West Asia is experiencing swift changes in its regional order. While Iran and Saudi Arabia had signed a peace pact with china's mediation, it now seems Syria and the UAE are looking at improving ties. Syrian president Bashar Al Assad met with president Sheikh Mohammed in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Regional powers have decided to strike new deals and repair relations

The recent historic agreement between the two geopolitical arch rivals, Saudi Arabia and Iran, has rolled out a red carpet for China in the West Asian region, a country whose diplomatic clout was till now limited only to Indo-Pacific region. The 10 March agreement, which was a major breakthrough in the history of the nations marred by religious faultlines, has opened up a pandora's box, with experts laying down all sorts of geopolitical permutations and combinations.&nbsp;

WION exclusively spoke with former ambassador of Chile to China Jorge Heine to get his razor-sharp views on this crucial development which has fixated the attention of major global powers on China. But before we cater to the big fish - China, a look at US and its diminishing clout in the Gulf is imperative.&nbsp;

Ambassador Heine is a Research Professor at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. In a video interview with WION, the former diplomat said that the phenomenon of US stepping away from Gulf is not a new one.&nbsp;

"As you may recall some ten years ago, the United States announced that it was pivoting to Asia... by that Washington meant pivoting away from the Middle East, which had been the main focus and concern of the US foreign policy for a decade and move towards East Asia, mostly on China."&nbsp;

Watch the full interview here:&nbsp;

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"Well, there is a saying: Nature abhors a vacuum. China has stepped into that vacuum. Others can pivot as well."&nbsp;

In a book West Asia At War, another former Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad had pointed out the urgent need for Saudi Arabia to diversify its economy by stepping away from its dependence on oil. As Saudi looks actively for options in this quest, China will be more than happy to extend a helping hand.&nbsp;

Ambassador Heine argues in affirmative. China, he said, can play a role in developing Saudi infrastructure, connectivity and its industrial capacity. "I think that is very much in the cards."&nbsp;

The break of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran happened seven years ago in 2016. Though the negotiations have been going on for a couple of years, the envoy said that the deal got a "significant push" in recent months in Beijing, particularly after the visit of the Iranian president to China.&nbsp;

But one thing that the envoy is sure of is that the rapproachmet is a good news for all, be it Israel, India or even US. On &nbsp;hindsight, he added that the deal is a blow to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has made it "his business and his primary foreign policy objective to isolate Iran" which is "obviously not working very well."&nbsp;

Envoy Heine, who recently co-authored a chapter in book "External Powers in Latin America", also argues that Latin American countries have been pressured by West to side with Ukraine in its ongoing war wit Russia and to provide arms to the war-torn country, but they rightly refused to adhere to the West's demands.&nbsp;

"This is a European war that should be solved and addressed by Europeans... we argue for active Non-Alignment taking a page for India traditional foreign policy and taking... a neutral stance in the war in Ukraine."&nbsp;

Speaking about the religious differences between Iran and Saudi Arabia, he said, there are some serious geopolitical concerns as the the nations are significant powers in West Asia and there is a natural element of competition between the two.&nbsp;

"It seems to me that both Riyadh and Tehran have come to the conclusion that that this is one piece of trouble (religious rift) they do not need and that they better make amends and work together... So I think they have concluded that best thing is to move forward, leave the difference behind and have a working relationship. This does not mean they will become best friends or some sort of military allies. They will not."

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The recent historic agreement between the two geopolitical arch rivals, Saudi Arabia and Iran, has rolled out a red carpet for China in the West Asian region, a country whose diplomatic clout was till now limited only to Indo-Pacific region.

