[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on the Arabian Peninsula for the past two weeks and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Arabian Peninsula Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week's roundup to ap@jadaliyya.com by Monday night of every week.]
Regional and International Relations
Final Battle for the Arab World“So it might be useful to step back from examining any one conflict and instead simply try to identify larger historical and political patterns.”
US senators approve Trump's weapons deal with Saudi Arabia, despite concerns for Yemen civilians“The vote Tuesday was 53-47, clearing the way for the sale to be finalised.”
Saudi says not allow Turkey to set up military bases on its land“The announcement was made after a meeting between Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Jeddah.”
Trade talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia mark a historic first“The links would start small: allowing Israeli businesses to operate in the Gulf, for example, and letting El Al, the national airline, fly over Saudi airspace.”
Bahrain: Only Independent Newspaper Shut Down“The Bahrain authorities should immediately revoke the order. Al Wasat is one of the very few independent news sites in the entire Gulf region.”
Gulf crisis: Qatar pulls troops from Djibouti border“Doha cancels mediation mission on the Djibouti-Eritrea border, ending years of peacekeeping efforts.”
Qatar-Iran ties: Sharing the world's largest gas field“Energy production from the world's largest gas field ties Tehran and Doha in working relationship.”
Trump sells Qatar $12 billion of U.S. weapons days after accusing it of funding terrorism“One part of the deal was inked on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., when Qatar's Defense Minister met with U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis.”
How the Saudi-Qatar Rivalry, Now Combusting, Reshaped the Middle East“Though Qatar had stepped back, its campaign taught Saudi Arabia a lesson: An uncontrolled Qatar posed a grave threat.”
Oil prices are tanking right now; US crude drops below $45 a barrel to 5-week low“WTI prices traded within a dollar of the May 5 low and threatened to fall to the lowest level since mid-November.”
Qatar signs $12-billion deal to buy F-15 fighter jets from U.S.“The deal was completed despite the Gulf country being criticized recently by U.S. President Donald Trump for supporting terrorism.”
Saudi Arabia says it disrupts attack on offshore oil field“The announcement comes after Iranian state television accused Saudi Arabia’s coast guard of killing an Iranian fisherman on Friday.”
Saudi Minister Says Prosecutor's Move Is Part of Wider Reforms“King Salman decided on June 17 to change the name of the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution to Public Prosecution.”
Qatar crisis: UAE accused of bankrolling Turkey coup“Journalist close to Turkish state claims UAE spent $3bn on plot, while Turkish president calls Saudi-UAE-Bahrain blockade on Qatar 'inhumane'.”
Saudi Arabia says Qatar not under 'blockade' and offers aid“Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir insisted that his country has not imposed a "blockade" on Qatar.”
Qatar isolation 'inhumane', violates Islamic values, says Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdogan“Erdogan's comments marked the strongest intervention yet by a powerful regional ally of Doha.”
Oil market fundamentals heading in right direction - Saudi's Falih“Oil prices dipped on Monday, weighed down by a continuing expansion in U.S. drilling that has helped to maintain high global supplies despite an OPEC-led initiative to tighten the market.”
Saudi Arabia bans imports of Egyptian strawberries“Saudi Arabia is banning imports of Egyptian strawberries due to pesticide residues.”
Egypt lawmakers approve island transfer to Saudi Arabia“Parliament approves controversial treaty to hand over the islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia.”
Iraqis and Saudis at odds over Abadi’s visit to Riyadh“Riyadh says Iraq postponed al-Abadi's visit, while Baghdad claims it did not set Wednesday as date of the trip.”
Video: Intervention for US Congressman McGovern Calling to Immediately Release Nabeel Rajab“US Congressman James McGovern called to immediately and unconditionally release the prominent human rights defender Nabeel Rajab.”
Suspects arrested over Bahrain blast in village of Shi'ite cleric: ministry“The blast in Diraz killed one member of the security services and wounded two others.”
Yemen orders probe into alleged torture by UAE“Prime Minister sets up panel to probe alleged abuse and forced disappearances by UAE and its allied Yemeni forces.”
Saudi King Rewrites Succession, Replacing Heir With Son, 31“Some wondered whether the young prince’s assertiveness would further destabilize the region.”
Gargash: Gulf states don't seek Qatar 'regime change'“UAE minister also says if demands are not met the 'alternative is not escalation', but the 'parting of ways.’”
Indonesia will not change UAE maid ban“Indonesia plans to maintain a ban on its citizens working as household staff, despite the planned introduction of laws to guarantee them greater rights.”
Hafter meets UAE deputy chief of staff in Rajma“The LNA said merely that their meeting came within ‘the framework of brotherhood and cooperation between Libya and UAE at all levels.’”
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council Crisis“The dispute also reflects deeper dynamics in Arab and regional politics that are shaping the increasingly turbulent and violent realities of the Middle East.”
Saudi Arabia’s Answer to Qatar Crisis is Only Making Things Worse“The extraordinary 13-point ultimatum delivered to Qatar Friday includes scale back ties with Iran and cut them altogether with the Muslim Brotherhood.”
The Coming War Between Saudi Arabia And Iran Will Make American Frackers Very Rich“A dream scenario for American frackers, as they will pump oil as fast as they can to fill in the gap generated from the shortfall in the middle supplies.”
Egyptian President Agrees to Cede 2 Islands to Saudi Arabia“Mr. Sisi’s government announced the maritime agreement last year with Saudi Arabia, an ally that has given billions of dollars of aid to Egypt.”
Saudi Arabia says it has foiled Ramadan terror plot to blow up Mecca Grand Mosque“Suspect ‘blew himself up after exchanging gunfire with security forces.’”
Qatar given 10 days to meet 13 sweeping demands by Saudi Arabia“Gulf dispute deepens as allies issue ultimatum for ending blockade that includes closing al-Jazeera and cutting back ties with Iran.”
Camels caught up in Qatar feud reunited with their owners“Thousands of camels crossed Saudi Arabia's desert border into Qatar on Tuesday and were reunited with their owners.”
Saudi king ousts nephew to name son as first in line to throne“Mohammed bin Nayef replaced by Mohammed bin Salman, 31-year-old in charge of economy and war in Yemen.”
Israel hopes GCC rift will 'intensify Hamas' isolation'“The Saudis publicly adopted Israel's definition of Hamas as a ‘terror organisation’ rather than a resistance movement.”
Saudi king empowers young reformer son in succession shake-up“Although Mohammed bin Salman's promotion to crown prince was expected among those who follow the royal family closely, the timing was a surprise.”
Iraq, Saudi Arabia aim to upgrade diplomatic relations: statement“Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi met with Saudi King Salman a day earlier on the first leg of a Middle East tour that will also include Iran and Kuwait.”
UAE warned US it could end intelligence cooperation over 9/11 victims claims“The communications reveal how UAE joined Saudi Arabia's work to lobby against the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act.”
Trump, new Saudi crown prince share hardline views on Iran but risks abound“Saudi Arabia's new crown prince and likely next king shares U.S. President Donald Trump's hawkish view of Iran.”
The images Saudi Arabia doesn't want you to see“Sources tell CNN the UN fears allowing journalists onto aid planes could lead to a complete block by Saudi authorities of their future flights into Sana'a.”
Qatar row: Arab states send list of steep demands“Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are asking the Gulf state to shut down its broadcaster, Al Jazeera.”
American Airlines CEO not pleased Qatar Airways wants a big stake in his company“American Airlines is not thrilled about Qatar Airways' desire to acquire a 10% stake in the U.S. airline.”
By demanding the end of Al Jazeera, Saudi Arabia is trying to turn Qatar into a vassal state“If Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman can rush into a hopeless war with the Houthis of Yemen, why shouldn’t he threaten the body politic of Qatar?”
Reports and Opinions
Your Western Think Tank Funding Cheatsheet for the Qatar-GCC conflict“A short cheat sheet of the most prominent think tanks known to receive significant funding from Gulf states.”
Commentary: Inside Trump’s Middle East mess“Trump’s recent trip to the area was intended to bring together like-minded Arab states and Israel to hold the line against Iran.”
Salman vs Nayef: Rumours and ramblings in Saudi's game of thrones“Whispers abound about power grabs, comebacks and plots in the Saudi royal family. If they happen, they will have serious repercussions beyond the kingdom.”
Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Al-Thani“The former prime minister of Qatar discusses his Middle Eastern states' attempted political and economic isolation of Qatar for its alleged support of terrorism.”
Gulf / Qatar dispute: Human dignity trampled and families facing uncertainty as sinister deadline passes“The three Gulf states had given their citizens the deadline of 19 June to leave Qatar and return to their respective countries or face fines.”
Senate Narrowly Backs Trump Weapons Sale to Saudi Arabia“An unexpectedly close procedural vote that reflected mounting concern over the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen’s war.”
A Saudi Woman Who Got Behind the Wheel and Never Looked Back“Inside Saudi Arabia, the rules were—and remain—particularly onerous for women.”
Israel hopes GCC rift will 'intensify Hamas' isolation'“The Saudis publicly adopted Israel's definition of Hamas as a "terror organisation" rather than a resistance movement.”
As oil tanks, Saudi Arabia's next effort to boost prices may be targeting US oil inventory data“Saudi Arabia is said to be considering holding back exports into the U.S. in July.”
Saudi king strips crown prince of prosecution oversight“King Salman has issued a royal decree that restructures the country’s system for prosecutions, essentially stripping the crown prince of longstanding powers.”
Meet the Two Princes Reshaping the Middle East“Depending on your point of view, they may be the harbingers of a new and better Middle East—or reckless architects of disaster.”
Qatar FM: We won't negotiate until blockade is lifted“Qatar had still not received any demands from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.”
The siege of Qatar isn’t working“The tiny emirate is well placed to hold out for a good while yet.”
Qatar will not shut gas pipeline to UAE: QP CEO“Although there was a ‘force majeure’ clause in the Dolphin gas pipeline agreement which pumps around 2 billion cubic feet of gas per day to the UAE Qatar would not stop supplies to its ‘brothers’.”
UAE to Buy Several Dozen Su-35 Planes From Russia“The UAE has confirmed its intention to buy several dozen Su-35 fighters from Russia for its air force, the head of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation said Monday.”
Saudi-Turkish ties strained over differing views on Qatar“Ties between Saudi Arabia and Turkey have begun to fray due to sharply different policies toward Qatar.”
Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's prince of chaos“When King Salman and his son Mohammed came to power, there was hope of sorely needed leadership in the region. Instead, they may have fragmented it beyond repair.”
Saudi Arabia’s role in success of al-Jazeera“Saudis’ sudden closure of BBC Arabic channel gave Qatar pick of more than 150 talented BBC-trained Arab presenters, writers, producers and technicians.”
Nomads no more: Camels break Saudi-led blockade of Qatar “Thousands of camels cross Qatar border after being stuck in Saudi Arabia for week due to blockade.”
A Brief History of Terror in Saudi Arabia“Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden had his Saudi citizenship stripped in 1994 after calling for Muslims to rise up against the reigning Saud dynasty after U.S. troops were stationed there.”
Duraz Remains Under Siege One Year Later“Arrests were made from the start, and countless individuals have been charged with illegally gathering in Duraz, in violation of their rights to freedom of assembly and expression.”
We're Demanding Answers on U.S. Involvement in Torture at Secret UAE Prison Network“This has set off alarm bells about possible U.S. complicity in or benefit from the torture of Yemenis in the secret prison network.”
Qatar Says Neighbors’ Demands Have Nothing To Do With Terror“Qatar’s ambassador to the U.S. offers the first glimpse of how the country is responding to demands presented on Friday.”
Qatar rejects demands list as 'unreasonable'“A government spokesperson, said on Saturday that the demands exceeded their stated intentions of fighting terrorism.”
