by Giorgio Cafiero Qatar’s recent decision to leave the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) effective January 1, 2019 marks the first time a Middle Eastern member has left the cartel. Nonetheless, given Qatar’s national strategic needs and forecasted trends… Continue Reading
by Khalid Al-Jaber Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) paid a formal visit to Kuwait on September 30. His visit only lasted for a few hours. Since he returned to Saudi Arabia, pundits have speculated that the meeting went… Continue Reading
by James A. Russell The media has provided a daily barrage of coverage of the ever-changing story of how Jamal Khashoggi met his tragic and barbaric demise, with accompanying tales of just how awful those bad old Saudis really are.… Continue Reading
by Emile Nakhleh Anyone who follows how the tribal regimes in the Persian Gulf operate in their state-fiefdoms knows that no major decision—political, economic, social, military—is made domestically and internationally without the knowledge and approval of the senior leadership, particularly… Continue Reading
by Emile Nakhleh The disappearance and possible murder and dismemberment of Jamal Khashoggi lay bare the “reform” lies that Mohammad bin Salman (MbS) has been spouting about his so-called opening up of Saudi society. His thuggish attitude and vicious actions… Continue Reading