness.&nbsp;

The US Senate on Monday failed to override President Donald Trump`s veto of legislation passed by Congress that would have blocked the sale of certain weapons to Saudi Arabia.

The US Senate on Monday failed to override President Donald Trump`s veto of legislation passed by Congress that would have blocked the sale of certain weapons to Saudi Arabia. By a vote of 45-40, the Senate fell short of the two-thirds votes needed to overturn a presidential veto. Five of the chamber`s 53 Republicans voted to override the Republican president. Fifteen senators did not vote. The Senate was also set to vote on Monday on two more veto overrides of legislation blocking weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries. In May, the Trump administration announced that it would go ahead with more than $8 billion in military sales, sidestepping a congressional review process. The legislation would have blocked the sale of Raytheon Co precision-guided munitions and related equipment. Congress` effort was aimed at attempting to pressure the Saudi government to improve its human rights record and to do more to avoid civilian casualties in a war in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia and the UAE lead an air campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Congressional sentiment toward Saudi Arabia worsened after the murder of Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a US resident, at a Saudi consulate in Turkey last year. Trump has argued that cutting off the Saudi weapons sales would weaken US relations with a longtime ally and hurt US competitiveness.

US Senate fails to override Trump veto of bill stopping Saudi weapons sales

At least 13 people were killed when a Saudi-led coalition airstrike hit a popular market in Yemen's northern province of Saada on Monday evening (local time), residents and a medic said.

"The death toll increased to 13, including two children, while 23 others, including 11 children, were wounded in the Saudi-led coalition airstrike on Al-Thabit popular market in Katabir district in Saada," a medic in Saada health office told Xinhua news agency over phone on condition of anonymity.

Eyewitnesses were also quoted as saying that several fruits and vegetable stalls were destroyed and burned to the ground, where rescue workers were searching for possible survivors.

There were no comments from Saudi Arabia or the coalition on the airstrike.

The airstrike came a few hours after Yemeni Shiite Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on the southwestern Saudi city of Asir.

The Houthis have recently stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, but most of the missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed by the kingdom`s air forces.

Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military coalition against Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen for more than four years in support of the exiled internationally-recognized government of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

At least 13 people were killed when a Saudi-led coalition airstrike hit a popular market in Yemen's northern province of Saada on Monday evening (local time), residents and a medic said.

At least 13 people were killed when a Saudi-led coalition airstrike hit a popular market in Yemen's northern province of Saada on Monday evening (local time), residents and a medic said. "The death toll increased to 13, including two children, while 23 others, including 11 children, were wounded in the Saudi-led coalition airstrike on Al-Thabit popular market in Katabir district in Saada," a medic in Saada health office told Xinhua news agency over phone on condition of anonymity. Eyewitnesses were also quoted as saying that several fruits and vegetable stalls were destroyed and burned to the ground, where rescue workers were searching for possible survivors. There were no comments from Saudi Arabia or the coalition on the airstrike. The airstrike came a few hours after Yemeni Shiite Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on the southwestern Saudi city of Asir. The Houthis have recently stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, but most of the missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed by the kingdom`s air forces. Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military coalition against Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen for more than four years in support of the exiled internationally-recognized government of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

Saudi-led airstrike on market kill 13 in northern Yemen

Evidence suggests <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-warns-against-exploiting-khashoggi-murder-227519">Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a> and other senior Saudi officials are liable for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-killing-a-murder-that-shook-2018-186106">murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi</a>, a UN rights investigator said on Wednesday.

There was no immediate reaction from Riyadh which was sent the 100-page report in advance - but the kingdom has regularly denied accusations that the prince was involved.

Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, called for countries to widen sanctions to include the Crown Prince and his personal assets, until and unless he can prove he has no responsibility.

Khashoggi, a critic of the prince and a Washington Post columnist, was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 where he was to receive papers ahead of his wedding.

His body was dismembered and removed from the building, the Saudi prosecutor has said, and his remains have not been found.

"It is the conclusion of the Special Rapporteur that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-post-publishes-jamal-khashoggis-last-piece-172051">Mr. Khashoggi</a> has been the victim of a deliberate, premeditated execution, an extrajudicial killing for which the state of Saudi Arabia is responsible under international human rights law," Callamard said in her report based on a six-month investigation.

Callamard went to Turkey earlier this year with a team of forensic and legal experts and said she received evidence from Turkish authorities.

"There is credible evidence, warranting further investigation of high-level Saudi officials' individual liability, including the Crown Prince's", she said.

"Indeed, this human rights inquiry has shown that there is sufficient credible evidence regarding the responsibility of the Crown Prince demanding further investigation," she added, urging UN Secretary-General to establish an international probe.

Evidence suggests Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials are liable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a UN rights investigator said on Wednesday.

Evidence suggests Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials are liable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a UN rights investigator said on Wednesday. There was no immediate reaction from Riyadh which was sent the 100-page report in advance - but the kingdom has regularly denied accusations that the prince was involved. Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, called for countries to widen sanctions to include the Crown Prince and his personal assets, until and unless he can prove he has no responsibility. Khashoggi, a critic of the prince and a Washington Post columnist, was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 where he was to receive papers ahead of his wedding. His body was dismembered and removed from the building, the Saudi prosecutor has said, and his remains have not been found. "It is the conclusion of the Special Rapporteur that Mr. Khashoggi has been the victim of a deliberate, premeditated execution, an extrajudicial killing for which the state of Saudi Arabia is responsible under international human rights law," Callamard said in her report based on a six-month investigation. Callamard went to Turkey earlier this year with a team of forensic and legal experts and said she received evidence from Turkish authorities. "There is credible evidence, warranting further investigation of high-level Saudi officials' individual liability, including the Crown Prince's", she said. "Indeed, this human rights inquiry has shown that there is sufficient credible evidence regarding the responsibility of the Crown Prince demanding further investigation," she added, urging UN Secretary-General to establish an international probe.

Evidence suggests Saudi Crown Prince is liable for Khashoggi murder: UN expert

A young man from Saudi Arabia`s minority Shi`ite Muslim community who was arrested at the age of 13 will not be executed and could be released by 2022, a Saudi official told Reuters on Saturday following reports of his pending execution.

Murtaja Qureiris, who was detained in September 2014, has received an initial 12-year prison sentence with time served since his arrest and four years suspended for his young age, according to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The sentence is subject to appeal.

"He will not be executed," the official added.

Rights groups including Amnesty International reported this month that the Saudi public prosecutor had sought the death penalty for Qureiris for a series of offences, some of which they said date back to when he was 10 years old.

Riyadh has come under mounting international scrutiny over its human rights record since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last October and the detention of women`s rights activists who are still on trial.

Austria`s government said on Wednesday it planned to shut a Saudi-funded centre for religious dialogue in Vienna after parliament urged it to try to prevent Qureiris` possible execution.

In April, the Sunni-ruled kingdom beheaded 37 men for terrorism crimes. The UN human rights chief said most of them were Shi`ites who may not have had fair trials and at least three were minors when sentenced.

Amnesty said in a statement on its website earlier this month that Qureiris was held in solitary confinement upon detention and subjected to beatings and intimidation during his interrogation. The Saudi authorities deny torture allegations and say they do not have political prisoners.

