[Video] Is Saudi Arabia Recognizing Israel?
This video examines a potential historic shift in the Middle East—Saudi Arabia’s potential recognition of Israel. Driven by American efforts for regional stability, the normalization of Saudi-Israel relations will have both benefits and consequences for the region, particularly for Palestine.
The Siege of Mecca: The Forgotten Uprising in Islam’s Holiest Shrine and the Birth of Al-Qaeda
Written by Yaroslav Trofimov, the book “The Siege of Mecca: The Forgotten Uprising in Islam’s Holiest Shrine and the Birth of Al-Qaeda” was published in 2007. Trofimov aptly describes an in-depth historical context of the socio-political and religious landscape of Saudi Arabia and details the seizure of the Grand Mosque which took place in 1979. The book is a must-read if you want a neutral detailed explanation of this unfortunate takeover with a fact-based backstory.
The Power of Geography
Tim Marshall, a seasoned journalist, explores the geopolitical impact of geography in “The Power of Geography.” Focusing on ten key regions, including Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Türkiye, the Sahel, Ethiopia, Spain, and Space, Marshall delves into historical contexts and current challenges. He connects geography with political choices and global dynamics.
It’s Happening: the Saudi-Israel Peace Deal
Saudi Arabia and Israel have been working on a deal to normalize ties between the two nations. The news spread when Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, appeared in a televised interview with Fox News on 20th September and said that the nations were close to concluding a ‘serious’ agreement regarding bilateral peace.
Israel’s right-wing Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed the rumors of budding peace two days later as well. This deal is complex, and to understand it, there is a need to recognize all stakeholders and their respective demands.
Faisal Mosque and its Resemblance to the Kaaba
This article aims to highlight the famous Faisal Mosque in Pakistan’s capital city, Islamabad. Named after the late King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, who funded its construction, the mosque’s striking design resembles that of the Kaaba.
With its vast prayer hall, elegant white marble façade, and towering minarets, the Faisal Mosque stands as a symbol of beauty, tranquillity, and religious devotion, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its serene ambiance and breathtaking grandeur.
Waning US Hegemony, De-Dollarization, & the Incoming War with China
With the US’s foreign policy failures, its domestic rifts, and the China-led de-dollarization initiative, the current global landscape finds itself in a state of upheaval.
Sarmad Ishfaq explains that the steady decline of the US’s hegemony and the simultaneous rise of China will lead to an imminent conflict between the two, resulting in the US’s demise and the birth of a new world order.
Restored Saudi-Iran Relations and the Role of China
Following a seven-year period of severed ties, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran have recently agreed to resume diplomatic relations, with the assistance of China.
Both countries have expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Iraq, Oman, and China for their positive role in facilitating, hosting, and sponsoring the talks.
To Afifa Iqbal, the restoration of diplomatic ties is a welcome development, but she believes that it is improbable that major disagreements between the two states polarized by religion, geopolitics, and geostrategic interests will be resolved.
Are China and Russia Replacing the US in the Middle East?
China and Russia are making strategic and economic deals with the Middle East, especially Iran and Saudi Arabia, which will be detrimental to the domination of the US in the region.
Moreover, Western hostility has brought China, Russia, and Iran close to forming a triple axis.
To better understand China and Russia’s increasing relations in the Middle East, Sana Azhar explores the economic, strategic, and soft power domains.
Saudi Arabia, BRICS, and the Future of Petrodollar
Although there are numerous reasons behind the diffusion of power from the West to the East, the declining dominance of the dollar holds significant importance. The US has been able to dominate the world primarily because of the petrodollar. However, the Russia-Ukraine war, the realignment in Saudi Arabia and US relations, the strengthening of BRICS, and improving Chinese influence in the Middle East are some of the reasons responsible for denting the value of the dollar.
David vs Goliath: The Epic Military Mismatch Between Palestine and Israel
While the mainstream media is cognizant of the military discrepancy between Israel and the Palestinians, the consequences of this discrepancy are almost never commented on.
EU and GCC: Energy Partnerships Under Crisis
Facing one of its toughest winters, Europe looks to the Gulf countries to provide it with the energy that Russia had been providing for a long time.
Previously, the EU’s inclination for renewables and climate change—and GCC’s immutable investment in fossil fuels—stood in the way of an energy partnership.
Suhaib Shaukat explains the opportunities and challenges of cooperation between the EU and the GCC states. Some of the glaring obstacles include geopolitical decisions and critical infrastructure needs.
Cold War in the Islamic World by Dilip Hiro
Written by Dilip Hiro, “Cold War in the Islamic World: Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Struggle for Supremacy” presents an analysis of the ongoing conflict between Riyadh and Tehran. The author, while conveying the depth of conflict, explains the reality behind the persistent rivalry between both states.
How Russia’s Oil Exports Saved Its Economy
The West believed that the sanctions on Russia would completely leave the latter immobilized. Hafsa Ammar notes that while that was very likely, Russia’s influence and resources insulated itself from economic shocks. One significant Russian resource would be crude oil, as it has now become the primary oil supplier to both China and India—a position that once belonged to Saudi Arabia.
Reorienting the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Relationship
The asymmetrical relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has compromised Pakistan’s key strategic interests on various occasions. The volatility of this relationship has been the centre of attention of researchers and diplomats alike. Afifa Iqbal discusses the dissimilarity between Pakistan’s foreign policy objectives and the current state of bilateral ties.
The Unbalanced Foreign Policy of Pakistan
Lacking a judicious and effective foreign policy, Pakistan has always struggled against an unprecedented combination of challenges related to external relations. M. Shaheer Khattak walks us through Pakistan’s foreign relations with Saudi Arabia, Iran, China, India, Afghanistan, and the United States.
A Motorbike Ride to Saudi Arabia
Pakistani biker and vlogger, Abrar Hassan, rode his bike for 50 days to reach Medina – a feat that surely exhibits his daring spirit.
India’s Saudi Policy: Bridge to the Future
P.R. Kumaraswamy and Md. Muddassir Quamar’s book, India’s Saudi Policy: Bridge to the Future, explores New Delhi’s approach and policies toward Riyadh and how they have had a significant impact in reshaping bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia.