West Asia News and Discussions

nirav · Post by **nirav** » 10 Jul 2017 05:20

Totally dig the fact that ME green on green along with hare brained Saudi strategies of launching soosai attempt to out price US shale have worked out incredibly well for Desh and Modi govt in particular..
From 100 USD in may 14 to 26 USD in Feb 16

It's facing massive resistance in the 50-55 band.

What to say, AoA onlee !

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 10 Jul 2017 13:28

Qatar fighting back,threatening to sue its aggressors.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/ ... mpensation

Qatar seeks compensation over Arab blockade
Qatari attorney general says country would pursue compensation claims against rivals Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates

Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editor
Sunday 9 July 2017 19.56 BST Last modified on Sunday 9 July 2017 22.00 BST
Qatar sought to apply pressure to the four states laying siege to its economy on Sunday by saying it had set up a special committee to pursue multi-billion compensation claims against them.

The announcement by Qatar’s attorney general threatens to add a further costly legal dimension to the battle between Qatar and its rivals Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt.

The four countries in dispute with Qatar have already themselves demanded compensation from Doha for what they allege was past interference in their internal affairs. The demand is one of 13 made by the quartet – part of a major power struggle that has torn apart the west’s key Gulf allies.

The Qatari attorney general said the compensation claims would be made on behalf of the businesses affected by the land and air embargo imposed by the four countries. The four insist they are mounting only a boycott and not a blockade. Qatar’s attorney general, Ali bin Fetais-al Marri, said he had set up a central committee to collate claims.

Analysis Qatar diplomatic crisis – what you need to know
Several Arab countries are breaking ties with Qatar. We look at the reasons why, and what the consequences may be

The US secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, will visit the region on Monday to see if he can add to the mediation work already being led by Kuwait.
The UK foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, spent the weekend shuttling between the major regional capitals urging both sides to de-escalate the dispute.

A decision is expected at the high court in London on Monday on whether the UK is in breach of its arms export licence laws for giving the go-ahead to the UK defence industry to sells arms to Saudi.

The Campaign against the Arms Trade has brought a judicial review claiming the UK government should have suspended arms sales on the basis there was a serious risk the Saudis would use the arms in the war in Yemen in breach of international humanitarian law.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 12 Jul 2017 16:09

Saudi led blockade has back fired with Qatar emerging victorious in stalemate http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/wo ... 90112c298a

Qatar is living large despite monthlong Arab siege
markets are full, banks rich & people happy http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/worl ... 558428.cms

chanakyaa · Post by **chanakyaa** » 14 Jul 2017 07:05

Sukuk Bonds and Toxic Sharia Risk

A decision by Abu Dhabi-listed Dana Gas to declare $700 million of its sukuk invalid has sent shivers through the Islamic finance industry, raising concern about the safety of sharia-compliant debt instruments in general.
...

Lilo · Post by **Lilo** » 14 Jul 2017 08:59

IndraD wrote:Saudi led blockade has back fired with Qatar emerging victorious in stalemate http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/wo ... 90112c298a

Qatar is living large despite monthlong Arab siege
markets are full, banks rich & people happy http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/worl ... 558428.cms

Pojitive MSM news on Qatar must be filtered heavily before reaching to the gist - to make up for qatar's disproportionate pull on the global presstitute community.

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 14 Jul 2017 17:00

Qatari Camels Become "Collateral Damage" Between Inter- Ummah Tiff

Hundreds of Qatari camels die of thirst amid Saudi boycott

DOHA – Hundreds of camels have died of thirst and heat at the border between two Gulf neighbours after Qatari farmers were expelled from Saudi Arabia last month.The diplomatic rift between the Arab nations landed the farmers and their animals in great trouble, forcing them to trek across the desert, The Independent reported. Some farmers left immediately, while others and their animals were still travelling back two weeks after the diplomatic rift.As only a few hundred camels were allowed to cross each day, many of them were left to die by the side of the road.

Meanwhile, according to the Peninsula newspaper, the Qatar’s environment ministry provided shelter, water and food for more than 8,000 camels after the fall-out was announced.Officials said veterinarians and animal experts had also been mobilised to help and that more shelter in Qatar would be allocated soon.
Between 12,000 and 25,000 animals have fallen victim to the Gulf diplomatic crisis.