The recent historic agreement between the two geopolitical arch rivals, Saudi Arabia and Iran, has rolled out a red carpet for China in the West Asian region, a country whose diplomatic clout was till now limited only to Indo-Pacific region. The 10 March agreement, which was a major breakthrough in the history of the nations marred by religious faultlines, has opened up a pandora's box, with experts laying down all sorts of geopolitical permutations and combinations. WION exclusively spoke with former ambassador of Chile to China Jorge Heine to get his razor-sharp views on this crucial development which has fixated the attention of major global powers on China. But before we cater to the big fish - China, a look at US and its diminishing clout in the Gulf is imperative. Ambassador Heine is a Research Professor at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. In a video interview with WION, the former diplomat said that the phenomenon of US stepping away from Gulf is not a new one. "As you may recall some ten years ago, the United States announced that it was pivoting to Asia... by that Washington meant pivoting away from the Middle East, which had been the main focus and concern of the US foreign policy for a decade and move towards East Asia, mostly on China." Watch the full interview here: × "Well, there is a saying: Nature abhors a vacuum. China has stepped into that vacuum. Others can pivot as well." In a book West Asia At War, another former Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad had pointed out the urgent need for Saudi Arabia to diversify its economy by stepping away from its dependence on oil. As Saudi looks actively for options in this quest, China will be more than happy to extend a helping hand. Ambassador Heine argues in affirmative. China, he said, can play a role in developing Saudi infrastructure, connectivity and its industrial capacity. "I think that is very much in the cards." The break of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran happened seven years ago in 2016. Though the negotiations have been going on for a couple of years, the envoy said that the deal got a "significant push" in recent months in Beijing, particularly after the visit of the Iranian president to China. But one thing that the envoy is sure of is that the rapproachmet is a good news for all, be it Israel, India or even US. On hindsight, he added that the deal is a blow to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has made it "his business and his primary foreign policy objective to isolate Iran" which is "obviously not working very well." Envoy Heine, who recently co-authored a chapter in book "External Powers in Latin America", also argues that Latin American countries have been pressured by West to side with Ukraine in its ongoing war wit Russia and to provide arms to the war-torn country, but they rightly refused to adhere to the West's demands. "This is a European war that should be solved and addressed by Europeans... we argue for active Non-Alignment taking a page for India traditional foreign policy and taking... a neutral stance in the war in Ukraine." Speaking about the religious differences between Iran and Saudi Arabia, he said, there are some serious geopolitical concerns as the the nations are significant powers in West Asia and there is a natural element of competition between the two. "It seems to me that both Riyadh and Tehran have come to the conclusion that that this is one piece of trouble (religious rift) they do not need and that they better make amends and work together... So I think they have concluded that best thing is to move forward, leave the difference behind and have a working relationship. This does not mean they will become best friends or some sort of military allies. They will not." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Nature abhors a vacuum': ex-envoy Jorge Heine on China's rising clout in West Asia as US packs up and leaves

Will the truce between Saudi Arabia and Iran which was mediated by China, spell the decline of U.S. influence in the region? Ambassador Jorge Heine, a Research Professor at Boston University weighs in on the growing influence of China in West Asia, in an exclusive chat with WION.

Saudi Arabia-Iran truce: China's rampaging rise in West Asia

West Asia is known to be a volatile region. The volatility is not limited to politics and economics, rights of one gender are taking a slow death. From Mahasa Amini in Iran, Tiba al-Al in Iraq, to Alaa Salah in Sudan - women of West Asia are speaking up. And with them, people are pouring out on the streets, unifying against far-right governments. The road might be long, but it's a hopeful one!

WION Fineprint: How are women standing up to far-right govts?

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. On the last leg of his West Asia tour. He also met prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday. During his visit Blinken has renewed calls for calm between Israel and Palestine amid a spike in tensions.

Antony Blinken's West Asia trip

U.S. Secretary of state Antony Blinken is on the second leg of his West Asia visit. The visit comes as country struggles to recover from renewed Israel-Palestine tensions - a gun spree outside a Jerusalem synagogue and Israel's unusually deep raid on Jenin refugee camp. Is Washington walking a tight rope to bring both sides together?

WION Fineprint: Antony Blinken's West Asia visit

Supported by tensions in the West Asia following a drone attack in Iran and Beijing’s pledge over the weekend to promote a consumption recovery, all prices climbed in early.

World Business Watch: Middle East tensions back oil price increase

In an attempt to reduce dependence on crude oil, Saudi Arabia is planning to use its own uranium resources to kickstart the civilian nuclear programme.&nbsp;

The kingdom's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in a TV interview on Wednesday said recent exploration endeavours had found uranium reserves across the country.&nbsp;

"Recent exploration activities revealed the presence of diverse sources of uranium in various locations.&nbsp;The kingdom intends to use its national uranium resources, including for joint projects with its partners," said&nbsp;bin Salman.&nbsp;

The minister&nbsp;assured that&nbsp;anything associated with uranium and its use in the nuclear programme&nbsp;will be done in conformity with the "international obligations and rules of transparency, covering the entire production cycle".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-saudi-arabia-agree-on-stopping-iran-getting-nuclear-weapons-497891">WATCH |&nbsp;US &amp; Saudi Arabia agree on stopping Iran getting nuclear weapons</a>

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Notably, it was in 2016 that Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter announced its plan to build 16 nuclear reactors over the next two decades with a budget of $80 billion.&nbsp;

Two years later, the kingdom approved its national atomic energy policy which limits the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.&nbsp;

However, some experts believe that Riyadh is trying to hedge its bets as arch-rival Iran continues to make waves with its nuclear weapons programme.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud last month said&nbsp;the country will take steps to shore up its security if Tehran gets an 'operational nuclear weapon'.