Qatar blockade exposes rifts in Trump administration's 'peculiar' foreign policy“While Donald Trump backs the Saudi-led ultimatum, the state and defense departments are openly critical – a mixed message that could worsen the crisis.”
Saudi ups the ante: What next for embattled Qatar?“If both Qatar and Oman are out, then the GCC is pretty much dead in the water.”
Game of Thobes: Salman's elevation sees Saudi Arabia become Sultanate“Will the inertia of Saudi Arabia's old guard and the sheer size of the challenges that lie in his path, bring the new sultan down and his kingdom with him? Only time will tell.”
There’s reason to doubt Saudi Arabia’s charming new crown prince“Like the Yemen war, it should give cause for care in embracing the new Saudi crown prince.”
Crisis in Yemen
Saudi coalition attacks on Saada market kill dozens“At least 25 killed after two air raids hit al-Mashnaq market in Shada district in northwestern Yemen.”
Who is to blame for the cholera outbreak in Yemen?“More than 130,000 people have been infected with cholera and almost 1,000 people have died since April, UN says.”
US Drone Strike Kills Two Suspects in Southern Yemen“This is the latest in an increasing number of US drone strikes that have been carried out in Yemen since President Trump took office.”
Unicef Steps In to Pay Yemen’s Doctors as War and Cholera Rage“Unicef has taken the unusual step of paying the country’s doctors and nurses, who have not received salaries in months.”
Saudi Arabia Tries to Ease Concerns Over Civilian Deaths in Yemen“In October, the coalition bombed a funeral reception in Sana, the capital, killing more than 100 people.”
One child infected every 35 seconds in Yemen cholera crisis“The infectious disease has now killed nearly 1,000 people, even though it is easily treatable.”
Norwegian oil company, DNO, refuses to pay workers in Yemen“DNO has deflected all legal obligations to their workers and to the Yemeni authorities.”
Sudan plans to send additional forces to Yemen amid heavy casualties“Sudanese Armed Forces suffered dozens of casualties and injuries on Yemen’s western coast in the battles of Midi port, Hajjah province.”
Yemeni children infected by cholera at rate of one every 35 seconds“Save the Children warns rate of infection has tripled in two weeks, fuelled by near-famine conditions and crippled infrastructure.”
America will regret helping Saudi Arabia bomb Yemen“Selling weapons to Saudi Arabia has consequences. The intense anti-US sentiment in Yemen should be a wake-up call for Americans.”
One wounded in missile attack on UAE ship off Yemen, SPA reports“Several such attacks were reported since last year against Saudi, Emirati and U.S. ships in the Red Sea.”
Press briefing note on Yemen and destruction of Mosul mosque“The UN Human Rights Office in Yemen continues to document reports of civilian casualties as a result of the conflict.”
The horrors of Yemen's spiralling cholera crisis“Children dying in hospital hallways. Four sick people crammed into one bed.”
Yemen: UAE Backs Abusive Local Forces“The UAE supports Yemeni forces that have arbitrarily detained, forcibly disappeared, tortured, and abused dozens of people during security operations.”
In Yemen’s secret prisons, UAE tortures and US interrogates“Senior American defense officials acknowledged Wednesday that U.S. forces have been involved in interrogations of detainees in Yemen.”
Secular Yemenis live in fear after student is killed in Aden“Friends suspect Abdulrahman was shot dead by Islamist militants who they say are waging a campaign of persecution against secularists.”
Yemen: UN panel discusses the ongoing attacks on public freedoms during wartime“Participants at the panel called for an international investigation into the crimes committed by all sides in the conflict in Yemen.”
The Danger of Yemen's Secret Prisons“Black sites in the war-ravaged country help ensure that it will remain fertile ground for terrorists for years to come.”
UN: Yemen faces world's worst cholera outbreak“WHO says more than 1,300 people have died and as many as 300,000 could become infected by the end of August.”
Yemen: Irish Red Cross steps up fight against cholera“One in every 250 Yemenis is suspected to have contracted cholera as heavy rains and uncollected waste accelerate the spread of the disease.”