JE Menon · Post by **JE Menon** » 14 Jul 2017 17:18

Lilo it is the exact opposite. Saudi has far and away the strongest pull on the presstitutes and has had it for eons globally from among the Islamic countries. What we are seeing now is a bit of a payment terms and conditions war in the shadows I suspect.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 14 Jul 2017 17:44

Shias are being executed right and left in Saudi. Recently 4 beheaded, mostly from restive Qatif province.
Last year Saudi executed over 150 people.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 14 Jul 2017 17:46

Ten Indians were killed and six others injured in a fire that ripped through a windowless house in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
The External Affairs Ministry on Thursday released the list of those killed in the incident. They are: Tabrej Khan, Ateeq Ahmad, Waseem Akram, and Vakeel Ahmad from Uttar Pradesh; Gauri Shankar Gupta from Bihar; Kamapalan Sathyan, Baiju Raghavan, and Sreejith Kottasseri from Kerala; and Murokanandan Kaliyan from Tamil Nadu. Details about Paras Kumar Subedar and Mohammad Waseem Azizur Rahman are being ascertained.

The workers, who belonged to a construction company, were living near a gold market area in Faisaliah district.

ldev · Post by **ldev** » 17 Jul 2017 23:06

UAE orchestrated hacking of Qatari government sites, sparking regional upheaval, according to U.S. intelligence officials

The United Arab Emirates orchestrated the hacking of Qatari government news and social media sites in order to post incendiary false quotes attributed to Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani, in late May that sparked the ongoing upheaval between Qatar and its neighbors, according to U.S. intelligence officials.

Officials became aware last week that newly analyzed information gathered by U.S. intelligence agencies confirmed that on May 23, senior members of the UAE government discussed the plan and its implementation. The officials said it remains unclear whether the UAE carried out the hacks itself or contracted to have them done. The false reports said that the emir, among other things, had called Iran an “Islamic power” and praised Hamas.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 17 Jul 2017 23:54

Social media star sparks furious calls for her arrest in Saudi Arabia after filming herself walking around in a T-shirt and short skirt;

A SM activist who went around Saudi in mini skirt and sleeveless frock has invited mulla's wrath asking for her to be stoned.
what could be ht elogic behind when they know such an act in Barbaria will certainly invite wrath?

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 18 Jul 2017 15:17

Saudi running risk of humiliation and getting dwarfed in region as blockade is failing

the Saudi and Emirati-led move against Doha does not seem to be achieving its goals. Rather than isolating Qatar, it has deepened Qatari ties with regional powers Turkey and Iran. Oman and Kuwait, two other states in the Gulf Cooperation Council, have not joined in. Food supplies and other goods are still flowing into Qatar's docks and airports. And, no matter the White House's mixed messaging, American diplomats appear to be pushing for conciliation and compromise with Qatar rather than seeking Doha's acquiescence to the Saudi and Emirati demands.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wor ... 9d9c9b5d91

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 20 Jul 2017 06:17

Saudi King Son Plotted Efforts To Oust His Rivals !

Long article, interesting details . No mention of Raheel Sharif

ShauryaT · Post by **ShauryaT** » 21 Jul 2017 02:38

What happens to a nation that cannot protect itself and how decisions are made by major power in their narrow self interests.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/inside-yemen/

Amber G. · Post by **Amber G.** » 21 Jul 2017 07:16

Interestingly Hafez Assad (Bashar al-Assad's son) is taking part in International Math Olympiad this year. He is representing Syria.
Since the news is on some news-papers already I think it is not un-sportsman-like, or breaking privacy issues to mention it here.
(Actually the son himself has spoken to Brazil's Globo newspaper giving away his privacy).

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 25 Jul 2017 03:24

Saudi Arabia says bin Nayef ‘addicted to cocaine’

A source close to the Saudi court has alleged that the country’s former crown prince, who was ousted last month and was replaced by the king’s favorite son, is addicted to morphine and cocaine.The summary removal of the then-crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef raised eyebrows at home and abroad. Some observers have said the incident amounted to a palace “coup.”In the absence of any official explanation, reports emerged of anonymous sources purporting that bin Nayef, who lost the position to Mohammed bin Salman by royal fiat on June 21, had drug problems. Initially, the Saudi sources alleged morphine abuse, which they said Nayef used to relieve pain from a shrapnel he received during a botched attack against him in 2009.But on Friday, another source close to the Saudi court seemed to further stretch that narrative.Nayef was dismissed due to morphine and cocaine addiction, the source told Reuters, anonymously. Source is from Yemen, therefore needs to be discounted by some percentage !

“MbN has a lot of respect among us as a crown prince and as interior minister but there are higher interests for the state, which are more important than social position or status,” the source said, referring to Nayef with an abbreviation of his name.But sources close to the former crown prince have seemed to imply that the allegations of addiction are not true, and that a behind-the-scenes power struggle had been at play.
Reuters said that bin Salman had been using his relationship with his king father “to reorder the top jobs in the political, oil, security, security and intelligence sectors, often without the knowledge” of bin Nayef.Saudi Arabia’s ailing 81-year-old King Salman (seen below) has been reportedly suffering from partial dementia and is said to be contemplating an abdication in favor of his son. Palace intrigues 24/7 , results will be announced very soon.

One such source said earlier that bin Nayef had wanted to take his family to Switzerland or the United Kingdom, but the king and his son had decided that he had to stay. “He wasn’t given any choice,” the source said.Accounts emerged recently that bin Nayef had been pressured overnight to end his claim to the throne, which he did under duress. He later appeared in footage pledging allegiance to the new crown prince.Bin Nayef was also relieved of his duties as interior minister. Information and dis-information galore . C.I.A- through its agents - must be "busy" around the clock !

As Saudi Arabia’s defense minister, bin Salman is believed to have been largely responsible for the disastrous invasion of Yemen, where high civilian casualties and a cholera epidemic have raised international alarm. What is the role of Gen Raheel in all of this . He was photographed with the Young Crown Prince when POTUS and his family were in town .

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 28 Jul 2017 18:06

Saudis Pay One Billion Plus Dollars To Harvard University To Produce Positive Report Of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia in Transition
Author: Karen Elliott House
July 2017

This report examines Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s revolutionary blueprint for modernizing its economy and moderating its society to secure the Kingdom’s future—and that of its Al Saud rulers—n the absence of oil wealth. These petroleum riches long have sustained the Saudi social contract: royal largesse in exchange for citizen loyalty. The report is based on seven weeks in the Kingdom last fall and this spring, the author’s latest of scores of visits over the past four decades, and on conversations with a wide range of Saudi citizens, government officials and senior members of the royal family.
Much has changed. Most dramatically, the plan’s architect, Mohammed bin Salman, the prince who would be king, is one step closer. His father, King Salman fired the crown prince and elevated his son to that role. The already powerful prince now has carte blanche to lead a more assertive foreign policy against the Kingdom’s adversaries and accelerate his reforms at home. At only 31 years of age, MBS, as he is known, will be the youngest and most powerful Saudi ruler since his grandfather founded the Kingdom in 1932. With perhaps a half century of leadership, he literally intends to remake the Kingdom his grandfather created.

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 01 Aug 2017 14:29

Has anyone heard of Lod Airport Massacre, that 3 Japanese were used in a terror operation by the Palestinians, I guess we should also be prepared for such tactics.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lod_Airport_massacre

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 03 Aug 2017 21:53

In a bid to keep expats loyal to the Emir, Qatar to issue permanent residency (but not citizenship) to selected expats.

VishalJ · Post by **VishalJ** » 07 Aug 2017 21:41

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 09 Aug 2017 07:01

Saudi Arabia is buying off and silencing its critics ( AKA - "Cheque Book Diplomacy )

Saudi Arabia is buying off and silencing its critics
Yasin Kakande,

The existence of Al Jazeera continues to pose a formidable problem for the Persian Gulf state monarchies. This reality was starkly revealed during the recent blockade in which Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates closed off food and medicine shipments to Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism by funding and hosting Al Jazeera Arabic. The suppression was supposed to be carried out quietly, but Qatar’s protests revealed a disturbing game plan.

With its independent editorial voice, Al Jazeera (a media outlet where I have contributed articles) is the only major media outlet in the Gulf state region committed to watching and reporting on atrocities, and the persistent threats to human rights and democratic freedom of expression. Al Jazeera has stepped in when others — including the US and Europe — have remained silent. In exchange for silence, American and European interests have preserved and extended lucrative relationships in business as well as defense contracts. Al-Jazeera is of course "objective" where Arab and Malsi interests are concerned. But, it definitely shows its "bias" ( in favour of Qatar) in intra-Arab tussles. !

If you are following the global mainstream media coverage of the Saudi-led war in Yemen, you will have noticed the looming silence about the war there, as compared to the frequent coverage of the war in Syria. In Yemen, thousands are dying from Saudi bombardments, starvation and the biggest cholera outbreak in the world. In one report, Yemeni prisoners said they had been crammed into shipping containers smeared with feces, blindfolded for weeks, sexually assaulted and beaten by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia’s main ally. One torture method, known as the “grill,” had victims tied to a spit like a roast and spun in a circle of fire. Al Jazeera has been the only major media outlet in the region reporting about Yemen, so shutting it down could enable the Saudis and their Emirati friends to upgrade their atrocities to genocide. Some viewers of Al-Jazeera would also like to know what role (planning, organizing, directing and controlling ) does Raheel Sharif Head Of Non-Muslim NATO has in this war campaign or is he under "house arrest" in Saudia as per the rumour mill.

There has been an additional cost for American and European interests. The Gulf petrodollar has strengthened, emboldening the acquiescence of US and European politicians, media and think tanks. Most Western universities and policy institutes receive impressively generous funding from the Gulf monarchies and, in exchange, the tone of academic discourse constrains the focus on human rights abuses and attempts to accommodate the Gulf state rulers from a pragmatic point of business relationships and global commerce. The dollars, Euros and the British Pounds ( "earned" by the Saudis and the Gulf Countries by selling oil and gas ) have to be "recycled" back to the home countries. What better way than selling arms, selling luxury consumer items and useless junk , and catering to the Sheikhs and the Royals, who also "reward" them by funding a few Western Think Tanks, Media Orgs etc to "peddle" their point of view !

Linked to this is the ever-manifest presence of law firms and lobbying groups in Washington, DC, especially from Saudi Arabia, that have influenced US policy and public opinion. Numerous entities have benefited from Gulf state donations, including the Middle East Policy Council, the Middle East Institute and the Smithsonian Freer Museum of Art, just to name a small handful.Not to mention that "most" of the toll highways in USA and Canada are directly and indirectly owned by Saudi interests . And these dollars are also "recycled" back to Massaland on one pretext or the other !

As disturbing as this should be, partnerships between Saudi Arabia and international organizations empowered to protect human rights are even more worrisome.Last month, Saudi Arabia won a seat on the governing body of the International Labor Organization (ILO) at the annual conference in Geneva. It will now be involved in setting the ILO policies, budget and program activities, and its presence could silence ILO critics who have called out Gulf states for widespread migrant worker abuses.The Saudi kingdom, which just won a third term on the UN Human Rights Council, has also been elected to the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women — a peculiar step, given the kingdom’s less than egalitarian stance on rights and social privileges for women. Not only Saudi Arabia but Qatar also practices "money diplomacy". How else can one explain its successful bid to host the next Soccer World Cup!

The Trump administration, meanwhile, appears to be trying to appease cash-rich Arab dictators while aggressively proselytizing about a human rights agenda to leaders of poorer nation-states. The message to human rights victims who happen to be in oil-rich states is to patiently endure the abuses until the inevitable time when these countries run out of oil and must reconfigure their economies. For now, the US and Europe side with the rich dictators. The West has ensconced itself in an alliance that is a profound betrayal of conscience, values and historical roots. IMO, their influence in world affairs would wane when their oil and gas is completely depleted and their "wealth" is spent. They will go back to the "ways of the desert" like 100 years ago !

Individual human rights activists, meanwhile, have suffered increasingly dire consequences for speaking up. Many activists in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have endured prolonged detentions with torture while others have been deported abruptly, cut off from their livelihoods and from their families.