"If Iran gets an operational nuclear weapon, all bets are off.&nbsp;We are in a very dangerous space in the region...you can expect that regional states will certainly look towards how they can ensure their own security."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/all-bets-off-if-iran-gets-operational-nuclear-weapon-says-saudi-foreign-minister-542226">Read more:&nbsp;'All bets off' if Iran gets 'operational nuclear weapon', says Saudi foreign minister</a>

The country expediting its nuclear programme can also stem from the fact that UAE, one of the kingdom's regional economic rivals began commercial operations at its Barakah nuclear power plant in 2021, the first such plant in the Arab world.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In an attempt to reduce dependence on crude oil, Saudi Arabia is planning to use its own uranium resources to kickstart the civilian nuclear programme. The kingdom's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in a TV interview on Wednesday said recent exploration endeavours had found uranium reserves across the country.

In an attempt to reduce dependence on crude oil, Saudi Arabia is planning to use its own uranium resources to kickstart the civilian nuclear programme. The kingdom's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in a TV interview on Wednesday said recent exploration endeavours had found uranium reserves across the country. "Recent exploration activities revealed the presence of diverse sources of uranium in various locations. The kingdom intends to use its national uranium resources, including for joint projects with its partners," said bin Salman. The minister assured that anything associated with uranium and its use in the nuclear programme will be done in conformity with the "international obligations and rules of transparency, covering the entire production cycle". WATCH | US & Saudi Arabia agree on stopping Iran getting nuclear weapons × Notably, it was in 2016 that Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter announced its plan to build 16 nuclear reactors over the next two decades with a budget of $80 billion. Two years later, the kingdom approved its national atomic energy policy which limits the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. However, some experts believe that Riyadh is trying to hedge its bets as arch-rival Iran continues to make waves with its nuclear weapons programme. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud last month said the country will take steps to shore up its security if Tehran gets an 'operational nuclear weapon'. "If Iran gets an operational nuclear weapon, all bets are off. We are in a very dangerous space in the region...you can expect that regional states will certainly look towards how they can ensure their own security." Read more: 'All bets off' if Iran gets 'operational nuclear weapon', says Saudi foreign minister The country expediting its nuclear programme can also stem from the fact that UAE, one of the kingdom's regional economic rivals began commercial operations at its Barakah nuclear power plant in 2021, the first such plant in the Arab world. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Saudi Arabia to use its uranium reserves for civilian nuclear programme

Iran tests military attack drones amidst global backlash over helping Russia in its Ukrainian invasion.

The West Asia Post: Iran tests military drone

Portugal Captain Cristiano Ronaldo visits Riyadh to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. @ghadifrancis brings you all the details on this week's #TheWestAsiaPost

The West Asia Post: Al-Nassr's new hero Ronaldo in Riyadh

What happened to the Kurds of Kurdistan in West Asia. Ghadi Francis brings you all the details on this week's The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post: All about Kurds of West Asia

The Capital Market Authority said on Thursday that Saudi Arabia's stock market regulator has given the go-ahead for Luberef, a base oil subsidiary of the world's largest oil company Aramco, to conduct an IPO.

Investors will be able to purchase 50.045 million shares, or 29.656% of the share capital, of Saudi Aramco Base Oil Company (Luberef), formerly known as Saudi Aramco Lubricating Oil Refining Co.&nbsp;

The Saudi investment bank Jadwa Investment controls 30% of Luberef, with Aramco owning 70% of it.

The region has emerged as a bright light in an overall down year for equities markets, riding high on robust oil prices and amid a flurry of state-led flotations in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.

According to statistics from Refinitiv, Gulf issuers have raised over $16 billion in IPOs this year, or almost half of the total proceeds from IPOs in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The energy trading division of Aramco also intends to go public.

In order to wean the economy off of oil, develop new sectors, and generate employment, the kingdom's privatisation initiative is a pillar of its Vision 2030 economic strategy.

The biggest IPO ever was Saudi Aramco's record listing on Riyadh's Tadawul market in late 2019. The listing's profits were later increased to total $29.4 billion.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Capital Market Authority said on Thursday that Saudi Arabia's stock market regulator has given the go-ahead for Luberef, a base oil subsidiary of the world's largest oil company Aramco, to conduct an IPO.

