The Kremlin and the Kingdom: Contradictory Signals?

by Mark N. Katz Two storylines about Saudi-Russian relations have recently dominated the airwaves. One is that Moscow and Riyadh are sharply divided by several issues: not only Syria and Iran, but also Crimea and the Russian belief that the… Continue Reading

What’s Going On In Saudi Arabia?

by Thomas W. Lippman An Arabic-speaking friend who has been doing business in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf for decades and seems to know everyone there invited me to lunch the other day.  He wanted to know if I could… Continue Reading

A Saudi-Iranian Rapprochement?

by Jim Lobe Paul Pillar has a blog up at the National Interest on the possibility that Saudi Arabia and Iran are moving toward some form of rapprochement. The latest development, as Paul points out, is the long-awaited invitation this week by… Continue Reading

Saudi Intel Chief Prince Bandar Is Out, But Is He Really Out?

by Thomas W. Lippman It might be a mistake to jump to conclusions about the removal of Prince Bandar bin Sultan from his post as chief of Saudi Arabian intelligence. When it comes to senior jobs held by the royals,… Continue Reading