May
Why is Trump so obsessed with other men’s looks?
The US president has never made a secret of his preoccupation with looks. But what has increased is the amount of time he devotes to the appearance of men.
Trump goes for gold in the Middle East
The US president’s visit to the region is focused on the money that’s on offer. Israel and Gaza are not part of the equation for instant returns.
Trump seeks bromance and billions as he heads to Gulf
The US president expects a flurry of deals on his first official foreign trip, but he’ll still have to discuss the war in Gaza roiling the region.
April
Nations try ‘banding together’ in new global trade era
Officials around the world are dashing to diversify their economies. But the fight between the US and China casts a long shadow.
March
Ukraine’s Zelensky arrives in Saudi Arabia for summit with US
The Ukrainian president will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the eve of talks with America’s top diplomat.
February
The ex-Goldman banker who became Vladimir Putin’s dealmaker
A US-educated former Goldman Sachs banker, Kirill Dmitriev has cut an unexpected figure at recent talks between the US and Russia in Riyadh.
Golf club drama in the way of the Saudi revolution
The Saudi-backed golf exhibition will need Grange club members to agree to host the event in the years ahead.
The truth about Saudi Arabia’s rulers is worse than you thought
The regime is at once “ruthless and reckless” - but that hasn’t stopped the Scramble for Arabia as business, sports and political figures chase their fortunes in the desert.
December 2024
How Assad hoodwinked a naive West
Bashar al-Assad, Putin, Gaddafi – the free world too often gets its hopes up about despots.
October 2024
The former model who became go-to broker for world’s richest sheikhs
How Amanda Staveley became the unlikely toast of the Middle East and one of the most powerful people in English professional football.
Today is a start. What happens next in the Middle East is everything
US and leaders in the Middle East including the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia have discussed a plan for the day after the war ends. But will Netanyahu go along?
June 2024
OPEC+ extends deep production cuts into next year
The oil cartel agreed the cuts as it battles to shore up prices amid weak global demand and increased supply from other parts of the world.
April 2024
Israel has a fateful choice to make: Rafah or Riyadh?
If Israel ends up with an indefinite occupation of both Gaza and the West Bank, it would be a toxic military, economic and moral overstretch that would delight Iran.
Appeasing Iran has proven weak and provocative
If Tehran’s power can be contained and then reduced, the Middle East will be a much more peaceful place.
March 2024
US drafts tough UN ceasefire demand in Israel showdown
A resolution for the UN that American diplomats are circulating is notable for its strong language in seeking a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
January 2024
Arab nations form plan to end Israel-Hamas war
The deal could also establish formal ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia and develop a Palestinian state.
Blinken in Tel Aviv as Israel says war to continue all year
Israel has come under growing pressure from the United States, its closest ally, and Arab leaders to scale back the assault.
November 2023
Arab, Muslim ministers urge China to help end Gaza war
Since the start of hostilities, China’s foreign ministry has repeatedly stopped short of condemning Hamas, instead calling for de-escalation.
Was Saudi Arabia’s World Cup win an inside job?
Australia and other potential bidders for the 2034 soccer tournament didn’t go ahead, raising questions about possible FIFA favouritism.
Saudi Arabia to host 2034 World Cup after Australia pulls out
FIFA is set to rubber stamp the move which will accelerate the kingdom’s push into soccer and broader its expansion into global sport.