The Capital Market Authority said on Thursday that Saudi Arabia's stock market regulator has given the go-ahead for Luberef, a base oil subsidiary of the world's largest oil company Aramco, to conduct an IPO. Investors will be able to purchase 50.045 million shares, or 29.656% of the share capital, of Saudi Aramco Base Oil Company (Luberef), formerly known as Saudi Aramco Lubricating Oil Refining Co. The Saudi investment bank Jadwa Investment controls 30% of Luberef, with Aramco owning 70% of it. The region has emerged as a bright light in an overall down year for equities markets, riding high on robust oil prices and amid a flurry of state-led flotations in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. According to statistics from Refinitiv, Gulf issuers have raised over $16 billion in IPOs this year, or almost half of the total proceeds from IPOs in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The energy trading division of Aramco also intends to go public. In order to wean the economy off of oil, develop new sectors, and generate employment, the kingdom's privatisation initiative is a pillar of its Vision 2030 economic strategy. The biggest IPO ever was Saudi Aramco's record listing on Riyadh's Tadawul market in late 2019. The listing's profits were later increased to total $29.4 billion. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Saudi Aramco's Luberef gets regulator nod for initial public offering

Iran admitted to supplying drones to Russia. But it says it sent a small number, that too before the war began.

The West Asia Post | Iran says it supplied drones to Russia

A drone struck a convoy near the Syria-Iraq border. The convoy was carrying fuel from Iran. Iran says it was destined for Lebanon.

The West Asia Post | Unknown drone attacks fuel convoy in Syria

Exclusive ground report from Beirut. Lebanon is suffering through an economic crisis since 2019. The people are trying their best to make it through the dire situation.

The West Asia Post | Beirut's people try and make ends meet

A comment by a Qatari World Cup ambassador sparked a row. LGBTQ+ fans are worried about their safety in the host nation, where homosexuality is punishable by death.

The West Asia Post | LGBTQ+ football fans worried about safety in Qatar

Saudi Arabia celebrates Halloween. Revellers in costume walk down Riyadh's boulevard. Ghadi Francis tells you more on The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post | Saudi Arabia celebrates Halloween

Lebanon is without a president and has a caretaker cabinet. What does this mean for the nation? Ghadi Francis tells you more on The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post | Explainer of Lebanon's political crisis

Saudi Arabia has shared information with the U.S. about a possible Iranian attack on Saudi oil production facilities. Ghadi Francis tells you more on The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post | U.S. concerned about threat of Iranian attack on Saudi Arabia

Protests continue in Iran despite an ultimatum by the commander of Iran's revolutionary guard. Ghadi Francis tells you more on The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post | Iran's protests show no sign of dying down

Benjamin Netanyahu is set to return as Israel's Prime Minister. He's expected to head the most right-wing government in Israel's history. Ghadi Francis tells you more on The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post | Netanyahu to head Israel's most right-wing government?

The olive harvest is underway in West Asian nations. A bumper harvest is expected this year. Ghadi Francis tells you more on #TheWestAsiaPost

The West Asia Post | Olive Harvest underway in West Asia

Climate change is a pressing concern for the health of the planet. However, people&nbsp;worldwide appear to have become less concerned about its effect.

Globally, the number of people thinking climate change posed a “very serious threat" to their country stood at 48.7 per cent in 2021 which was a fall of 1.5 percentage points, compared to a similar survey conducted by Gallup World Risk Poll in 2019.

People in China&nbsp;who think on the same lines have&nbsp;come down to 20 per cent, a full three percentage points down from the previous findings. Incidentally, China is the world's biggest polluter.&nbsp;

As for the US, the second biggest polluter globally, climate change awareness rose slightly amongst the masses to 51.5 per cent.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-climate-change-creates-new-crisis-for-bangladesh-526551">WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Climate change creates new crisis for Bangladesh</a>

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Ironically, regions such as West Asia (27.4 per cent), North Africa (27.4 per cent) and South Asia (39.1 per cent), which are facing the highest ecological threats have the people that are the least concerned about climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netherlands-to-quit-multi-nation-fossil-deal-over-climate-change-concerns-526758">Read more:&nbsp;Netherlands to quit multi nation fossil deal over climate change concerns</a>

The findings come a month before the next global meeting on climate change,&nbsp;COP27 takes place in Egypt.&nbsp;

“Negotiators at COP27 need to consider the ways in which climate change is exacerbating the impacts of ecological threats...and how the international community can mitigate them,” said&nbsp;Steve Killelea, founder&nbsp;Gallup World Risk Poll.&nbsp;

While people become less perturbed about the perils of climate change, the situation remains dire as ever. 1.4 billion people across 83 countries have extreme difficulty gaining access to clean water. Meanwhile, 20 per cent of the population in the above bracket do not have access to clean drinking water.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to studies, the affluent countries of Europe such as Italy, the Netherlands, Greece and Portugal will face critical clean water shortage by 2040.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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Climate change is a pressing concern for the health of the planet. However, people worldwide appear to have become less concerned about its effect. Globally, the number of people thinking climate change posed a “very serious threat" to their country stood at 48.