For my work as a journalist and author who chronicled the extensive abuses and exploitation of migrant workers, I was terminated and deported from the United Arab Emirates. And after being outspoken against the sheikhs, I have found countless doors closed to me in both media and academic institutions, many of which are supported financially by the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf State interests.The world should be asking, “What will happen to billions of innocent people who work hard to achieve a modicum of comfort and economic welfare when the last independent person of social conscience stops talking?” There is still time to reverse this ominous trend.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 10 Aug 2017 02:06

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/worl ... 989048.cms

Nationals from dozens of countries in Europe and elsewhere including India, Lebanon, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States will now receive tourist visas on arrival to the gas-rich country

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 17 Aug 2017 00:01

Inter- Ummah War Of Words Heat Up. Saudia Threatens Action Against Qatar Airliners

VIDEO: Saudi Arabia threatens to shoot down Qatari airliners

RIYADH – Saudi Arabia has threatened to shoot down commercial Qatari airliners in mid-flight, if any of them enter its airspace, according to information released Tuesday by the Al-Arabiya television network.

A Saudi state TV channel aired a video showing a Saudi fighter jet launching a missile against a commercial Qatar Airways passenger airliner. Most likely pscycho op, unless Paki pilots asked to do the "dirty job"

.

In view of the siege imposed by Riyadh and its allies, the Qatar Army warned that it will shoot at any vessel belonging to any of those four Arab nations that tries to enter its territorial waters. Is Sunni Raheel, the in-charge jernail aiding and abetting the Saudis in their "campaign" against the Shia Yemenis

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Aug 2017 07:45

the saudis have decided to route their Aramco IPO (largest ever in world history) via NYC rather than London.

so the takings from that deal will grease the wheels of major US deep state players very well.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 25 Aug 2017 15:13

#Qatar restores full diplomatic ties and returns its envoy to #Iran in stark message to Saudi Arabia, Gulf states

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 27 Aug 2017 03:50

Saudi Arabia And China To Set Up ( 50-50) 20 Billion Investment Fund

1. Are the shrewd atheistic Chinis taking the (spend thrift) ultra religious Saudis for a 50-50 ride; only time will tell.
2. Will the almost insolvent Saudis be able to deliver their side of the bargain - the 50% share of the investment fund without the usual excuses ; only time will tell .
3. In keeping with their "Wahabi Ideology", will the Saudis "demand" investment in the "halal sector of goods and services"
4. Will the penny pinching Chinis allow the hundreds of Princes Of The House Of Saud to drink deep from the Investment Fund for their usual commission.
5. Who will provide the "brain power" and the managerial expertise for the Fund. Surely not the "lazy Saudis" .

INVESTORS SHOULD PROCEED WITH CAUTION

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 02 Sep 2017 01:16

CROSS POSTED FROM ISLAMOPHOBIA THREAD

House Of Saud Plays Politics With One Of The Five Pillars Of Malsi !

Saudi Arabia's Diplomatic Disputes Complicate Hajj Pilgrimage

Nearly two million people traveled to the holy site of Mecca this week for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It’s a rite required of every adult Muslim at least once in their lives.The event is incredibly sacred, but that hasn’t stopped politics from getting in the way. The host country of Saudi Arabia is in an ongoing diplomatic dispute with neighboring Qatar and, according to the Qatari government, the dispute has prevented many of their citizens from making the pilgrimage this year.

Dilshad Ali performed the Hajj in 2005. She’s managing editor of the Muslim Channel at Patheos.com and she joins The Takeaway to discuss how the Saudi Arabian government has handled this year’s Hajj. Certain Islamic countries like (Shia) Iran - which also "does not have friendly ties" with Saudia, and whose citizens also become "political football" at Haj time, have also put forth a "demand" to internationalize the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, which is "totally unacceptable" to the fanatic Wahabi "House of Saud"

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 11 Sep 2017 14:28

Recently talks initiated between Saudi & Qatar ended before it began. Phone call arranged by Trump between two bickering nations ended in stale mate.

CAIRO — An attempt by President Trump to break the stalemate that has divided the wealthiest countries in the Middle East ended in failure on Saturday, when leaders from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, after speaking by phone for the first time in months, exchanged dueling, contradictory statements.

Mr. Trump arranged the call, which took place late on Friday, and promised a breakthrough in the bitter dispute that has plunged the Persian Gulf into turmoil and has threatened American security interests.

Friday’s phone call between the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, seemed to underscore only how hard it might be to settle the angry, often petty, dispute.

