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Qatar and Saudi Arabia Competing for the Syrian Market

Marie de La Roche Saint-André, 15/05 10:30 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

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After supporting several Syrian opposition groups in the early stages of the war, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are now looking to capitalize on the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad last December to establish a strategic foothold in the country. With a new regime in place that aligns more closely with their interests, both countries are eager to ...

Donald Trump Reshapes the Middle East: A New Geopolitical Era

Mark Saikali, 15/05 10:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

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Donald Trump had promised that his visit to the Gulf would be historic — and he delivered. From the moment he stepped off the plane, a series of announcements followed swiftly. Let’s start with the numbers — and they’re staggering: $300 billion in signed deals spanning industry, research, defense, space, and even civilian nuclear energy. ...

Trump to Close Deal-Making Gulf Tour in UAE

This is Beirut, 15/05 09:15 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

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US President Donald Trump on Thursday closes a Middle East tour in the United Arab Emirates as he focuses squarely on seeking deals after billions of dollars of pledges from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The first major trip of his second term had been scheduled to end Thursday but Trump, always ready with surprises, did not rule out continuing on to ...

What Riyadh Really Expects from Trump's Visit

Soumia Benmerzoug, 13/05 16:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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On May 13 in Riyadh, Donald Trump kicked off a high-stakes tour of the Middle East, starting with a lavish welcome in Saudi Arabia. Escorted by Saudi F-15 fighter jets and greeted warmly by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the former real estate mogul turned president is under close scrutiny from the Kingdom. What are the Saudis really hoping to ...

Trump Basks in Saudi Welcome on Business-Focused State Visit

This is Beirut, 13/05 16:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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Donald Trump enjoyed a lavish, royal welcome in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday on the first state visit of his second term, with the US president foremost focused on business deals at the start of a Gulf tour. Saudi Arabia escorted Air Force One with fighter jets before bringing out long-stretching honour guards both at the airport and a palace decked ...

US State Department: Supporting LAF Remains a Priority

This is Beirut, 13/05 15:05 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

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US State Department spokesperson Sam Warburg emphasized on Tuesday the United States’ commitment to supporting the Lebanese Army (LAF), stressing that it must “extend its control over every inch of Lebanon.” In an interview with LBCI, Warburg noted that Washington is actively discussing with the Lebanese government the types of economic ...

Trump Says would be 'Stupid' to Reject Qatari Air Force One Gift

This is Beirut, 13/05 09:55 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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US President Donald Trump on Monday angrily dismissed concerns over his plans to receive a jet from Qatar to be used as Air Force One, saying it would be "stupid" not to accept such a gift. The offer from Qatar's royal family to donate the $400 million 747-8 to be used as the US presidential plane raised major questions about ethics and security, ...

US Approves $1.4 bn Weapons Sale to UAE

This is Beirut, 13/05 09:30 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

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US officials said Monday the State Department has authorized the sale of $1.4 billion worth of military aircraft and equipment to the United Arab Emirates, ahead of President Donald Trump's visit this week. The proposed sale to the Gulf state involves six CH-47F Chinook helicopters and other equipment for $1.32 billion that would "support the ...

From Iran’s Nuclear Program to Gaza: The Gulf as the New Hub of Global Diplomacy (1/2)

Malo Pinatel, 12/05 21:00 - Reading : 7 minute(s)

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On December 8, 2024, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stated that the member states of the GCC “are committed to strengthening dialogue and diplomacy, ensuring that the Gulf region remains a hub for peace and cooperation amid growing global competition.” This was said during a roundtable on the future of cooperative ...

What Will Donald Trump Do While in the Middle East?

David Hale , 12/05 18:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

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It is no surprise that President Trump's first major foreign trip (not counting the late Pope's funeral) since returning to office will be to the Arabian Peninsula. Saudi Arabia was also his first stop in 2017. It is only natural: the center of power in the Arab world rests in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. And the Saudis, Qataris, and Emiratis are his ...

Trump’s Middle East Tour: Diplomacy Under the Billion-Dollar Sign

Mario Chartouni, 12/05 17:55 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Donald Trump Middle East Gulf Saudi Arabia Qatar UAE

Donald Trump begins the first diplomatic tour of his second term with a strategic visit to Gulf monarchies. This tour — which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates — aims to strengthen already solid economic ties with these hydrocarbon-rich states, with the hope of securing massive trade and investment deals. Riyadh has ...

Riyadh Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Trump

This is Beirut, 12/05 12:20 - Reading : less than a minute

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Donald Trump will begin his Gulf tour in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, where he is set to receive a grand welcome in Riyadh. The visit will focus on boosting investments in defense, energy and artificial intelligence. However, rising tensions with Iran and the ongoing crisis in Gaza loom large over the trip.

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