Climate change is a pressing concern for the health of the planet. However, people worldwide appear to have become less concerned about its effect. Globally, the number of people thinking climate change posed a “very serious threat" to their country stood at 48.7 per cent in 2021 which was a fall of 1.5 percentage points, compared to a similar survey conducted by Gallup World Risk Poll in 2019. People in China who think on the same lines have come down to 20 per cent, a full three percentage points down from the previous findings. Incidentally, China is the world's biggest polluter. As for the US, the second biggest polluter globally, climate change awareness rose slightly amongst the masses to 51.5 per cent. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Climate change creates new crisis for Bangladesh × Ironically, regions such as West Asia (27.4 per cent), North Africa (27.4 per cent) and South Asia (39.1 per cent), which are facing the highest ecological threats have the people that are the least concerned about climate change. Read more: Netherlands to quit multi nation fossil deal over climate change concerns The findings come a month before the next global meeting on climate change, COP27 takes place in Egypt. “Negotiators at COP27 need to consider the ways in which climate change is exacerbating the impacts of ecological threats...and how the international community can mitigate them,” said Steve Killelea, founder Gallup World Risk Poll. While people become less perturbed about the perils of climate change, the situation remains dire as ever. 1.4 billion people across 83 countries have extreme difficulty gaining access to clean water. Meanwhile, 20 per cent of the population in the above bracket do not have access to clean drinking water. According to studies, the affluent countries of Europe such as Italy, the Netherlands, Greece and Portugal will face critical clean water shortage by 2040. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

People less concerned about climate change than before, shows survey

The long reign of Queen Elizabeth II saw large parts of the world cast off London's rule, but even after her death, a handful of British-installed monarchies still endure in West Asia. On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you about the Queen's mixed legacy in the region.

The West Asia Post | How Britain's power in West Asia crumbled under Queen Elizabeth II

West Asia and Eastern Mediterranean are heating twice as fast as the global average, according to a new study conducted under the aegis of The Cyprus Institute’s Climate and Atmosphere Research Center and the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry.

West Asia and Eastern Mediterranean are heating twice as fast as the global average, according to a new study conducted under the aegis of The Cyprus Institute’s Climate and Atmosphere Research Center and the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry. Reportedly, the study reveals that the regions in the aforementioned geographical area are expected to witness 'unprecedented' heat waves. Furthermore, water scarcity caused due to rainfall shortage, longer-lasting and more severe droughts might impact the region's 4000 million populace. The report covered areas stretching from Greece and Egypt in the West to Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE as well as Iran in the east. It stated that the region witnessed an average increase of 0.45 C per decade from 1981-2019 when the global average stood at 0.27 C only. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker | Extreme heat hits Iraq and Saudi Arabia × If the changes are not clocked in quickly, the region might be heating by 5 C in the coming decades, making human survival extremely difficult. “This would imply severe challenges for coastal infrastructure and agriculture and can lead to the salinization of coastal aquifers," said Dr George Zittis, co-author of the report. Not only is the region becoming a victim of climate change, but it is also contributing immensely to the problem. The study states that oil-rich West Asia is expected to overtake European Union as the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. Read more: Is climate change affecting wine's flavour? The study comes ahead of UN's Climate Change Conference, more colloquially known as the COP27 climate summit scheduled to take place in Egypt later this year. The scientists authoring the study have argued that strong collaboration among the countries is absolutely necessary if they are to cope with extreme climatic conditions. "Since many of the regional outcomes of climate change are transboundary, stronger collaboration among the countries is indispensable to cope with the expected adverse impacts." said another author of the study. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

West Asia, East Mediterranean heating twice as fast as the global average: Study

In April, a man in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province set his family home on fire before iftar, the meal that breaks the Ramadan fast, causing a gory drug-induced killing that gripped the nation's media. His family lost four members in the shooting.

According to local newspapers, police claimed he was under the influence of shabu, a methamphetamine. Recent reports in Saudi media have raised concerns about the rise in drug use. One columnist there called the shipments of drugs into the kingdom "an open war against us, more dangerous than any other war."

As reported by CNN, over 47 million amphetamine pills were discovered concealed in a shipment of flour and discovered in a warehouse on Wednesday, Saudi police claimed the largest drug bust in their nation's history.

