Beyond the Solidarity, the Same Old Middle East Conflicts

by Thomas W. Lippman There’s no telling how much it cost Saudi Arabia to stage that lavish three-summit extravaganza in Mecca last week, but on the surface it appeared that the Saudis got their money’s worth. King Salman presided and,… Continue Reading

For Saudis, the Product Negates the Message

by Thomas W. Lippman Ever since the Arab oil embargo of 1973-74 infuriated Americans with escalating gasoline prices and long lines at the pump, Saudi Arabia has spent lavishly in the United States on efforts to burnish its image among… Continue Reading

An Uncomfortable Alliance: The United States and Bahrain

by Thomas W. Lippman Every year in late winter or early spring, the commander of all U.S. military forces in the Middle East and Central and South Asia delivers an extensive report to Congress about operations, strategy, planning, and training… Continue Reading