Within hours of the call, Qatar’s state news agency issued a statement that said the emir “welcomed a proposal” by the young Saudi prince to appoint two peace envoys to help bridge their differences.

That language infuriated the Saudis, who appeared insulted by the suggestion that they had bowed first in the dispute. The Saudi state news service retorted with its own report, citing unnamed officials, that accused Qatar of distorting the facts and declared that dialogue between the two countries had been suspended.

In the Saudi telling, it was the Qataris who first broached the idea of peace mediators.

An influence race has erupted in Washington, where both sides have spent huge sums on lobbyists and advertising in a bid to influence political and public opinion. On Saturday, official Saudi outlets tweeted an apparently fake Islamic State statement expressing support for Qatar.

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Understand the world with sharp insight and commentary on the major news stories of the week.

While some analysts said that Friday’s call, even if unsuccessful, held out hope that the two sides were finally ready to talk, others viewed it as a sign of how entrenched they have become.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/09/worl ... ml?mcubz=1

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 11 Sep 2017 14:29

Since Bakr-Eid Qatar has blocked Whatsapp & Viber calls which were fine so far, in their country. Now it is not possible to contact expats in Qatar easily. Noteworthy that international calls to ME are far more expensive than even US.

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 14 Sep 2017 02:13

Mediation Fails In Inter- Ummah Tiff

Saudi Arabia suspends dialogue, saying Qatar 'distorting facts'
Reuters
Saturday 9 September 2017 01.59 BST

Saudi Arabia on Saturday suspended any dialogue with Qatar, accusing it of “distorting facts”, just after a report of a phone call between the leaders of both countries suggested a breakthrough in the Gulf dispute.Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Friday when they discussed the dispute, state media from both countries reported.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic and trade links with Qatar on 5 June, suspending air and shipping routes with the world’s biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas, which is home to the region’s biggest US military base. Qatar given 10 days to meet 13 sweeping demands by Saudi Arabia. The "arrogancy" of the Saudis knows no bounds !. The nations say Doha supports regional foe Iran and Islamists, charges Qatar’s leaders deny. Kuwait has been trying to mediate the dispute.

“During the call, the Emir of Qatar expressed his desire to sit at the dialogue table and discuss the demands of the four countries to ensure the interests of all,” Saudi state news agency SPA reported.

But Saudi Arabia later issued a second statement citing an unnamed official at the ministry of the foreign affairs denying the QNA report. It all "depends" on how the Saudi King's mood is in the morning

“What was published on the Qatar News Agency is a continuation of the distortion of the Qatari authority of the facts,” SPA reported citing the Saudi official.“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announces the suspension of any dialogue or communication with the authority in Qatar until a clear statement is issued clarifying its position in public.” But observers should not be surprised if the "Sheikhs" from the two countries "kiss and make-up" in the next few weeks or months in the "grand Arab fashion" to fight the so-called common enemy of the day ( be it Israel, Iran, Yemen etc etc)

Mukesh.Kumar · Post by **Mukesh.Kumar** » 20 Sep 2017 15:19

X-post from Re: OBOR, Chinese Strategy and Implications

Mukesh.Kumar wrote:The Chinese focus on OBOR is going to be there. Like it or not, India's got to step up. We are losing the game. Here's an update from our backyard- Oman.

Long back I had posted in West Asia thread on the strategic location of Duqm. To refresh memories refer the map and sailing distances below:

While you can go through my older post to understand context fully, in a nut shell it is here:
Duqm is an extremely important location for controlling Gulf of Hormuz, Makran coast, Red Sea and East African littoral

Oman government is India friendly

Today Oman government has financial strains because of which they are welcoming investors from outside for this crucial project.

USD 3+ bn over 10 years is a pittance to pay for an economic project that helps us secure oil channels from Middle East, extend our presence in this strategic area and secure our Western coasts

Somehow we are letting this golden opportunity go. Look what the Chinese are doing. This is not a CPEC, this project will payback, and somehow we dropped the ball.

Chinese Investments into Duqm

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/busin ... 32941.html

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 22 Sep 2017 19:10

https://www.thecipherbrief.com/article/ ... es-options

Gulf Crisis Still Smolders as Washington Searches for Options
SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 | BENNETT SEFTEL

Well into its fourth month, the tense standoff between Qatar and the four Arab nations that severed diplomatic ties with Doha – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – shows no signs of resolution, as both sides remain reluctant to earnestly negotiate or offer any concessions.

