by Henry Johnson The stampede in Mecca has opened the door to criticism of the Saudi monarchy and its management of a religious holiday that brings some two million Muslims to the holy city each year. Unsurprisingly, the loudest critiques… Continue Reading
by Thomas W. Lippman One of the most predictable, scripted events in Washington is a visit to the White House by a foreign leader during which neither the president nor his visitor wants to make any real news. A classic… Continue Reading
by Paul R. Pillar Saudi King Salman visits Washington this week amid disagreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia on a broad range of issues. Moreover, the disagreements are rooted in fundamental characteristics of the anachronistic Saudi regime. Many… Continue Reading
by Paul R. Pillar Saudi Arabia reportedly has taken custody of Ahmed al-Mughassil, accused of being a central figure in the truck bombing at Khobar Towers in eastern Saudi Arabia in 1996 in which 19 American airmen died. The report… Continue Reading
by Thomas Lippman For once the news from the Middle East doesn’t seem to be all bad. That doesn’t mean the news is good—most of it is not—but amid all the continuing conflicts some encouraging signs of sanity and seriousness… Continue Reading