The death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia sparked immediate speculations over how his successor, Salman, would navigate multiple foreign policy challenges presented by an increasingly volatile region.
The death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia sparked immediate speculations over how his successor, Salman, would navigate multiple foreign policy challenges presented by an increasingly volatile region. Although Salman has taken on increasing responsibilities since appointed crown prince in 2012, the new king is expected to keep a majority of the existing cabinet in place while maintaining a high level of oil production as part of a concerted effort to project stability through the continuity of Abdullah’s recent signature policies. Salman, however, is left with little choice but to establish an effective working relationship with U.S. President Barack Obama as his top foreign policy priority. Next, he will have to address the latest political crisis in Yemen, triggered by emboldened Houthi militiamen who forced President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and his cabinet to resign on Thursday last week; the Houthis have controlled key parts of the capital of Sanaa since September last year.
The “Make It in the Emirates” forum showcased how far the UAE’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities and ambitions have come – and how far they have left to go.
At least four significant geostrategic efforts focused on Syria are underway, an indication of the continuing fascination with – and desire to shape – developments in Syria.
Oman’s established links to both Tehran and the political leadership of Yemen’s Houthi insurgents – clearly valued by the administration of former President Barack Obama – may be seen now as reasons to keep Oman at arm’s length.
Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman appointed on March 2 Sayyid Assad bin Tariq al-Said as deputy prime minister for international cooperation. The appointment triggered immediate speculation among Western observers that Assad is being groomed to become Qaboos’ successor.
Since winning the greatest political upset in modern American history, Donald Trump has since taken on the US defense industry by publicly questioning whether Boeing was overcharging the American taxpayer for its government contract to build the next version of Air Force One, the presidential jet.
This week’s terrorist attacks in Ankara, Berlin and Zurich underscore once again that Syria’s entrenched conflict extends well beyond Syria’s borders and that the failure to pursue a comprehensive political solution, which is required to bring the war to an end, is bound to increase the flow of refugees seeking a better future in Europe.
Jan 3, 2017
Will Trump Preserve Obama’s Iran Policies?
Since winning the greatest political upset in modern American history, Donald Trump has since taken on the US defense industry by publicly questioning whether Boeing was overcharging the American taxpayer for its government contract to build the next version of Air Force One, the presidential jet.
6 min read