According to experts, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-saudi-arabia-expected-to-be-the-worlds-fastest-growing-economy-by-2022-gdp-to-rise-by-75-512729">Saudi Arabia</a> is increasingly playing the role of the Middle East's drug capital, fueling demand and emerging as the main destination for traffickers from Syria and Lebanon, as evidenced by the record-breaking seizure. They claim that the kingdom is one of the biggest and wealthiest regional destinations for drugs, and that situation is only getting worse.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control claims that in terms of the quantity of drugs seized, Wednesday's operation represented the largest single smuggling attempt. The United Nations Office on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-approves-worlds-first-inhaled-covid-19-vaccine-for-emergency-use-513111">Drugs</a> and Crime (UNODC) has previously stated that "reports of amphetamine seizures from countries in the Middle East continue to refer predominantly to tablets bearing the Captagon logo," despite the fact that authorities failed to identify the drug they seized or the source.

Originally known as Captagon, this medication contained the artificial stimulant fenethylline. According to the European Monitoring Centre for Medications and Drug Addiction, counterfeit drugs with the name "Captagon" are frequently found in the Middle East even though they are no longer produced officially.

Drug busts in Saudi Arabia and other countries in the area have increased over time. 320 kilogrammes of amphetamine tablets and over 3,000 kilogrammes of hashish worth millions of dollars were taken from a fishing boat in the Gulf of Oman by a US Coast Guard vessel earlier this week.

Although it first gained popularity in the kingdom about 15 years ago, it has grown significantly in the last five years, "perhaps reaching the level of cannabis," according to Vanda Felbab-Brown, a fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC, who has written on the topic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opec-agrees-to-cut-production-for-first-time-in-a-year-after-oil-price-slump-513187">OPEC to cut production by 100,000 barrels per day after oil price slump</a>

According to data from the International Addiction Review journal, the street value of captagon, if it was the same substance, could be up to $1.1 billion. The drug may be purchased for between $10 and $25 per pill.

After the government started issuing licences to private businesses, a number of drug rehabilitation facilities have appeared throughout the kingdom in recent years.

According to the CEO of Qaweem, one of the first such facilities to launch, Khalid Al Mashari, four or five such facilities have opened in the previous two years. That proves that the government understands the value of rehabilitation, he claims, but it also demonstrates that the issue is getting worse.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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In April, a man in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province set his family home on fire before iftar, the meal that breaks the Ramadan fast, causing a gory drug-induced killing that gripped the nation's media.

In April, a man in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province set his family home on fire before iftar, the meal that breaks the Ramadan fast, causing a gory drug-induced killing that gripped the nation's media. His family lost four members in the shooting. According to local newspapers, police claimed he was under the influence of shabu, a methamphetamine. Recent reports in Saudi media have raised concerns about the rise in drug use. One columnist there called the shipments of drugs into the kingdom "an open war against us, more dangerous than any other war." As reported by CNN, over 47 million amphetamine pills were discovered concealed in a shipment of flour and discovered in a warehouse on Wednesday, Saudi police claimed the largest drug bust in their nation's history. According to experts, Saudi Arabia is increasingly playing the role of the Middle East's drug capital, fueling demand and emerging as the main destination for traffickers from Syria and Lebanon, as evidenced by the record-breaking seizure. They claim that the kingdom is one of the biggest and wealthiest regional destinations for drugs, and that situation is only getting worse. The General Directorate of Narcotics Control claims that in terms of the quantity of drugs seized, Wednesday's operation represented the largest single smuggling attempt. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has previously stated that "reports of amphetamine seizures from countries in the Middle East continue to refer predominantly to tablets bearing the Captagon logo," despite the fact that authorities failed to identify the drug they seized or the source. Originally known as Captagon, this medication contained the artificial stimulant fenethylline. According to the European Monitoring Centre for Medications and Drug Addiction, counterfeit drugs with the name "Captagon" are frequently found in the Middle East even though they are no longer produced officially. Drug busts in Saudi Arabia and other countries in the area have increased over time. 320 kilogrammes of amphetamine tablets and over 3,000 kilogrammes of hashish worth millions of dollars were taken from a fishing boat in the Gulf of Oman by a US Coast Guard vessel earlier this week. Although it first gained popularity in the kingdom about 15 years ago, it has grown significantly in the last five years, "perhaps reaching the level of cannabis," according to Vanda Felbab-Brown, a fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC, who has written on the topic. Also read | OPEC to cut production by 100,000 barrels per day after oil price slump According to data from the International Addiction Review journal, the street value of captagon, if it was the same substance, could be up to $1.1 billion. The drug may be purchased for between $10 and $25 per pill. After the government started issuing licences to private businesses, a number of drug rehabilitation facilities have appeared throughout the kingdom in recent years. According to the CEO of Qaweem, one of the first such facilities to launch, Khalid Al Mashari, four or five such facilities have opened in the previous two years. That proves that the government understands the value of rehabilitation, he claims, but it also demonstrates that the issue is getting worse. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Is Saudi Arabia becoming the drug capital of the Middle East?

