The Cold War Between Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates Heats Up

The Cold War Between Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates Heats Up

The Saudi-UAE alliance, once hailed as an unbreakable pillar in the region, is experiencing significant strain due to Yemen’s complexities, economic rivalry, energy diplomacy, the Qatar crisis, and power struggles in the region. Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), gathered Saudi journalists in Riyadh in December to say that the United Arab Emirates (UAE)…

Syrian President Al-Assad Plays a Strong Hand in Diplomatic Poker

Syrian President Al-Assad Plays a Strong Hand in Diplomatic Poker

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has put restoration of control of all of Syria at the core of efforts to manage multiple Middle Eastern rivalries that often play out in his war-ravaged country. Mr. Al-Assad’s demand means different things to different parties. For a group of Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab…

The US Seeks to Drive a Wedge Between Russia and the UAE

The US Seeks to Drive a Wedge Between Russia and the UAE

While the United States and the European Union are unified on the issue of Ukraine, the UAE has chosen a neutral posture, which has generated worry in Western capitals. Consequently, the Emirates, in pursuit of long-term economic growth, is taking an “easier” approach to commercial issues, bolstering its position as an international transportation hub connecting…