The Shi’ite-majority Eastern Province, where Qureiris is from, became a focal point of unrest in early 2011 with demonstrations calling for an end to discrimination and for reforms in the conservative monarchy.

Saudi Arabia denies any discrimination against Shi’ites, and has said some protests and attacks by Shi’ite demonstrators were instigated by Riyadh’s arch-rival Tehran, though local activists say this is not true.

Fears of confrontation in the region have risen after attacks on two oil tankers on Thursday in the Gulf of Oman, which the United States blamed on Iran. Tehran has denied any role in the strikes south of the Strait of Hormuz, a major transit route for oil.

The Saudi official said Qureiris had manufactured and used Molotov cocktails in a series of attacks against police and a pharmacy in which he also used firearms, after being recruited by a terrorist cell.

The official said another attack in which Qureiris participated had targeted a German diplomatic vehicle in Qatif region in January 2014. Nobody was hurt in that incident but the car caught fire.&nbsp;

A young man from Saudi Arabia`s minority Shi`ite Muslim community who was arrested at the age of 13 will not be executed and could be released by 2022, a Saudi official told Reuters on Saturday following reports of his pending execution.

A young man from Saudi Arabia`s minority Shi`ite Muslim community who was arrested at the age of 13 will not be executed and could be released by 2022, a Saudi official told Reuters on Saturday following reports of his pending execution. Murtaja Qureiris, who was detained in September 2014, has received an initial 12-year prison sentence with time served since his arrest and four years suspended for his young age, according to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The sentence is subject to appeal. "He will not be executed," the official added. Rights groups including Amnesty International reported this month that the Saudi public prosecutor had sought the death penalty for Qureiris for a series of offences, some of which they said date back to when he was 10 years old. Riyadh has come under mounting international scrutiny over its human rights record since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last October and the detention of women`s rights activists who are still on trial. Austria`s government said on Wednesday it planned to shut a Saudi-funded centre for religious dialogue in Vienna after parliament urged it to try to prevent Qureiris` possible execution. In April, the Sunni-ruled kingdom beheaded 37 men for terrorism crimes. The UN human rights chief said most of them were Shi`ites who may not have had fair trials and at least three were minors when sentenced. Amnesty said in a statement on its website earlier this month that Qureiris was held in solitary confinement upon detention and subjected to beatings and intimidation during his interrogation. The Saudi authorities deny torture allegations and say they do not have political prisoners. The Shi’ite-majority Eastern Province, where Qureiris is from, became a focal point of unrest in early 2011 with demonstrations calling for an end to discrimination and for reforms in the conservative monarchy. Saudi Arabia denies any discrimination against Shi’ites, and has said some protests and attacks by Shi’ite demonstrators were instigated by Riyadh’s arch-rival Tehran, though local activists say this is not true. Fears of confrontation in the region have risen after attacks on two oil tankers on Thursday in the Gulf of Oman, which the United States blamed on Iran. Tehran has denied any role in the strikes south of the Strait of Hormuz, a major transit route for oil. The Saudi official said Qureiris had manufactured and used Molotov cocktails in a series of attacks against police and a pharmacy in which he also used firearms, after being recruited by a terrorist cell. The official said another attack in which Qureiris participated had targeted a German diplomatic vehicle in Qatif region in January 2014. Nobody was hurt in that incident but the car caught fire.

Saudis say Shi'ite man arrested as juvenile will not be executed

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-coalition-destroys-yemen-rebels-drone-cave-212077">Saudi forces </a>on Friday intercepted five drones launched by Iran-aligned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ends-refuelling-support-in-yemen-war-as-pressure-builds-on-saudi-arabia-176509">Yemeni rebels</a>, a Riyadh-led military coalition said, in a second assault on an airport in the kingdom's southwest in two days.

The drones targeted Abha airport, where a rebel missile on Wednesday left 26 civilians wounded, and the nearby city of Khamis Mushait, which houses a major airbase, the coalition said in a statement released by Saudi state media.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/in-yemen-saudi-arabia-could-be-nearing-the-inflection-point-199620">In Yemen, Saudi Arabia could be nearing the inflection point</a>

The latest raids come amid spiralling regional tensions after Washington accused Iran of carrying out attacks that left two tankers ablaze in the Gulf of Oman, the second such incident in a month in the strategic sea lane.

"The royal Saudi air defence force and air force successfully intercepted and destroyed five unmanned drone aircraft launched by Huthi militia towards Abha international airport and Khamis Mushait," the coalition statement said without reporting any casualties.

The airport was operating normally with no flights disrupted, the statement added.

Huthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported earlier that the Iran-linked rebels had carried out drone attacks on Abha airport.

The rebels, who have faced persistent coalition bombing since March 2015 that has exacted a heavy civilian death toll, have stepped up missile and drone attacks across the border in recent weeks and warned that coalition airports were valid targets.

The latest attacks could prompt an escalation in the coalition's bombing campaign as it vowed after Wednesday's missile strike to "take stern action" to deter the rebels and protect civilians.

The missile struck the airport in the mountain resort of Abha, which is a popular summer getaway for Saudis seeking escape from the searing heat of Riyadh or Jeddah.

During a media tour of the airport on Thursday, Saudi authorities said they had closed a part of the arrival lounge after the missile tore a hole in the roof and disrupted flights for several hours.

The area was covered in bamboo scaffolding and littered with concrete debris and shards of broken glass, AFP saw.

Two passengers, including an Indian national, who suffered mild injuries recalled pandemonium and screams after a loud explosion triggered a blaze, leaving the lounge covered in smoke.

- 'War crime' -

Human Rights Watch denounced the strike as an apparent "war crime".

"The Huthis should immediately stop all attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia," said HRW's deputy Middle East director &nbsp;Michael Page.

"Unlawful Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen never justify Huthi attacks on Saudi civilians."&nbsp;

A Saudi civil aviation official said authorities were still investigating rebel claims that they fired a cruise missile at the airport.

If confirmed that would represent a major leap in the rebels' military capability, experts say.

The official also confirmed that it had not been intercepted by the kingdom's Patriot anti-missile batteries.

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly accused Iran of arming the rebels with sophisticated weapons, a charge Tehran denies.

The coalition intervened in support of the Yemeni government in 2015 when President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi fled into Saudi exile as the rebels closed in on his last remaining territory in and around second city Aden.

Since then, the conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, many of them civilians, relief agencies say.

It has triggered what the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with more than 24 million Yemenis -- more than two-thirds of the population -- in need of aid.

Saudi forces on Friday intercepted five drones launched by Iran-aligned Yemeni rebels, a Riyadh-led military coalition said, in a second assault on an airport in the kingdom's southwest in two days.

Saudi forces on Friday intercepted five drones launched by Iran-aligned Yemeni rebels, a Riyadh-led military coalition said, in a second assault on an airport in the kingdom's southwest in two days. The drones targeted Abha airport, where a rebel missile on Wednesday left 26 civilians wounded, and the nearby city of Khamis Mushait, which houses a major airbase, the coalition said in a statement released by Saudi state media. Also read: In Yemen, Saudi Arabia could be nearing the inflection point The latest raids come amid spiralling regional tensions after Washington accused Iran of carrying out attacks that left two tankers ablaze in the Gulf of Oman, the second such incident in a month in the strategic sea lane. "The royal Saudi air defence force and air force successfully intercepted and destroyed five unmanned drone aircraft launched by Huthi militia towards Abha international airport and Khamis Mushait," the coalition statement said without reporting any casualties. The airport was operating normally with no flights disrupted, the statement added. Huthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported earlier that the Iran-linked rebels had carried out drone attacks on Abha airport. The rebels, who have faced persistent coalition bombing since March 2015 that has exacted a heavy civilian death toll, have stepped up missile and drone attacks across the border in recent weeks and warned that coalition airports were valid targets. The latest attacks could prompt an escalation in the coalition's bombing campaign as it vowed after Wednesday's missile strike to "take stern action" to deter the rebels and protect civilians. The missile struck the airport in the mountain resort of Abha, which is a popular summer getaway for Saudis seeking escape from the searing heat of Riyadh or Jeddah. During a media tour of the airport on Thursday, Saudi authorities said they had closed a part of the arrival lounge after the missile tore a hole in the roof and disrupted flights for several hours. The area was covered in bamboo scaffolding and littered with concrete debris and shards of broken glass, AFP saw. Two passengers, including an Indian national, who suffered mild injuries recalled pandemonium and screams after a loud explosion triggered a blaze, leaving the lounge covered in smoke. - 'War crime' - Human Rights Watch denounced the strike as an apparent "war crime". "The Huthis should immediately stop all attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia," said HRW's deputy Middle East director Michael Page. "Unlawful Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen never justify Huthi attacks on Saudi civilians." A Saudi civil aviation official said authorities were still investigating rebel claims that they fired a cruise missile at the airport. If confirmed that would represent a major leap in the rebels' military capability, experts say. The official also confirmed that it had not been intercepted by the kingdom's Patriot anti-missile batteries. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly accused Iran of arming the rebels with sophisticated weapons, a charge Tehran denies. The coalition intervened in support of the Yemeni government in 2015 when President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi fled into Saudi exile as the rebels closed in on his last remaining territory in and around second city Aden. Since then, the conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, many of them civilians, relief agencies say. It has triggered what the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with more than 24 million Yemenis -- more than two-thirds of the population -- in need of aid.

Saudi Arabia intercepts five Yemen rebel drones in new airport attack

Oil prices rose on Monday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-says-firm-stand-needed-to-deter-iran-iraq-demurs-223124">Saudi Arabia </a>said producer club OPEC and Russia should keep supplies restricted at current levels, and in relief that the United States withdrew a tariff threat against Mexico, removing a cloud over the global economy.

Despite Monday's increases, traders said concerns about the health of the global economy and its impact on fuel demand still weighed on oil market sentiment.

Front-month Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at $63.61 at 0411 GMT, 32 cents, or 0.5%, above Friday's close.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $54.32 per barrel, 33 cents, or 0.6%.

Traders said crude prices were rising because of statements by OPEC's biggest producer Saudi Arabia on Friday saying that the group was close to agreeing extending supply cuts.

"Brent futures continue rising ... after the Saudi Arabian Energy Minister expressed confidence that OPEC+ producers will prolong their output cuts programme through the second half of 2019," said Han Tan, an analyst at futures brokerage FXTM.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some non-members, including Russia, known collectively as "OPEC+", have withheld supplies since the start of the year to prop up prices.

Stephen Innes, the managing partner at Vanguard Markets, said stronger stock markets also supported oil futures.

"With the Mexican stalemate averted and no harmful shockwaves from this weekend G-20 meeting ... oil could trade favourably as WTI and Brent will continue to track the broader risk environment high," Innes said.

Stock markets rose on Monday after a deal between the United States and Mexico to combat illegal migration from Central America late last week removed the threat of US tariffs on goods imported from Mexico.

But analysts said there were still concerns about the health of the global economy, with the United States and China still locked in a trade war.

"Slowing global demand appears to be featuring prominently on the markets' collective mind, as the fallout from heightened trade tensions continues to be felt in the global economy," said FXTM's Tan.

"The sustainability of oil's recent climb could be determined by the outlooks of several key industry bodies scheduled this week, whereby more downcast projections for global demand could prompt traders to continue chipping away at oil," he added.

China's crude oil imports slipped to around 40.23 million tonnes (9.47 million barrels per day), down from an all-time peak of 43.73 million tonnes in April, customs data showed on Monday, as the world's top importer of the commodity curbed shipments from Iran amid tightening U.S. sanctions on that country.

Oil major BP will publish its statistical review of global energy markets on Tuesday, while China on Friday is scheduled to publish its monthly commodities output data.

Oil prices rose on Monday after Saudi Arabia said producer club OPEC and Russia should keep supplies restricted at current levels, and in relief that the United States withdrew a tariff threat against Mexico, removing a cloud over the global economy.

Oil prices rose on Monday after Saudi Arabia said producer club OPEC and Russia should keep supplies restricted at current levels, and in relief that the United States withdrew a tariff threat against Mexico, removing a cloud over the global economy. Despite Monday's increases, traders said concerns about the health of the global economy and its impact on fuel demand still weighed on oil market sentiment. Front-month Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at $63.61 at 0411 GMT, 32 cents, or 0.5%, above Friday's close. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $54.32 per barrel, 33 cents, or 0.6%. Traders said crude prices were rising because of statements by OPEC's biggest producer Saudi Arabia on Friday saying that the group was close to agreeing extending supply cuts. "Brent futures continue rising ... after the Saudi Arabian Energy Minister expressed confidence that OPEC+ producers will prolong their output cuts programme through the second half of 2019," said Han Tan, an analyst at futures brokerage FXTM. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some non-members, including Russia, known collectively as "OPEC+", have withheld supplies since the start of the year to prop up prices. Stephen Innes, the managing partner at Vanguard Markets, said stronger stock markets also supported oil futures. "With the Mexican stalemate averted and no harmful shockwaves from this weekend G-20 meeting ... oil could trade favourably as WTI and Brent will continue to track the broader risk environment high," Innes said. Stock markets rose on Monday after a deal between the United States and Mexico to combat illegal migration from Central America late last week removed the threat of US tariffs on goods imported from Mexico. But analysts said there were still concerns about the health of the global economy, with the United States and China still locked in a trade war. "Slowing global demand appears to be featuring prominently on the markets' collective mind, as the fallout from heightened trade tensions continues to be felt in the global economy," said FXTM's Tan. "The sustainability of oil's recent climb could be determined by the outlooks of several key industry bodies scheduled this week, whereby more downcast projections for global demand could prompt traders to continue chipping away at oil," he added. China's crude oil imports slipped to around 40.23 million tonnes (9.47 million barrels per day), down from an all-time peak of 43.73 million tonnes in April, customs data showed on Monday, as the world's top importer of the commodity curbed shipments from Iran amid tightening U.S. sanctions on that country. Oil major BP will publish its statistical review of global energy markets on Tuesday, while China on Friday is scheduled to publish its monthly commodities output data.

Oil prices rise as Saudi producers stick with ongoing supply cuts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100-hours-on-iaf-intensifies-search-for-an-32-amid-adverse-weather-225110">100 hours on, IAF intensifies search for AN-32 amid adverse weather</a>

The&nbsp;Indian Air Force (IAF)&nbsp;has intensified and expanded search operations for the&nbsp;AN-32 aircraft&nbsp;which went missing on June 3, despite extreme weather and an unfavourable terrain posing a challenge.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bodyguards-strict-schedule-and-no-outdoor-activity-this-is-how-george-and-amal-clooney-are-protecting-their-kids-from-isis-225115">Bodyguards, secret schedule &amp; no outdoors; this is how George and Amal Clooney are protecting their kids from IS</a>

George Clooney and wife Amal are under massive pressure as their twin children could next become targets for terrorist organisation IS(Islamic State). As Amal, a high-profile lawyer takes the organisation to court for human rights abuses, the celebrity couple fear for the safety of their children.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/3-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-lassipora-225122">4 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Lassipora</a>

Four terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir' Lassipora early Friday morning. The encounter between the terrorists and the forces&nbsp;broke out in the Pulwama district's Lassipora&nbsp;on Thursday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sophisticated-tanker-attacks-likely-the-work-of-a-state-actor-uae-225109">'Sophisticated' tanker attacks likely the work of a state actor: UAE</a>

The United Arab Emirates told United Nations Security Council members on Thursday that&nbsp;attacks on four tankers off its coast&nbsp;on May 12 bore the hallmarks of a "sophisticated and coordinated operation," most likely by a state actor.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umpiring-decisions-sent-ripples-through-the-dressing-room-brathwaite-after-australia-defeat-225114">Umpiring decisions sent ripples through West Indies dressing room: Brathwaite after Australia defeat</a>

Carlos Brathwaite said the West Indies were on the wrong end of too much poor umpiring following a&nbsp;15-run World Cup defeat&nbsp;by champions Australia as Michael Holding slammed an "atrocious" display by the match officials.&nbsp;

100 hours on, IAF intensifies search for AN-32 amid adverse weather The Indian Air Force (IAF) has intensified and expanded search operations for the AN-32 aircraft which went missing on June 3, despite extreme weather and an unfavourable terrain posing a challenge.

100 hours on, IAF intensifies search for AN-32 amid adverse weather The Indian Air Force (IAF) has intensified and expanded search operations for the AN-32 aircraft which went missing on June 3, despite extreme weather and an unfavourable terrain posing a challenge. Bodyguards, secret schedule & no outdoors; this is how George and Amal Clooney are protecting their kids from IS George Clooney and wife Amal are under massive pressure as their twin children could next become targets for terrorist organisation IS(Islamic State). As Amal, a high-profile lawyer takes the organisation to court for human rights abuses, the celebrity couple fear for the safety of their children. 4 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Lassipora Four terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir' Lassipora early Friday morning. The encounter between the terrorists and the forces broke out in the Pulwama district's Lassipora on Thursday evening. 'Sophisticated' tanker attacks likely the work of a state actor: UAE The United Arab Emirates told United Nations Security Council members on Thursday that attacks on four tankers off its coast on May 12 bore the hallmarks of a "sophisticated and coordinated operation," most likely by a state actor. Umpiring decisions sent ripples through West Indies dressing room: Brathwaite after Australia defeat Carlos Brathwaite said the West Indies were on the wrong end of too much poor umpiring following a 15-run World Cup defeat by champions Australia as Michael Holding slammed an "atrocious" display by the match officials.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Members of the US Congress, including some of President Donald Trump`s fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, are preparing legislation seeking to block his plan for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defying-congress-trump-sets-8-billion-plus-in-weapons-sales-to-saudi-arabia-uae-221419">$8 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia</a>, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, congressional aides and lawmakers said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The first measures could be introduced within days, congressional aides said.

Declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, the Trump administration informed congressional committees on May 24 that it was going ahead with the 22 military deals, circumventing a long-standing precedent for lawmakers to review major weapons sales.

The decision angered members of both parties, who worried that Trump`s decision to blow through the "holds" process would eliminate Congress` ability to prevent not just Trump but future presidents from selling weapons where they liked.

The array of military products cleared for sale by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo included offensive equipment like precision-guided munitions, mortars and fighter jet engines, some of which would take many months to be produced and shipped, which lawmakers said belied the administration`s contention that it was addressing an emergency.

Some of the licenses would allow US defence contractors like Raytheon Co and Boeing Co to run production lines in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

In the House of Representatives, which is controlled by Democrats, lawmakers were considering a bill that would require the 22 licenses approved by the administration to be pulled back and resubmitted through the regular notification procedure, including a 30-day congressional review, Democratic congressional aides said.

House members also may seek to rewrite the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to impose tighter restrictions on the use of the "emergency authority" provision, tightening the loophole the Trump administration used to justify the sale so it could only be used for "true emergencies," aides said.

BIPARTISAN SUPPORT

House members said they expected any measure would have support from members of both parties.

"There`s a bipartisan resolve that we need to re-evaluate our relationship with Saudi Arabia, most especially the weapons that we sell them," Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democratic member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told Reuters.

Members of Congress had been blocking sales of offensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for months, angry about the huge civilian toll from their air campaign in Yemen, as well as human rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

When Pompeo announced the sales in May, Representative Mike McCaul, the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs panel, called the action "unfortunate" and likely to damage future White House interactions with Congress.

In the Senate, congressional aides said, lawmakers planned to file "resolutions of disapproval," setting up votes on each of the weapons deals approved by the Trump administration.

Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump`s, told the Washington Post that they would work together to introduce 22 resolutions.

The Arms Export Control Act gives Congress the right to vote on whether to stop major weapons sales by passing a resolution of disapproval.

Opponents of the weapons sale plan said strong bipartisan support for such resolutions would send a strong message to the administration - as well as defence contractors and the three countries - that Congress was unhappy about the process.

Backers of the plan also said it was possible, given the level of congressional anger over Trump`s use of the emergency declaration, that some of the resolutions would garner the two-thirds majorities in the Senate and House needed to override a Trump veto.

Lawmakers could also include legislation related to the weapons sale in a must-pass bill such as the annual National Defence Authorization Act, a massive defence policy measure currently making its way through Congress.

The US military has cited what it sees as a threat of potential attack by Iran to deploy hundreds of troops to the Middle East, in addition to Patriot missiles, bombers and the accelerated movement of a carrier strike group.

However, administration officials have also sought to reassure members of Congress, and the public, that they are not rushing to war with the Islamic republic.

Members of the US Congress, including some of President Donald Trump`s fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, are preparing legislation seeking to block his plan for $8 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, congressional aides and lawmakers said on Tuesday.