In 2022, Saudi Arabia is expected to have the fastest-growing economy, surpassing other faltering Western European and North American countries as well as Asian heavyweights China and India.

According to the report in Economist Intelligence, the Kingdom's gross domestic product is anticipated to expand at the fastest rate since 2011—7.5 percent—this year.

According to the research, increased energy costs, increased oil and gas output, significant investments in the energy and non-energy industries, and the successful implementation of a comprehensive COVID-19 immunisation campaign are the main drivers of the Kingdom's economic growth, as reported by the Arab news.&nbsp;

In addition, it predicted that Saudi Arabia's real GDP growth will be close to a healthy 5% in 2023 before reverting to a more manageable 3% growth between 2024 and 2026.

The current account balance of Saudi Arabia is predicted to be in surplus in 2022, amounting to roughly $163 billion, up from $44 billion in 2021.

Consumer price inflation is anticipated to average around 2.5 percent in 2022 and to further decline in 2023 as the Saudi Central Bank continues to tighten monetary policy in accordance with the US Federal Reserve, according to the report.

It made note of the fact that the Kingdom's ongoing regulatory reforms are enhancing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plants-main-external-power-line-cut-off-radiation-leak-narrowly-avoided-512725">business climate</a> and luring foreign capital.

Along with assisting the labour market, these reforms are also increasing the participation of the private sector in the economy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-can-risky-g7-cap-on-russian-oil-prices-backfire-512727">Explained: Can 'risky' G7 cap on Russian oil prices backfire?</a>

“Pro-business reforms have made it easier to start a business and easier for foreign companies to invest in the economy, both of which are fundamental to the Kingdom’s long-term development plans under the Vision 2030 strategy,” the report said.&nbsp;

The report says&nbsp;Saudi Arabia's economic prognosis is still positive as long as the reform process stays on course and money keeps flowing into the country's important initiatives and expanding industries.

The International Monetary Fund forecasted in August that Saudi Arabia's GDP will increase by 7.6 percent in 2022.

The IMF's Article IV consultation report predicts that the Kingdom's inflation rate in 2022 will be 2.8 percent.

“Liquidity and fiscal support, reform momentum under Vision 2030, and high oil prices and production helped the economy recover with robust growth, contained inflation and a resilient financial sector,” said the IMF&nbsp;in a press release.&nbsp;

The Saudi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-can-play-a-facilitator-role-in-the-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-erdogan-tells-putin-512668">economy</a> is not likely to be significantly impacted by the rise in interest rates, according to the IMF research.

The report also mentioned that fiscal consolidation in Saudi Arabia will be supported by changes in tax administration and policy that will increase tax collection from sources other than oil.

Also WATCH |&nbsp;Indian economy surpasses UK's, beats GDP in nominal cash terms

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In 2022, Saudi Arabia is expected to have the fastest-growing economy, surpassing other faltering Western European and North American countries as well as Asian heavyweights China and India.

In 2022, Saudi Arabia is expected to have the fastest-growing economy, surpassing other faltering Western European and North American countries as well as Asian heavyweights China and India. According to the report in Economist Intelligence, the Kingdom's gross domestic product is anticipated to expand at the fastest rate since 2011—7.5 percent—this year. According to the research, increased energy costs, increased oil and gas output, significant investments in the energy and non-energy industries, and the successful implementation of a comprehensive COVID-19 immunisation campaign are the main drivers of the Kingdom's economic growth, as reported by the Arab news. In addition, it predicted that Saudi Arabia's real GDP growth will be close to a healthy 5% in 2023 before reverting to a more manageable 3% growth between 2024 and 2026. The current account balance of Saudi Arabia is predicted to be in surplus in 2022, amounting to roughly $163 billion, up from $44 billion in 2021. Consumer price inflation is anticipated to average around 2.5 percent in 2022 and to further decline in 2023 as the Saudi Central Bank continues to tighten monetary policy in accordance with the US Federal Reserve, according to the report. It made note of the fact that the Kingdom's ongoing regulatory reforms are enhancing the business climate and luring foreign capital. Along with assisting the labour market, these reforms are also increasing the participation of the private sector in the economy. Also read | Explained: Can 'risky' G7 cap on Russian oil prices backfire? “Pro-business reforms have made it easier to start a business and easier for foreign companies to invest in the economy, both of which are fundamental to the Kingdom’s long-term development plans under the Vision 2030 strategy,” the report said. The report says Saudi Arabia's economic prognosis is still positive as long as the reform process stays on course and money keeps flowing into the country's important initiatives and expanding industries. The International Monetary Fund forecasted in August that Saudi Arabia's GDP will increase by 7.6 percent in 2022. The IMF's Article IV consultation report predicts that the Kingdom's inflation rate in 2022 will be 2.8 percent. “Liquidity and fiscal support, reform momentum under Vision 2030, and high oil prices and production helped the economy recover with robust growth, contained inflation and a resilient financial sector,” said the IMF in a press release. The Saudi economy is not likely to be significantly impacted by the rise in interest rates, according to the IMF research. The report also mentioned that fiscal consolidation in Saudi Arabia will be supported by changes in tax administration and policy that will increase tax collection from sources other than oil. Also WATCH | Indian economy surpasses UK's, beats GDP in nominal cash terms