“After 100 days, it’s clear that if there are any expectations from the four countries supporting the boycott that they produce quick and decisive results, they failed,” Anthony Cordesman, the Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told The Cipher Brief.

Events began to unfold on June 4 when the Arab nations abruptly cut ties with Qatar, citing Doha’s support for Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as for U.S. designated terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, al Qaeda, and ISIS, which they said destabilizes the region. The countries then subsequently provided Qatar with a list of 13 onerous demands for Doha to meet for relations to be normalized. The list was later scaled back to six main principles, which Qatar has adamantly rejected.

The four Arab states imposed a land, air, and sea blockade on Doha, which Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani declared as “unjust” during a speech before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday. However, Cordesman pointed out that despite the blockade, Qatar has seemingly managed to avoid any major economic setbacks as it has “reached out not only to Iran and Turkey, but it’s major trading partner has shifted from the UAE to Oman.” In fact, earlier this week, Qatar’s economic minister, Ahmed Bin Jassim Al-Thani, stated that Qatar’s finances are faring “better than ever” despite the blockade, and that this crisis has created an “opportunity” for Qatar to develop new trade routes with Turkey, Kuwait, and Oman.

“Qatar is not in trouble in any visible dimension, and there is no feeling among western observers that there is some concealed set of problems,” says Cordesman.

For U.S. policymakers, one of the most concerning aspects of this conflict is how it will impact the future of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional alliance viewed by many in Washington as an important counter to Iranian influence in the Middle East. But as the dispute drags on and tensions increase, the potential for a GCC reunification has diminished.

“For all intents and purposes, the GCC has fallen apart,” says Emile Nakhleh, Cipher Brief expert and a former member of the CIA’s Senior Intelligence Service. “As an organization, the GCC, in reality, has been more hype than a collective functioning organization. Even as an organization, it’s hanging by a thread.”

The U.S. has refrained from taking a strong stance on behalf of either side. Initially, U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for critical allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE, calling Qatar a “funder of terrorism” but has since maintained an open dialogue with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim, who Trump referred to as a “friend.” The U.S.-Qatar relationship is particularly important to the U.S. as Qatar hosts America’s largest military base in the Middle East at al-Udeid.

Mediation efforts have been spearheaded by both Kuwait and the U.S. but have thus far failed to deliver tangible results. It is certainly in the United States’ interest to see this issue resolved as quickly as possible to boost U.S. ties with critical allies, thwart Iran’s escalating regional aspirations, and prevent other world powers from asserting themselves and outmuscling the U.S. in the Gulf.

“The longer the crisis continues, the greater the threat to American interests in the region,” warns Nakhleh. “Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China will use the crisis to boost their relations with Qatar and other states opposed to Saudi ambitious adventurism in the Gulf and the continued bullying of Qatar.”

This week, while meeting with regional leaders at the UNGA, President Trump claimed that the crisis could be “resolved quickly,” but experts caution that each failed attempt at reconciliation could further weaken the United States’ already waning stature and influence across the region.

“When added to the list of other areas where the U.S. has experienced diminished stature and role — such as in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and Libya — reduced influence in the previously American-dominant Gulf and the concomitant rise of an Iranian presence will reduce U.S. standing and power in the region as a whole,” Gary Grappo, former U.S. Ambassador to Oman, told The Cipher Brief.

PS:
CIA's "heart attack gun,developed 40+ yrs. ago.
http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech ... ble-poison

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 27 Sep 2017 01:13

Saudi has allowed women to drive there by finally moving into 19th century from stone age.

Mukesh.Kumar · Post by **Mukesh.Kumar** » 27 Sep 2017 10:55

Winds of change in Saudi. Women to be allowed to drive. Never thought I would see this day.

Baikul · Post by **Baikul** » 27 Sep 2017 11:49

Gon' be tough putting a burka on the car though.