Members of the US Congress, including some of President Donald Trump`s fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, are preparing legislation seeking to block his plan for $8 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, congressional aides and lawmakers said on Tuesday. The first measures could be introduced within days, congressional aides said. Declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, the Trump administration informed congressional committees on May 24 that it was going ahead with the 22 military deals, circumventing a long-standing precedent for lawmakers to review major weapons sales. The decision angered members of both parties, who worried that Trump`s decision to blow through the "holds" process would eliminate Congress` ability to prevent not just Trump but future presidents from selling weapons where they liked. The array of military products cleared for sale by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo included offensive equipment like precision-guided munitions, mortars and fighter jet engines, some of which would take many months to be produced and shipped, which lawmakers said belied the administration`s contention that it was addressing an emergency. Some of the licenses would allow US defence contractors like Raytheon Co and Boeing Co to run production lines in Saudi Arabia. In the House of Representatives, which is controlled by Democrats, lawmakers were considering a bill that would require the 22 licenses approved by the administration to be pulled back and resubmitted through the regular notification procedure, including a 30-day congressional review, Democratic congressional aides said. House members also may seek to rewrite the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to impose tighter restrictions on the use of the "emergency authority" provision, tightening the loophole the Trump administration used to justify the sale so it could only be used for "true emergencies," aides said. BIPARTISAN SUPPORT House members said they expected any measure would have support from members of both parties. "There`s a bipartisan resolve that we need to re-evaluate our relationship with Saudi Arabia, most especially the weapons that we sell them," Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democratic member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told Reuters. Members of Congress had been blocking sales of offensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for months, angry about the huge civilian toll from their air campaign in Yemen, as well as human rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey. When Pompeo announced the sales in May, Representative Mike McCaul, the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs panel, called the action "unfortunate" and likely to damage future White House interactions with Congress. In the Senate, congressional aides said, lawmakers planned to file "resolutions of disapproval," setting up votes on each of the weapons deals approved by the Trump administration. Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump`s, told the Washington Post that they would work together to introduce 22 resolutions. The Arms Export Control Act gives Congress the right to vote on whether to stop major weapons sales by passing a resolution of disapproval. Opponents of the weapons sale plan said strong bipartisan support for such resolutions would send a strong message to the administration - as well as defence contractors and the three countries - that Congress was unhappy about the process. Backers of the plan also said it was possible, given the level of congressional anger over Trump`s use of the emergency declaration, that some of the resolutions would garner the two-thirds majorities in the Senate and House needed to override a Trump veto. Lawmakers could also include legislation related to the weapons sale in a must-pass bill such as the annual National Defence Authorization Act, a massive defence policy measure currently making its way through Congress. The US military has cited what it sees as a threat of potential attack by Iran to deploy hundreds of troops to the Middle East, in addition to Patriot missiles, bombers and the accelerated movement of a carrier strike group. However, administration officials have also sought to reassure members of Congress, and the public, that they are not rushing to war with the Islamic republic.

US lawmakers to push back against Trump on Saudi weapons sales

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Mecca condemned a "terrorist attack" on Saudi Arabia's oil pumping stations which targeted global oil supplies, its final statement said on Saturday. The summit also condemned "sabotage operations" against four vessels near the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates, which it said threatened international maritime traffic safety.

OIC condemns 'terrorist attack' on Saudi oil pumping stations

Saudi Arabia has called for emergency regional talks to discuss mounting Gulf tensions, saying Sunday that it does not want war with Iran but is ready to defend itself.

King Salman invited Gulf leaders and Arab League member states to two emergency summits in Mecca on May 30 to discuss recent "aggressions and their consequences", the kingdom's official SPA news agency reported Saturday.

The announcement came days after mysterious sabotage attacks against several tankers in highly sensitive Gulf waters and drone attacks on a crude pipeline by Iran-aligned Yemen rebels, which Riyadh claimed were carried out on Iranian orders.

The United States has also deployed an aircraft carrier and bombers to the Gulf over alleged threats from Iran.

Saudi Arabia's minister of state for foreign affairs, Adel al-Jubeir, said Sunday his country does not want to go to war with Iran but would defend itself.

Saudi Arabia "does not want a war, is not looking for it and will do everything to prevent it," he said.

"But at the same time, if the other side chooses war, the kingdom will respond with strength and determination to defend itself and its interests."

The kingdom's regional allies welcomed the Saudi invitation.

The UAE's foreign ministry said the current "critical circumstances" require a unified Arab and Gulf stance.

The meetings will be a "significant opportunity for the countries of the region to achieve their aspirations for establishing peace and stability," it said.

Sabotage probe ongoing

Four ships including two Saudi oil tankers were damaged in mysterious sabotage attacks last Sunday off the UAE's Fujairah, near the Strait of Hormuz -- a vital maritime route for oil exports which Iran has threatened to close in the event of a war.

That incident was followed by drone strikes Tuesday by Yemen's Iran-aligned rebels on a major Saudi oil pipeline built as an alternative export route if the Strait of Hormuz were to be closed.

Jubeir said the UAE was leading the probe into the damaged oil tankers but added that "we have some indications and we will make the announcements once the investigations are completed".

The Emirates has said three Western countries -- the US, France and Norway -- would also be part of the investigation, along with the UAE and Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Neither of the two Gulf states, both close allies of the United States, have given details on the exact nature of the ship attacks.

Despite international scepticism, the US government has cited increasing threats from Iran, a long-time enemy of both the US and its regional allies, including Israel and Saudi Arabia.

SPA said Sunday that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about enhancing security in the region.&nbsp;

The US has already strengthened its military presence in the region, deploying several of strategic B-52 bombers in response to alleged Iranian threats.

US President Donald Trump last week predicted that Iran would "soon" want to negotiate.

Saudi Arabia has called for emergency regional talks to discuss mounting Gulf tensions, saying Sunday that it does not want war with Iran but is ready to defend itself.

Saudi Arabia has called for emergency regional talks to discuss mounting Gulf tensions, saying Sunday that it does not want war with Iran but is ready to defend itself. King Salman invited Gulf leaders and Arab League member states to two emergency summits in Mecca on May 30 to discuss recent "aggressions and their consequences", the kingdom's official SPA news agency reported Saturday. The announcement came days after mysterious sabotage attacks against several tankers in highly sensitive Gulf waters and drone attacks on a crude pipeline by Iran-aligned Yemen rebels, which Riyadh claimed were carried out on Iranian orders. The United States has also deployed an aircraft carrier and bombers to the Gulf over alleged threats from Iran. Saudi Arabia's minister of state for foreign affairs, Adel al-Jubeir, said Sunday his country does not want to go to war with Iran but would defend itself. Saudi Arabia "does not want a war, is not looking for it and will do everything to prevent it," he said. "But at the same time, if the other side chooses war, the kingdom will respond with strength and determination to defend itself and its interests." The kingdom's regional allies welcomed the Saudi invitation. The UAE's foreign ministry said the current "critical circumstances" require a unified Arab and Gulf stance. The meetings will be a "significant opportunity for the countries of the region to achieve their aspirations for establishing peace and stability," it said. Sabotage probe ongoing Four ships including two Saudi oil tankers were damaged in mysterious sabotage attacks last Sunday off the UAE's Fujairah, near the Strait of Hormuz -- a vital maritime route for oil exports which Iran has threatened to close in the event of a war. That incident was followed by drone strikes Tuesday by Yemen's Iran-aligned rebels on a major Saudi oil pipeline built as an alternative export route if the Strait of Hormuz were to be closed. Jubeir said the UAE was leading the probe into the damaged oil tankers but added that "we have some indications and we will make the announcements once the investigations are completed". The Emirates has said three Western countries -- the US, France and Norway -- would also be part of the investigation, along with the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Neither of the two Gulf states, both close allies of the United States, have given details on the exact nature of the ship attacks. Despite international scepticism, the US government has cited increasing threats from Iran, a long-time enemy of both the US and its regional allies, including Israel and Saudi Arabia. SPA said Sunday that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about enhancing security in the region. The US has already strengthened its military presence in the region, deploying several of strategic B-52 bombers in response to alleged Iranian threats. US President Donald Trump last week predicted that Iran would "soon" want to negotiate.

