Saudi Arabia

What Pakistan’s Nuclear Pact Means for Saudi Arabia’s Defense

Pakistan has extended its nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia in a surprise defense agreement that could reshape strategic alliances in both the Middle East and South Asia. Signed in Riyadh on September 17 between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the treaty commits both countries to mutual ...

The Deception of the Obstructionist Axis: Did You Say ‘Resistance’?

A textbook example of deceit and blatant bad faith — that’s how one could describe the speech delivered late last week by Hezbollah’s secretary-general, Sheikh Naim Qassem. With a straight face, he called on Saudi Arabia to “open a new page in its relations with the resistance,” and he added, almost innocently, that “the weapons of the ...

With Cash and Aid, Saudi Arabia Pursues Soft Power Push in Syria

After losing his arms in an ordnance explosion, Syrian teenager Mohammed Hasram was fitted with prosthetic limbs funded by Saudi Arabia, which is leveraging major investments and aid to gain influence over Damascus. Since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in December, Saudi Arabia has showered the new leadership with millions of dollars ...

Bin Farhan Meets Aoun as Naim Qassem Calls for Dialogue with Riyadh

Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan’s visit to Beirut coincided with a call by Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem for dialogue with Saudi Arabia. Political sources said the overlap was coincidental. The Saudi envoy offered no reaction, suggesting Riyadh merely took note of the statement. According to the same sources, bin Farhan’s meeting ...

Saudi-Pakistan Defense Pact Reshapes Regional Power Dynamics

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement on Wednesday, making any act of aggression against one country an act of aggression against both. The accord was formalized during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Officials described the deal as a ...

Back to School in Lebanon Is No Celebration, It’s a Struggle !

In Lebanon, the back-to-school season is no longer about fresh notebooks and new backpacks. Instead, it unfolds in the shadow of economic hardship and painful trade-offs. Families, overwhelmed by the ongoing financial crisis, are slashing their spending on school supplies, even as private schools continue to require new textbooks every year, often ...

US, Saudi, UAE, Egypt Call for Sudan Truce, Transition to Civilian Rule

The United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt called on Friday for a three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan, to be followed by a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition towards civilian rule. In a joint statement issued by the US State Department, the four countries said the transition should "meet the ...

Lebanese Potatoes: Tubers, Challenges and Export Hopes

In a country where even bread is becoming a luxury, one might think the potato – king of family meals and star of mezze – is guaranteed a smooth ride. Yet behind every plate of crispy “batata” lies the story of farmers digging the soil… and digging deeper into debt. The Roots of the Problem According to the Ministry of Agriculture, ...

Football: Lebanon Joins Asia's Elite

In the sweltering heat of the Thai capital, Lebanon gave a masterclass in efficiency and control. Facing a tenacious Mongolian side, Michel Sfeir's players held their nerve and quickly took control of the match at Thammasat Stadium. In the 8th minute, Danny Istambouli opened the scoring with an unstoppable cross-shot. Just before halftime (45+1), ...

Saudi Launches Damascus Area Reconstruction Project

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday humanitarian projects for Syria, including the removal of wartime rubble around Damascus, weeks after inking investment deals worth billions to help rebuild the country's infrastructure. The oil-rich Gulf kingdom has been a major backer of the new Syrian government, which came to power after an Islamist-led ...

Lebanon Seizes Record Cocaine Shipment from Brazil at Tripoli Port in Saudi-Coordinated Operation

In what Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar called a “historic” operation, Lebanese authorities have intercepted the largest cocaine shipment the country has seen in years. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Hajjar revealed that the operation was made possible through “coordinated efforts with Saudi ...