U.S. military says kills al Qaeda leader in key Yemen province“The U.S. military said on Thursday it carried out an air strike in Yemen that killed Abu Khattab al Awlaqi.”
Several Houthi Rebels Die in Exchange of Fire in Yemeni Mosque“The incident followed a conflict over voicing slogans in the mosque, where the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.”
Saudi air strikes kill at least 25 in attack on Yemen market“The aircraft conducted two raids on al-Mashnaq market in Shada district, which is close to the Saudi border.”
U.N. blames warring sides for Yemen's 'man-made' cholera 'catastrophe'“The number of suspected cases of the disease reached 179,548 by 20 June, with 1,205 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.”
From War to Cholera, Yemen Is Facing World's Largest Humanitarian Crisis“It's hard to describe in words how devastating it is, to be totally frank. So what you've got is what the U.N. describes as the world's largest humanitarian crisis.”
Human Rights
HRW: Media Blocked, Threatened in Dispute with Qatar“The action is a violation of freedom of expression, HRW noted. The countries involved include Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.”
When Human Rights Defenders Continue Their Work From Prison“In Bahrain leading human rights defender Nabeel Rajab, arrested a year ago today, has managed to write several opeds from prison.”
Ten years in jail and 1,000 lashes: why we must defend Saudi blogger Raif Badawi“The Badawi case is illuminating about the nature of the Saudi regime and the ideas that it understands as an existential threat.”
Our father is brave, we wait for him with hope in our hearts“Saudi Arabian blogger Raif Badawi was detained on 17 June 2012 and sentenced in 2014 to 10 years in prison for creating an online forum for public debate.”
Saudi Arabia: Release blogger Raif Badawi, still behind bars after five years“More than a million messages from Amnesty International activists have been sent in support of Raif Badawi since 2014.”
Saudi Arabia: Further Information: Sentence Confirmed on Saudi Arabian Writer: Nazeer Al-Majed“Nazeer al-Majed has been detained since 18 January solely for having peacefully exercised his right to freedom of expression.”
ADHRB at HRC35: Event Summary on Women’s Rights in Saudi Arabia“Saudi Arabia's state practice is presently characterized by human rights abuses including widespread torture, arbitrary detention, censorship, and arbitrary execution.”
Saudi Arabia: Human rights defender Mohammed Al-Otaibi held incommunicado amid lengthy investigation“Al-Otaibi is held in the Intelligence Prison in the city of Al-Damam. He has not been given access to his family or a lawyer.”
Oman: Three “Azamn” journalists selected as Defenders of Human Rights & Freedom of Expression for June 2017 Successive arrests and closure of the newspaper are the result of news article entitled ‘Supreme bodies tie the hands of justice.’”
Expulsion of Qataris from Gulf states comes into effect“Amnesty says deadline imposed by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and UAE shows ‘utter contempt for human dignity.’”
Ahmad Zeidan left to rot in UAE prison, claims family“Ahmad Zeidan, of Reading, was sentenced to nine years in 2014 but claims he was tortured into admitting drugs charges.”
With New Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia Doubles Down On Political Repression And Regional Aggression“Prince Salman’s recklessness is likely to draw the U.S. more deeply into destabilizing regional conflicts.”
Bahrain jailed activists over tweets but still gets U.S. arms deal“Last year, human rights activist Nabeel Rajab was sent to prison for questioning the Bahrain government on Twitter, and he’s facing 18 years.”
Eight princesses from the United Arab Emirates convicted of human trafficking in Belgium“The Brussels criminal court handed the eight women from Abu Dhabi's ruling al-Nahyan family 15-month suspended sentences for human trafficking.”
Another Light Goes Out in Bahrain as Al Wasat Closes“Although it had to operate within tight media restrictions, Al Wasat carved a reputation for solid journalism in dangerous conditions.”
Bahrain: UN event assesses violations of the right to freedom of expression and assembly“Discussion held on the sidelines of the 35th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, examined the criminalisation of peaceful expression in Bahrain.”