Saudi calls for urgent Arab talks over Iran tensions

Hatice Cengiz, the fiance of Jamal Khashoggi, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-killing-a-murder-that-shook-2018-186106"> journalist murdered at a Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey </a>last year, said on Thursday she could not believe that no one has yet faced serious consequences for the crime.

"I cannot understand that the world still has not done anything about this," Cengiz told a US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee, speaking in Turkish through an interpreter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-other-journalists-are-named-time-magazines-person-of-the-year-183310">Jamal Khashoggi is Time magazine's 'Person of the Year'</a>

"I still cannot make human sense of it. I still cannot understand. I still feel that I`ll wake up," she said in emotional testimony to a hearing on international press freedom and the dangers of reporting on human rights.

Cengiz was the last person to see Khashoggi, a US&nbsp;resident and columnist for the Washington Post, before he went into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October&nbsp;2 to obtain papers for their upcoming marriage.

He never left the building.

The Saudi journalist, a royal insider who became a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed and dismembered inside the consulate by a team of Saudi operatives, provoking international revulsion.

"We still don`t know why he was killed. We don`t know where his corpse is," Cengiz said. She called for sanctions to punish Saudi Arabia and for Washington to push for the freedom of political prisoners held in the kingdom.

US authorities have concluded that responsibility for Khashoggi`s death went to the highest levels of the Saudi government. Riyadh denies the crown prince was involved.

Cengiz said she came to Washington hoping to help provoke a stronger reaction to her fiance` s death. She said President Donald Trump invited her to the White House months earlier, but that she had not come then because she was not confident about his response.

"I think we choose between two things ...," Cengiz told the subcommittee. "We can either go on as if nothing has happened ... or we can act, we can leave aside all interests, international interests and politics, and focus on the values for a better life."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the past, Trump has resisted imposing consequences such as strong sanctions. Saudi Arabia is considered an important partner in the Middle East and a counterweight to Iran.

Calling the United States "a fortress" protecting freedom of thought and human rights, Cengiz appealed for justice. 
"I think it is a test for the United States and I believe it is a test that it can and should pass," she said.

Hatice Cengiz, the fiance of Jamal Khashoggi, the journalist murdered at a Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey last year, said on Thursday she could not believe that no one has yet faced serious consequences for the crime.

Hatice Cengiz, the fiance of Jamal Khashoggi, the journalist murdered at a Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey last year, said on Thursday she could not believe that no one has yet faced serious consequences for the crime. "I cannot understand that the world still has not done anything about this," Cengiz told a US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee, speaking in Turkish through an interpreter. Also read: Jamal Khashoggi is Time magazine's 'Person of the Year' "I still cannot make human sense of it. I still cannot understand. I still feel that I`ll wake up," she said in emotional testimony to a hearing on international press freedom and the dangers of reporting on human rights. Cengiz was the last person to see Khashoggi, a US resident and columnist for the Washington Post, before he went into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain papers for their upcoming marriage. He never left the building. The Saudi journalist, a royal insider who became a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed and dismembered inside the consulate by a team of Saudi operatives, provoking international revulsion. "We still don`t know why he was killed. We don`t know where his corpse is," Cengiz said. She called for sanctions to punish Saudi Arabia and for Washington to push for the freedom of political prisoners held in the kingdom. US authorities have concluded that responsibility for Khashoggi`s death went to the highest levels of the Saudi government. Riyadh denies the crown prince was involved. Cengiz said she came to Washington hoping to help provoke a stronger reaction to her fiance` s death. She said President Donald Trump invited her to the White House months earlier, but that she had not come then because she was not confident about his response. "I think we choose between two things ...," Cengiz told the subcommittee. "We can either go on as if nothing has happened ... or we can act, we can leave aside all interests, international interests and politics, and focus on the values for a better life." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the past, Trump has resisted imposing consequences such as strong sanctions. Saudi Arabia is considered an important partner in the Middle East and a counterweight to Iran. Calling the United States "a fortress" protecting freedom of thought and human rights, Cengiz appealed for justice. "I think it is a test for the United States and I believe it is a test that it can and should pass," she said.

'The world still has not done anything,' says slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's fiance

At least 33 of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-executes-37-in-connection-with-terrorism-report-212955">37 Saudis executed by the kingdom</a> in a single day belonged to the Sunni-dominated country's Shia&nbsp;minority, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday.

The men were executed on Tuesday after being convicted of terrorism, according to the official Saudi Press Agency.

"Thirty-three we know for sure are Shia," HRW researcher Adam Coogle told AFP.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-arabia-and-the-wests-right-wing-a-dubious-alliance-187880">Saudi Arabia and the West’s right-wing: A dubious alliance</a>

The interior ministry said some of those executed were accused of "inciting sectarian strife", a charge often used in Saudi Arabia against Shia&nbsp;activists.

Rights group Amnesty International also said most of those executed were Shia&nbsp;men.

They were "convicted after sham trials that violated international fair trial standards (and) which relied on confessions extracted through torture", it said in a statement.

The executions were "yet another gruesome indication of how the death penalty is being used as a political tool to crush dissent" from within the Shia minority, said Amnesty's Middle East research director Lynn Maalouf.

The rights watchdog said 11 of those executed were convicted of spying for Iran, while at least 14 others were sentenced in connection with anti-government protests in the Eastern Province between 2011 and 2012.

Among those executed was Abdulkareem al-Hawaj, who was only 16 at the time of his arrest, it said.

At least 100 people have been executed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rights-groups-condemn-saudi-arabia-over-trial-of-women-activists-200733">Saudi Arabia </a>since the start of the year, according to data released by SPA.

The Eastern Province -- home to the country's Shia&nbsp;minority -- has seen bouts of unrest since 2011 when protesters emboldened by the Arab Spring took to the streets demanding an end to alleged discrimination by the Sunni-dominated government.

Although no official figures exist, Shia&nbsp;make up an estimated 10-15 per cent of the ultra-conservative kingdom's population of 32 million.

At least 33 of the 37 Saudis executed by the kingdom in a single day belonged to the Sunni-dominated country's Shia minority, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday. The men were executed on Tuesday after being convicted of terrorism, according to the official Saudi Press Agency.

At least 33 of the 37 Saudis executed by the kingdom in a single day belonged to the Sunni-dominated country's Shia minority, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday. The men were executed on Tuesday after being convicted of terrorism, according to the official Saudi Press Agency. "Thirty-three we know for sure are Shia," HRW researcher Adam Coogle told AFP. Also read: Saudi Arabia and the West’s right-wing: A dubious alliance The interior ministry said some of those executed were accused of "inciting sectarian strife", a charge often used in Saudi Arabia against Shia activists. Rights group Amnesty International also said most of those executed were Shia men. They were "convicted after sham trials that violated international fair trial standards (and) which relied on confessions extracted through torture", it said in a statement. The executions were "yet another gruesome indication of how the death penalty is being used as a political tool to crush dissent" from within the Shia minority, said Amnesty's Middle East research director Lynn Maalouf. The rights watchdog said 11 of those executed were convicted of spying for Iran, while at least 14 others were sentenced in connection with anti-government protests in the Eastern Province between 2011 and 2012. Among those executed was Abdulkareem al-Hawaj, who was only 16 at the time of his arrest, it said. At least 100 people have been executed in Saudi Arabia since the start of the year, according to data released by SPA. The Eastern Province -- home to the country's Shia minority -- has seen bouts of unrest since 2011 when protesters emboldened by the Arab Spring took to the streets demanding an end to alleged discrimination by the Sunni-dominated government. Although no official figures exist, Shia make up an estimated 10-15 per cent of the ultra-conservative kingdom's population of 32 million.