Saudi Arabia to be the world's fastest-growing economy in 2022; GDP to rise by 7.5%: Report

The Gaza Strip's ruling Hamas movement declared on Sunday that it had executed five Palestinians, two of whom were accused of "collaboration" with Israel.

“On Sunday morning, the death sentence was carried out against two condemned over collaboration with the occupation (Israel), and three others in criminal cases,” Hamas said in a statement. It added that the defendants had previously been given “their full rights to defend themselves.”

The initials and years of birth of the five Palestinians who were executed by Hamas were supplied, but not their full names. Two men who were hanged for "collaborating" with Israel were born in 1978 and 1968, respectively.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-saudi-arabia-expected-to-be-the-worlds-fastest-growing-economy-by-2022-gdp-to-rise-by-75-512729">Saudi Arabia to be the world's fastest-growing economy in 2022; GDP to rise by 7.5%: Report</a>

The oldest of the two lived in Khan Yunis, a city in the southern part of the Gaza Strip that is under blockade. According to Hamas, he was found guilty of giving Israel "information on men of the resistance, their domicile... and the location of rocket launchpads" in 1991.

According to the statement, the second was criticised for providing Israel with information in 2001 "that resulted in the targeting and death of residents" by Israeli soldiers.

The announcement claimed that the three other people who were executed on Sunday had all been found guilty of murder.

(With inputs from agencies)

Also WATCH | Reports: How Turkish media is drowning in censorship

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The Gaza Strip's ruling Hamas movement declared on Sunday that it had executed five Palestinians, two of whom were accused of "collaboration" with Israel. “On Sunday morning, the death sentence was carried out against two condemned over collaboration with the occupation (Israel), and three others in criminal cases,” Hamas said in a statement.

The Gaza Strip's ruling Hamas movement declared on Sunday that it had executed five Palestinians, two of whom were accused of "collaboration" with Israel. “On Sunday morning, the death sentence was carried out against two condemned over collaboration with the occupation (Israel), and three others in criminal cases,” Hamas said in a statement. It added that the defendants had previously been given “their full rights to defend themselves.” The initials and years of birth of the five Palestinians who were executed by Hamas were supplied, but not their full names. Two men who were hanged for "collaborating" with Israel were born in 1978 and 1968, respectively. Also read | Saudi Arabia to be the world's fastest-growing economy in 2022; GDP to rise by 7.5%: Report The oldest of the two lived in Khan Yunis, a city in the southern part of the Gaza Strip that is under blockade. According to Hamas, he was found guilty of giving Israel "information on men of the resistance, their domicile... and the location of rocket launchpads" in 1991. According to the statement, the second was criticised for providing Israel with information in 2001 "that resulted in the targeting and death of residents" by Israeli soldiers. The announcement claimed that the three other people who were executed on Sunday had all been found guilty of murder. (With inputs from agencies) Also WATCH | Reports: How Turkish media is drowning in censorship

Hamas executes five Palestinians of Gaza, accusing them of murder, supporting Israel

China has gained a major foothold in oil-rich Iraq, shaking up Western domination in fields from energy to construction, even as some warn that infrastructure projects could leave Baghdad in debt. Ghadi Francis tells you more on The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post | China cements influence in Iraq through oil & infrastructure

Israel and Turkey announced the resumption of full diplomatic ties, following years of strained relations between the West Asian nations. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint: Israel, Turkey to restore full diplomatic ties

After a visit to West Asia, Russian President Vladimir Putin sends his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Africa, hoping to turn hunger and social strife across the continent to Moscow's advantage. And Russia, could possibly find a receptive audience.

WION Fineprint: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visits Africa to strengthen ties

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