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 07 Oct 2017 19:59

"Sick Saudi King" Still Travels In Style

Saudi king takes 1,500 entourage, golden escalator, food, furniture on Russia trip
The Express Tribune

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz is on a four-day state visit to Russia along with his entourage of 1,500 people, a golden escalator and his own carpets, a person familiar with the matter said.On Wednesday, the 81-year-old king of the kingdom exited his plane out onto his golden escalator which malfunctioned halfway down (Saudi work ethic and "efficiency" on display !) and forced him to walk down rest of the way where his cavalcade of cars waited for him along with Russian police escorts.

Around 800 kilogrammes of food has been flown in by a Saudi plane that is travelling daily between Riyadh and Moscow to transport supplies, according to the person. ( the de-jure zam zam pani, camel meat and camel milk )

“The bill for fully booking the two hotels during the visit may run about $3 million, not including what the delegation will spend on services, ( euphemism for non -halal in house "entertainment" ) restaurant meals and spa treatments,” said Vadim Prasov, vice-president of the Federation of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers of Russia.

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 10 Oct 2017 01:34

Saudi Arabia Announces Employment Plan In The Works For( "Lazy") Abduls And Ayeshis With Much Fanfare

Non-Saudis barred from selling or marketing insurance products

RIYADH – The Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) has ordered insurance companies in the Kingdom only to employ Saudi citizens in marketing roles related to the sale of their products, according to reports.

Non-Saudis are prohibited from selling or marketing insurance products to individuals whatever their job titles or contractual relations with insurance companies or intermediary companies or insurance agencies, a statement from the agency said on Sunday. According to the statement quoted by the Middle East Monitor, companies must complete the transition to a full Saudi workforce by no later than early February next year. All management positions at all levels must also be Saudi nationals. The Saudis are notorious for their "good" work ethics. Remains to be seen if (a) this edict is going to be implemented on time (b) competent candidates will be found to do these jobs (c) or as usual the announcement is on paper onlee

The unemployment rate among Saudi citizens increased from 12.7 per cent during the first quarter of 2017 to 12.8 per cent at the end of the second quarter. The slight rise coincided with government austerity measures as a result of falling oil prices, the Kingdom’s main source of income. Saudi citizens used to "easy money" shun work like the proverbial plague . The actual nitty gritty - in any industry - is left to the Americans, the Brits , the Ausies - the Egyptians, the Lebanese ,- and the Indians and the Pakis- in that pecking order !

For nearly three years, Saudi Arabia has accelerated the pace of the “Saudisation” of jobs in many sectors, with the aim of reducing the unemployment rate among its citizens.Earlier this year in February, SAMA made it compulsory on insurance companies to Saudize all jobs related to vehicles claims management, customer service, dealing with complaints in all branches of insurance companies. The Aam Abduls of Saudia see the hundreds and thousands of minor Saudi princes "milk" the system and do "everything" UnIslamic behind the four walls of their palaces / houses , without a day's honest work . So obviously they feel alienated !

Also, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development is going to launch on Oct. 21 the third phase of the feminization of all shops selling women’s accessories. Segregation of Saudi females will continue as usual - in spite of the recent "token gesture" of giving permission to drive

The third phase includes shops and stalls selling ladies perfumes, shoes, bags, stockings, readymade garments, and textiles. Ministry’s spokesman Khlaid Aba Al-Khail said the decision also targets small shops that sell wedding dresses, formal wear, abayas, robes, mother care requirements, and pharmacies in malls selling cosmetics. Sounds all good on paper onlee

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 13 Oct 2017 01:41

Today morning news reports in Palestine territory Hamas and Fatah have made up in Egypt ending 10 years of hostility. Fatah will take over Gaza administration.

Israel - - (Doesn't like Hamas)
USA - (Follows Israel lead)
KSA - (Any + for Iran follower is - KSA)

Egypt ++ (peacemaker)
Palestine + (Ends strife)
Iran + (Hamas gets some relief)

Any other aspects?

Falijee · Post by **Falijee** » 26 Oct 2017 22:52

Saudi Crown Price Talks Bak-waas

Saudi crown prince pledges ‘a country of moderate Islam’

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 27 Oct 2017 02:00

If they let wimmens drive with ears and peripheral vision brobarly covered per fatwa, and bottom hem of burkha getting caught in the accelerator pedal when pressing brakes, the population should come down fairly soon.
Speaking of populations coming down, whatever has become of our dear friends the Houthis? One hears so little about Saudi Air Bases getting inflated or ships becoming subs.