Almost all Saudis in mass execution were Shia minority: Human Rights Watch

The US Senate will vote on Wednesday on a resolution to end Washington's support for the Saudi Arabia-led military campaign in Yemen, as lawmakers push President Donald Trump to toughen his policy toward the kingdom.

Announcing the vote on Tuesday, Senator Bernie Sanders called the war "a humanitarian and strategic disaster." Sanders, an independent who is running for president as a Democrat, is a lead co-sponsor of the resolution along with Republican Senator Mike Lee.&nbsp;

The vote on the war powers resolution will be the second within four months in the Senate. The chamber passed the measure by 56-41 in December, a rebuke of Trump amid anger at Saudi Arabia not just over civilian deaths in Yemen, but also the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

To become effective, however, the resolution must be passed by the new Senate, which was seated in January, as well as the House of Representatives. Then it must garner enough votes to override an expected veto by Trump, who has touted the importance of a strategic alliance with Riyadh.

The House passed its own version of the resolution in February, but a procedural issue kept it from a vote in the Senate.

The US Senate will vote on Wednesday on a resolution to end Washington's support for the Saudi Arabia-led military campaign in Yemen, as lawmakers push President Donald Trump to toughen his policy toward the kingdom.

The US Senate will vote on Wednesday on a resolution to end Washington's support for the Saudi Arabia-led military campaign in Yemen, as lawmakers push President Donald Trump to toughen his policy toward the kingdom. Announcing the vote on Tuesday, Senator Bernie Sanders called the war "a humanitarian and strategic disaster." Sanders, an independent who is running for president as a Democrat, is a lead co-sponsor of the resolution along with Republican Senator Mike Lee. The vote on the war powers resolution will be the second within four months in the Senate. The chamber passed the measure by 56-41 in December, a rebuke of Trump amid anger at Saudi Arabia not just over civilian deaths in Yemen, but also the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey. To become effective, however, the resolution must be passed by the new Senate, which was seated in January, as well as the House of Representatives. Then it must garner enough votes to override an expected veto by Trump, who has touted the importance of a strategic alliance with Riyadh. The House passed its own version of the resolution in February, but a procedural issue kept it from a vote in the Senate.

US Senate to vote Wednesday on Saudi Yemen war resolution

White House adviser Jared Kushner and Saudi Arabia`s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks on Tuesday that covered "increasing cooperation" between the United States and Saudi Arabia and Middle East peace efforts, the White House said.

The Riyadh meeting was their first face-to-face talks since the crown prince became embroiled in the scandal of the killing of US-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Turkey last October.

Kushner, a senior adviser to President Donald Trump and his son-in-law, is leading a delegation to a variety of Gulf nations this week seeking support for the economic portion of a yet-to-be unveiled Israeli-Palestinian peace proposal.

Kushner, US Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt and US special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, met with Saudi King Salman and the crown prince, a White House statement on Wednesday said.

"Building on previous conversations, they discussed increasing cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and the Trump administration’s efforts to facilitate peace between the Israelis and Palestinians," the statement said.

"Additionally, they discussed ways to improve the condition of the entire region through economic investment," it said.

Kushner met with leaders in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman earlier this week. He was in Turkey on Wednesday.

Khashoggi`s death by Saudi agents in Istanbul sparked an outcry and tarnished the crown prince`s image. 
&nbsp;

White House adviser Jared Kushner and Saudi Arabia`s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks on Tuesday that covered "increasing cooperation" between the United States and Saudi Arabia and Middle East peace efforts, the White House said.

White House adviser Jared Kushner and Saudi Arabia`s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks on Tuesday that covered "increasing cooperation" between the United States and Saudi Arabia and Middle East peace efforts, the White House said. The Riyadh meeting was their first face-to-face talks since the crown prince became embroiled in the scandal of the killing of US-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Turkey last October. Kushner, a senior adviser to President Donald Trump and his son-in-law, is leading a delegation to a variety of Gulf nations this week seeking support for the economic portion of a yet-to-be unveiled Israeli-Palestinian peace proposal. Kushner, US Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt and US special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, met with Saudi King Salman and the crown prince, a White House statement on Wednesday said. "Building on previous conversations, they discussed increasing cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and the Trump administration’s efforts to facilitate peace between the Israelis and Palestinians," the statement said. "Additionally, they discussed ways to improve the condition of the entire region through economic investment," it said. Kushner met with leaders in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman earlier this week. He was in Turkey on Wednesday. Khashoggi`s death by Saudi agents in Istanbul sparked an outcry and tarnished the crown prince`s image.

Kushner, Saudi crown prince discuss 'increasing cooperation' in Riyadh: White House

Saudi Arabia will release 850 Indians from its prisons after a request from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to New Delhi, India's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

Saudi jails hold the greatest number of Indians incarcerated in any country abroad. As of January 2019, 2,224 Indians were jailed in the kingdom for crimes including murder, kidnapping, bribery, cheating, and offences related to drugs and alcohol, according to Indian Foreign Ministry figures.

Some 2.7 million Indians in Saudi Arabia form the largest expatriate community in the kingdom, with many working in low-paid jobs in sectors such as construction, domestic services and retailing that Saudis spurn.

"At the request of the PM @narendramodi, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in Saudi jails," India`s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a tweet.&nbsp;

On Monday, Saudi Arabia ordered the release of about 2,100 Pakistani prisoners from its jails, according to Pakistan's information minister. Prince Mohammed, Saudi Arabia`s de facto ruler, paid a visit to India`s arch regional rival earlier this week, before heading home and then flying to New Delhi.

On Sunday, Saudi Arabia signed investment agreements with Pakistan worth $20 billion. In New Delhi on Wednesday, Prince Mohammed said he expected investment opportunities worth more than $100 billion in India over the next two years.

The Crown Prince`s Asian tour, which will include China, is regarded as part of an effort to help rebuild his reputation abroad after the killing last October of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi leadership.

Saudi officials have denied accusations that Prince Mohammed ordered Khashoggi`s murder in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and have detained 11 suspects in connection with the killing.

Saudi Arabia will release 850 Indians from its prisons after a request from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to New Delhi, India's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia will release 850 Indians from its prisons after a request from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to New Delhi, India's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. Saudi jails hold the greatest number of Indians incarcerated in any country abroad. As of January 2019, 2,224 Indians were jailed in the kingdom for crimes including murder, kidnapping, bribery, cheating, and offences related to drugs and alcohol, according to Indian Foreign Ministry figures. Some 2.7 million Indians in Saudi Arabia form the largest expatriate community in the kingdom, with many working in low-paid jobs in sectors such as construction, domestic services and retailing that Saudis spurn. "At the request of the PM @narendramodi, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in Saudi jails," India`s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a tweet. On Monday, Saudi Arabia ordered the release of about 2,100 Pakistani prisoners from its jails, according to Pakistan's information minister. Prince Mohammed, Saudi Arabia`s de facto ruler, paid a visit to India`s arch regional rival earlier this week, before heading home and then flying to New Delhi. On Sunday, Saudi Arabia signed investment agreements with Pakistan worth $20 billion. In New Delhi on Wednesday, Prince Mohammed said he expected investment opportunities worth more than $100 billion in India over the next two years. The Crown Prince`s Asian tour, which will include China, is regarded as part of an effort to help rebuild his reputation abroad after the killing last October of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi leadership. Saudi officials have denied accusations that Prince Mohammed ordered Khashoggi`s murder in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and have detained 11 suspects in connection with the killing.

Saudi to free 850 Indian prisoners from its jails: Government

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visits to Pakistan and then India were dissected and analysed in every aspect — from body language to joint statements to deliverables. With the visit coming just days after the Pulwama attack, New Delhi was clearly focused on terror emanating from Pakistan and sought Riyadh's help to rein in its traditional partner.

What exactly the crown prince had in mind was made clear by the India-Saudi and the Pakistan-Saudi joint statements made. Here is a comparative analysis of the two.

Praises for Modi, Imran

India-Saudi Joint statement: Crown Prince "appreciated consistent efforts made by Prime Minister Modi since May 2014 including his personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan."

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Crown prince "praised openness and efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan for dialogue with India and the opening of the Kartarpur crossing point and the efforts exerted by both sides"

India-Pakistan peace process: Creation of conditions vs dialogue only way

India-Saudi Joint statement: Need for creating conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan. 
 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/crown-prince-visit-pakistan-needs-saudi-arabias-crutches-to-survive-but-india-doesnt-198700">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan needs Saudi Arabia's crutches to survive, but India doesn't</a>

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve outstanding issues.&nbsp;

China's infrastructure project: Respect for sovereignty vs contribution to development

India-Saudi Joint statement: They should be based on international law including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Stressed the potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which will contribute to the development and prosperity of the region.&nbsp;

UN terror sanctions list: Comprehensive sanctioning vs avoiding politicisation&nbsp;

India-Saudi Joint statement: Underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the UN

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Underlined the need for avoiding politicisation of UN listing regime.

Terror: Use of terror vs sacrifices made in war against terror

India-Saudi Joint statement: Both sides called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists perpetrating terrorism from all territories against other states; and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice. Both sides called upon all countries to renounce the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy.&nbsp;

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Commitment to continuing combating extremism and terrorism and expressed their deep appreciation for the achievements and sacrifices made by the two sides in the war against terrorism. They also applauded the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in order to confront this serious scourge.

Investment: $100 bn vs $20 bn

India-Saudi Joint statement: Announcement of His Royal Highness to invest in the areas of energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, minerals and mining, manufacturing, education and health potentially worth in excess of $100 billion.

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Pakistan witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding. The total investment opportunities resulted in over US $20 billion

Defence: Make in India, naval exercises vs 'enhancing cooperation'

India-Saudi Joint statement: The two sides agreed to hold the inaugural joint naval exercises at the earliest and agreed to further expand bilateral exercises in other domains. Noting the potential and mutual benefit, the two sides agreed to cooperate and collaborate in joint defence production of spare parts for Naval and Land systems as well as supply chain development, in line with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vision 2030’.

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement:&nbsp; 
Both sides noted with satisfaction their strong defence and security ties and agreed to further enhance cooperation in this field to advance shared objectives.&nbsp;

Israel/Palestine: India, Pak back Riyadh's Arab peace&nbsp;initiative &nbsp;

India-Saudi Joint statement: The two sides expressed their hope for achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant UN resolutions, to guarantee the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.&nbsp;

Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement:The two sides expressed their hope for achieving a fair, comprehensive and long-lasting peace in the Middle East in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the resolutions of international legitimacy guaranteeing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state based on internationally agreed standards 1967 with Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visits to Pakistan and then India were dissected and analysed in every aspect — from body language to joint statements to deliverables.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visits to Pakistan and then India were dissected and analysed in every aspect — from body language to joint statements to deliverables. With the visit coming just days after the Pulwama attack, New Delhi was clearly focused on terror emanating from Pakistan and sought Riyadh's help to rein in its traditional partner. What exactly the crown prince had in mind was made clear by the India-Saudi and the Pakistan-Saudi joint statements made. Here is a comparative analysis of the two. Praises for Modi, Imran India-Saudi Joint statement: Crown Prince "appreciated consistent efforts made by Prime Minister Modi since May 2014 including his personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan." Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Crown prince "praised openness and efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan for dialogue with India and the opening of the Kartarpur crossing point and the efforts exerted by both sides" India-Pakistan peace process: Creation of conditions vs dialogue only way India-Saudi Joint statement: Need for creating conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan. Also read: Pakistan needs Saudi Arabia's crutches to survive, but India doesn't Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve outstanding issues. China's infrastructure project: Respect for sovereignty vs contribution to development India-Saudi Joint statement: They should be based on international law including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Stressed the potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which will contribute to the development and prosperity of the region. UN terror sanctions list: Comprehensive sanctioning vs avoiding politicisation India-Saudi Joint statement: Underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the UN Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Underlined the need for avoiding politicisation of UN listing regime. Terror: Use of terror vs sacrifices made in war against terror India-Saudi Joint statement: Both sides called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists perpetrating terrorism from all territories against other states; and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice. Both sides called upon all countries to renounce the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy. Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Commitment to continuing combating extremism and terrorism and expressed their deep appreciation for the achievements and sacrifices made by the two sides in the war against terrorism. They also applauded the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in order to confront this serious scourge. Investment: $100 bn vs $20 bn India-Saudi Joint statement: Announcement of His Royal Highness to invest in the areas of energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, minerals and mining, manufacturing, education and health potentially worth in excess of $100 billion. Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Pakistan witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding. The total investment opportunities resulted in over US $20 billion Defence: Make in India, naval exercises vs 'enhancing cooperation' India-Saudi Joint statement: The two sides agreed to hold the inaugural joint naval exercises at the earliest and agreed to further expand bilateral exercises in other domains. Noting the potential and mutual benefit, the two sides agreed to cooperate and collaborate in joint defence production of spare parts for Naval and Land systems as well as supply chain development, in line with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vision 2030’. Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement: Both sides noted with satisfaction their strong defence and security ties and agreed to further enhance cooperation in this field to advance shared objectives. Israel/Palestine: India, Pak back Riyadh's Arab peace initiative India-Saudi Joint statement: The two sides expressed their hope for achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant UN resolutions, to guarantee the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Pakistan-Saudi Joint statement:The two sides expressed their hope for achieving a fair, comprehensive and long-lasting peace in the Middle East in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the resolutions of international legitimacy guaranteeing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state based on internationally agreed standards 1967 with Jerusalem as its capital.

A comparative analysis of the India-Saudi & Pak-Saudi joint statements

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